Mental Health Support Worker – Mental Health Program

Reporting to the Mental Health Program Coordinator, this position is responsible for working with refugee/new

comer clients. They will facilitate counselling sessions with individuals, groups and families, conduct

assessments, short-term crisis intervention, referrals and ensure clients’ access to appropriate mental health services.

The aim of this position is for the candidate to work in collaboration with our other agency staff as well as

external partners to aid clients’ resettlement and integration into the community. The successful candidate will

use a team-based, coordinated systems approach to mental health, consult with case managers to advise on

best practices and assist newcomers in navigating the mental health support available to them.

Position Summary

• Verifies eligibility and determines suitability for service/programming; evaluates individual’s needs and

priorities; follows established case management procedures; maintains client confidentiality.

• Keep up to date with knowledge of community resources and mental health services
• Takes initiative to work with their team to identify and close service gaps.
• Participate in the evaluation of program goals and objectives making recommendations on changes to current program activities to improve service delivery
• Participates in meetings, activities and professional development opportunities that promote understanding of newcomers and are relevant to career growth; this may include case conferences with others involved in supporting the client.
• Provides coordinated and integrated services according to the needs of clients
• Work from a strength-based perspective and use multi-model therapy approaches
• Assess client needs, design therapy goals and plans, monitor client progress
• Provides behaviour management and crisis intervention as required
• Provides behavioural intervention in one-on-one or group setting
• Performs other duties as required
• Ensures all confidential information is stored and released only in accordance with agency policies
• Implements case management techniques, prepares reports and makes referrals
• Provides internal and external referrals to other programs/services as appropriate.
• Collaborate with clients and professionals to determine treatment/care needs for case planning
• Quality assurance – prioritizes accuracy and thoroughness in the capturing, organizing, maintaining and reporting of all client data, forms, statistics and databases.

Qualifications / Required Experience / Skills

• Experience in developing and maintaining community relationships and partnerships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mental health concerns, addictions, cross-cultural approaches to social well-being in newcomer and refugee populations
• Must have demonstrable technical skills including use of on-line platforms for client appointments and group sessions (ie. Zoom, Google Meet), shared work spaces and applications found within Google Workspace and traditional MS Office programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to participate and lead meetings and/or case conferences.
• Strong understanding of cultural responsiveness, AOP/anti-racist approach, empowerment-oriented practice, client-centred approach, trauma and violence-informed care.
• Proficiency in Arabic or Spanish Languages Preferred
• Minimum of two years of experience in a front-line, client-first, case managed role, one year of which, we would prefer experience with facilitating group sessions.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, problem-solving and motivational counselling skills.
• Crisis intervention and conflict mediation training
• Experience facilitating individual and group counselling sessions
• Team-player who is capable of working independently while applying a creative and forward thinking approach to their work.
• Knowledge of community resources such as hospital resources, addiction providers, community mental health services etc.
• MSW, BSW, MSC Psych or equivalent in mental health or counselling in a related field with a minimum of two years relevant experience

NFAMC embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract and engage highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences, perspectives and skill sets. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

The deadline to apply Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. Apply ONLY by email to:

Emily Kovacs, Executive Director, [email protected] quoting "Mental Health Support Worker position" in

the subject line of your email. Please detail in your cover letter and resume how your experience,

education, professional development and career goals align with this position.

Interviews for selected candidates will take place during the week of May 10th 2023 and will be conducted virtually.

The position start date is June 5th 2023.

We thank all applicants for their time and interest in our organization; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. No phone, in-person or on-line inquiries please.

About Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre

The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre is a charitable not-for-profit organization incorporated as the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines in 1970, having the mandate to support and assist the ethnocultural and newcomer community in Niagara through a broad range of programs and services.