POSITION DETAILS

Posting #: 32063
Department: Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST)
Employee Type: Temporary, Full Time
If Temporary, Number of Weeks: 51
Union: OPSEU
Openings Remaining: 1

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility of the COAST Mental Health Worker will be to respond to member of the community of all ages who are seriously mentally ill and are in crisis. This includes going mobile and responding to telephone crisis calls as required. The Mental Health Worker works in collaboration with other members of the COAST team. This includes police officers at COAST, police officers on the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT). This includes a systemic approach for the assessment of adults, children and youth in crisis to stabilize and manage the current crisis situation. The Mental Health Worker conducts risk and safety assessments, provides support and connects individuals and families to the appropriate community resources as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Degree/Diploma in Nursing (RN) or Degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) or Occupational Therapy OR Current registration in good standing with the College of Psychotherapists with a Degree in a health related discipline
• Current registration with your college in good standing: College of Nurses (RN), Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers, College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
• 2-5 years community/crisis experience in Child and Youth preferred
• Preference given to candidates with at least 5 years clinical experience working in mental health preferably in the community
• Experience in crisis intervention techniques and theory based practice with the seriously mental ill
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred
• Demonstrated and previous knowledge on risk assessments, suicide prevention, principles of crisis theory and intervention
• Demonstrated ability to use non-violent crisis intervention techniques
• A good understanding of the Mental Health Act and knowledge of family and social systems
• Demonstrated knowledge of the use of psychotropic medications, psychiatric diagnosis and formulation of the mental health assessment for a diverse age group and population
• 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
• Ability and willingness to travel (e.g. be mobile) and work in various settings/environments throughout the day (e.g. office, community, home, etc)
• French speaking language skills an asset
• Current First Aid/CPR certification
• 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
• Commitment to ongoing professional development - encouraged to participate in activities with other organizations and with community for maintaining and fostering relationships

• Answering the crisis line and determining initial triage
• Crisis intervention to understand the factors contributing to the current difficulties for adults, youth and children in developing a working formulation
• To provide support and follow-up post crisis with ongoing telephone support or by connecting clients to appropriate follow-up agencies
• Recommending measures to help protect others by developing safety plans
• Completing a mental health assessment
• To contract with consumers and families the need for further clinical service, including mobile crisis response as appropriate
• To assess the risk to crisis workers in the outreach environment
• To reduce conflict between the client and caregivers
• To understand the client’s current difficulties better by direct observation, including the ability to perform a mental status examination.
• Educating the community about the functioning and limitations of the mobile crisis service
• Forming 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
• Partner with police officer in completing mobile crisis intervention
• Must have sound working knowledge of resources, partnerships and working relationships and participate in ongoing professional development and supervision around crisis work
• Assists in identifying and developing goals towards understanding prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with mental illness
• Adheres to policies and procedures set out by the COAST program and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton