Social Worker

Who we are:

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years.

During that time, it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that, in addition to dealing with client mental health issues, address social determinants of health using the recovery model.

Overview of the Role:

Reporting to the HART Hub Lead, this individual will provide social work services, and support services to HART Hub clients within the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA Durham). This includes participating as a member of a high performance, multi-disciplinary team providing support to individuals living with severe and persistent mental health & addictions.

Location: HART Hub employees may begin work at 60 Bond St. West, and will move to the designated HART Hub location in Oshawa at a later date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Treatment Planning

• Develops, writes, implements, evaluates and revises overall treatment goals and plans in collaboration with clients and team members

• Contributes to comprehensive client care plans that meet with the continuum of need within the HART model Participates in, and conducts client-centred assessments that further inform the team about the psychiatric history, mental status, physical health, use of drugs/alcohol, education/employment, social development, activities of daily living and family structure and relationships

• Consults and collaborates with community resources and service providers ensuring clients obtain the most appropriate services and receive continuity in their care

• Establishes appropriate therapeutic relationships and assists clients in strengthening supportive peer and family networks

Education and Advocacy

• Provides advice, guidance and services to clients relating to assessments, consultations, treatment formulations and clinical interventions
• Provides social work support and counselling enabling clients to help themselves and maintains a professional relationship with clients by acting as a guide or advocate

Monitoring and Documentation

• Documents client contacts using clinical methods and within predetermined time frame in accordance with CMHA Durham policies and procedures

• Communicates observations related to the effectiveness, potential side effects and/or interactions of medications with the medical team

• Applies evidence-informed counseling and psychotherapy approaches for individuals and in group settings that align with the aims of the program.

• Liaises with inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health services, as well as community organizations providing program services to clients and those whom they designate as family

Professional Development

• Attends professional meetings, educational conferences and designated training workshops, as assigned, to maintain up-to-date knowledge and transfer knowledge to staff within the organization

• Provides agency training to internal staff as needed

• Operates in full compliance with the Ontario College of Social Workers' Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

• Mentors social work students completing their placements to obtain their Bachelor's in Social Work

Client Safety

Adhere to CMHA Durham client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Attend, participate in team meetings and all employee meetings
• Participate in organizational quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation projects, committee work, special events
• Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level
• Participate in external committees as required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Effort:

• Sits at a desk, as well as stands and walks daily, to perform the duties of the job.
• Concentration, attentiveness and creativity are required daily to attend meetings, teach life skills, engage with clients and caregivers, prepare documents, etc.

Risk Management:

Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of employees and clients

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in a Social Work (e.g. Bachelor's Social is required.

• Minimum of three (3) years related clinical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Registered member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers

• Certification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is preferred

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a multidisciplinary care setting, with a solid understanding of significant client trauma is an asset

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in mental health and/or addictions
• Previous experience in working with life limiting diagnoses an asset

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; able to prioritize

• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and ability to formally present information to individuals or groups to develop, implement and monitor care plans

• Ability to acquire and utilize community resources effectively to meet client's needs
• Excellent assessment, individual and group counselling skills

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, community partners while representing the organization in a professional manner

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to make accurate assessments and implement best practices

• Ability to manage crisis situations

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, management, board of directors, stakeholders and external partners

• Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds utilizing a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach

• Ability to think critically and creatively demonstrating excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Knowledge of current models of intervention and treatment and Mental Health Case Management Service delivery

• Strong computer skills including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), PowerPoint, Excel (Macro's an asset), Word, Visio and, PS Suites an asset

• Valid Ontario Driver's license, access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage

• Works a variable work schedule, which includes evenings and weekends

• Able to integrate CMHA Durham's philosophy of being a "welcoming organization" into everyday practice.

• General knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, Ontario ACTT Standards, social service benefits and related municipal, provincial and federal legislation

• Ability to adapt to change and navigate through ambiguous situations

• Knowledge of Indigenous communities and cultural practices (preferred).

• Intermediate fluency in French, both oral and written considered an asset.
• Work outside of normal business hours as required

Working Conditions:

• Works on site in office settings and occasionally off site in the community
• Exposure to psychiatric behaviors that may be considered offensive (abusive/irate clients), deadlines, multiple demands, distractions/Interruptions
• Some exposure to hazards (smoke, pets)

What we offer:

CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, age, faith, or ability. With a flexible working model (within reasonable parameters of the program), memberships to meditation apps, competitive vacation, wellness time and 100% employer paid health benefits, work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday – Friday work week has 35 hours for most position and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.

Read more about us at

CMHA Durham endorses the principles of workforce diversity and does not use AI algorithms or automated decision-making in the recruitment process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise us if you require any level of accommodation; we are here to help and support you.