Job Title: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Worker
Reports to: Program Manager
Classification: Grid 13
Job Summary
The Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Worker is responsible for working in collaboration with program clinical partner(s) to provide life skills and support services to adults who may experience one or more of the following: long-term homelessness, has been unable to maintain housing, substance use, brain injury, mental health disorders, justice involvement, and/or street entrenchment.
Qualifications: Education, Training & Experience
- Diploma in Addictions, Mental Health, Social Services, or Human Services
- Two (2) years of recent related experience
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Skills & Abilities
- A working knowledge of various mental health disorders, brain injuries, homelessness, and substance use
- Knowledge, appreciation, awareness, and sensitivity of Indigenous history and culture.
- A thorough knowledge of the complexities of working with diverse populations.
- Has an awareness of own attitudes, beliefs, biases, and assumptions about others.
- Ability to recognize and manage one’s own behaviors, moods, and impulses to create an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment.
- Ability to tolerate stress and deal with a wide range of medical, mental health, behavioral and emotional challenges, and barriers.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills when working independently and during a crisis.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with both clients and colleagues
Key Responsibilities
- Working collaboratively with the clinical team to assess, develop and implement clinical treatment plans and safety plans.
- Engaging participants using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to support emotional, social, physical, and mental health growth and stability through individual interactions and skill building, facilitation of group activities and meetings, conflict mediation, and crisis intervention.
- Work in collaboration with the clinical team to work within a harm reduction model of care for participants which includes providing support and skill building for safe use and community survival skills.
- Assist participants with personal care, which may include person(s) with diverse abilities and personal care associated with substance use, mental health, and long-term homelessness.
- Respond to sudden changes and sometimes volatile behaviors that may be a result of mental health or substance use, using non-violent crisis intervention and trauma-informed de-escalation strategies. This may also include overdoes responses.
- Administer, store, and dispose of medication; support participants to make and attend appointments which may include transportation; provide one-to-one life skills support and training.
- Facilitate group activities, house meetings, and life skills groups
- Work closely with the neighbors and community to ensure a positive experience for both participants and the community. This will include implementing boundaries with participants and their networks using a preventative, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approach to arising situations.
- Ensure smooth operations of the home by performing operational duties including but not limited to housekeeping, shopping, inventory, minor house repairs, and general overall maintenance.
- Provide orientation, supervision, work direction, and feedback to volunteers and practicum students.
- Complete all required client and organizational documentation clearly, concisely, and factually.
