Crisis Response Worker - Ihot - Crisis De-Escalation

Come work as a Crisis Response Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for a Crisis Response Worker to join the City of Vancouver Moderate De-escalation Team, as part of the Intensive Housing Outreach Team (IHOT) in Vancouver, BC. This new service will provide outreach crisis support to individuals in the inner city who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The interdisciplinary team will work closely with community service providers including shelter and supportive housing staff to provide a community-based, healthcare-led crisis response, post-crisis follow up, and service navigation. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new, specialized service that will evolve to meet the needs of the inner city community. Apply today to join our team!

As a Crisis Response Worker, you will

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide moderate de-escalation crisis response and support to individuals with severe mental illness, addictions and/or chronic medical conditions.
• Provide crisis response, supportive counselling, behavioural management to assist with the development of physical, social, emotional and life skills.
• Act as an advocate to assist clients in resolving conflicts and other problems with external organizations.
• Observe client’s behaviour and symptoms, provides feedback regarding client’s needs, performance and progress.
• Participate in case planning with clients; interviews clients to identify challenges, concerns and needs and works with clients and the Mental Health & Substance Use team to develop a treatment care plan that emphasizes self-management strategies.

Education & Experience

• Two (2) years recent, related experience working with individuals with severe mental illness and/or addictions, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to individuals of Indigenous identity (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).
• Diploma in Community Social Service or completion of Mental Health Worker program.
• Persons with lived or living experience are encouraged to apply.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certificates.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to analyze, make decisions, and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated understanding of harm reduction models.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental health and substance use.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting.
• Advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of psychiatric medications and their side effects.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and provide crisis intervention.
• Physical ability to carry out duties of the position.
• Ability to instruct.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written form (English).
• Demonstrated ability to identify suicidal ideation and basic intervention.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with residents.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to identify and recognize power inequities within the healthcare system associated with ongoing impacts of colonialism, including detrimental impacts on accessing healthcare experienced by Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Ability to demonstrate and assist clients with activities of daily living.
• Knowledge of ongoing impacts of historical, direct, and intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous Peoples.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in trauma and violence-informed practice.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Officer Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Vancouver Coastal Health must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2023.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.

***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https//my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.