PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY (PHS) IS LOOKING FOR CASUAL MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS TO WORK IN OUR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND PROGRAMMING IN VICTORIA. CASUAL SHIFTS ARE TYPICALLY 12 HOURS IN LENGTH, AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WITH AVAILABILITY INCLUDING OVERNIGHTS AND WEEKENDS.

Mental Health Workers are responsible for providing support services, advocacy, and housing for those who are: persons with a mental health diagnosis, persons with physical disabilities and/or chronic disease such as HIV/AIDS, persons with a history of criminal activity and/or involvement in the criminal justice system, persons who engage in active alcohol, drug, and/or IV drug use, persons with any combination of the above, or other persons in need of service. Working as a collaborative team, with Management, Coordinators and external agencies to develop, implement and review of individual resident/participant case plans. Mental Health workers provide many daily supports including overseeing medication administration, harm reduction, recreational activities, financial administration, wound care & first aid, safety and security measures, and crisis intervention. This position acts as a first responder in medical interventions including overdose response, medical emergencies, and instances of death.
PHS is expanding the casual pool due to ongoing growth, opening new residential units and support programs. We’re looking for people who work hard, think on their feet, but still operate seamlessly as part of a team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Different types of experiences are valued at PHS, including volunteer and educational experience. The ideal candidate for this role has the following qualifications and skills:

• Current First Aid and CPR certification is required.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience working with marginalized populations an asset.
• A diploma in Social Services or related field.
• Must bring a non-judgmental, compassionate and anti-oppressive, harm reduction approach.
• Class 5 Driver’s License is a preferred asset.

An equal combination of education, training and experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities Job duties include (but are not limited to):

• Provides physical, social, emotional, basic life skills, and behaviour management support to participants including; accompanying residents to appointments, coordinating transportation, harm reduction initiatives, personal hygiene and basic wound care, home support, or assisting with practical problems such as social assistance applications, housing waitlists and financial administration using strong judgement to create positive outcomes.
• Safety and security measures, and wellness checks.
• Complies with the policies for medication administration and storage. Ensures that all the medication sheets are filled in accurately independently of health care professionals.
• Uses analytical abilities to observe and respond to participants needs and attempt to mitigate potential emergency situations. Being knowledgeable that certain behaviours may be indicative of de-compensating behaviour. Uses logs, and care plans to document observations and provide input on appropriate courses of action.
• Responsible for the management of the physical needs of buildings; cleaning and maintenance, cleaning of resident rooms in accordance with initiatives set out by the Project Manager, and room clean-outs and preparation for new resident arrivals.
• Listens and responds to participants concerns, questions and requests in a manner that conveys respect. Responsible for de-escalating hostile interactions between tenants. Escalates to higher authorities as necessary.
• Acting as the first to respond in medical interventions including overdose response and serious medical emergencies

Different types of experiences are valued at PHS, including volunteer and educational experience. The ideal candidate for this role has the following qualifications and skills:

• Current First Aid and CPR certification is required.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience working with marginalized populations an asset.
• A diploma in Social Services or related field.
• Must bring a non-judgmental, compassionate and anti-oppressive, harm reduction approach.
• Class 5 Driver’s License is a preferred asset