Crisis Triage and Support Worker

SUMMARY:
The primary responsibility of the COAST Crisis Triage and Support Worker will be to respond to individuals who are calling on the crisis line and to determine the initial triage.  The Crisis Triage and Support Worker provides follow-up activities once the assessment has been completed by the Mental Health Worker.  The Crisis Triage and Support Worker works in collaboration with the COAST Adult Team and the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team. This may include accompanying a Mental Health Worker into the community on a call.

QUALIFICATIONS :

•Degree in Social Services, Registered Practical Nurse, Social Service Worker Diploma or related educational experience

•Must have proven educational experience related to Mental Health, ASIST Training, Mental Health First Aide, Additional training in crisis intervention skills is an asset

•Preference given to candidates with at least five years clinical experience working in mental health preferably in the community

•Experience in crisis intervention techniques and theory based practice with the seriously mentally ill

•Knowledge and experience working with clients with mood disorders, substance issues, acquired brain injury, intellectual disabilities and psychotic related illnesses

•French language skill and an ability to work with a culturally diverse population would be an asset

•Good understanding of the Mental Health Act and knowledge of family and social systems

•Must possess the ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with a multidisciplinary team and other agencies in the community

•Ability to work with police, court system, inpatient and outpatient mental health systems

•A valid driver's license and reliable transportation to be used in course of employment

•Demonstrated ability to use computer programs for data entry of assessments

•Ability to market the COAST program in the community, and work as a mentor with students at COAST

•Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational and written skills

•Ability to function well under pressure

•Commitment to ongoing professional development. Staff are encouraged to participate in activities with other organizations and with the community for development purposes and for maintaining and fostering relationships.
- French language is an asset

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Provides immediate response by answering the crisis line and determining the initial triage when a client calls in crisis.

•Provides crisis intervention to understand the factors contributing to the current difficulties for adults, youth and children in developing a working formulation

•Refers client to Mental Health Worker for mental health assessment if required

•Provides support and follow-up post-crisis with ongoing telephone support or by connecting clients to appropriate follow-up agencies

•Assists consumers and families for those needing further clinical service, including mobile crisis response as appropriate

•Consults with the Adult Team, Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor on a regular basis

•To assess the risk to mental health workers and police in the clients environment when preparing for a mobile visit )

•Educating the community about the functioning and limitations of the service; Community Presentations about COAST

•Forms positive relationships and strong partnerships with hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and mental health and social service agencies to build an effective delivery of crisis service in the community

•Sound working knowledge of resources, partnerships and working relationships and participate in ongoing professional development and supervision around crisis work

•May accompany the Mental Health Worker on a call into the community as a support

•Works collaboratively with other members of the COAST team, including police officers and the Mobile Crisis Response team

•All other duties as assigned

HOURS OF WORK:
Rotating Shifts - Days, Evenings, Weekends, Nights

Note:  The selection and placement of a Crisis Triage and Support Worker to the Crisis Response Branch will be conditional upon the completion and clearance of a police records check to the satisfaction of the Police Services.
 

St. Joe's fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.