Mental Health Worker - The Nest

Job Summary

As a member of the integrated services team combining clinical addiction, housing, employment and educational services, the Mental Health Worker at Phoenix Society participates in the recovery and capacity-building of clients and alumni by engaging in their physical and mental health needs. The position is responsible for: mental health assessments; clinical administration and patient care; biopsychosocial treatment plans; client self-care with IADLs; crisis intervention and support; and individual and group counselling sessions.

Organizational Status

The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. [Insert description of department/unit that the role works within and its function within Phoenix Society. Include information on the department/unit such as, number of residents/ clients/ staff, aims and objectives, etc.]

Work Performed

Program Management

× Participate in team efforts to maintain and continuously improve the intake, admissions and orientation process

× Maintain client confidentiality and respond to client rights to health care information

× Assess clients’ suitability for the program and makes referrals to other agencies when necessary

× Work with the integrated addiction services team on clients’ case planning and concerns. Ask for assistance when required, communicating with case managers, social workers, probation services, etc. as required

× Maintain accurate client records (e.g., assessment data, client care plan, goal setting, case notes and discharge summaries, behaviour contracts, incident reports, medication logs, etc.), reports, and statistics required by management

Client Services

× Act as a positive role model, coach, advisor, leader and rational authority for clients

× Intake new clients and collaborate with other staff members to identify acute and chronic mental health problems faced by clients

× Develop, individually and in consultation with the primary treatment providers, treatment plans and strategies to best meet client needs

× Lead and assist counselling sessions by planning and executing individual and group counselling to address client needs

× Administer medications and other treatments to clients under the direction of nurses or physicians

× Provide daily care and support to clients experiencing acute and chronic mental health conditions

× Assist clients with the completion of instrumental daily activities, including meal planning, household upkeep and community participation

× Intervene and respond to acute mental health crises, including suicidal ideation and/or intent, psychotic episodes (decompensation and substance-induced), substance intoxication, etc.

× Observe client behavior and maintain appropriate documentation. Report changes in physical or mental health to the clinical team

Community Relations

× Act as a liaison with the community and promotes/encourages community involvement in the program

× Maintain current knowledge of social, economic, recreational and educational resources in the community

Qualifications

× Bachelor’s degree in counselling, social work, psychology, etc.

× 3 to 5 years of experience providing counselling in the community social services sector and working with marginalized populations, substance use services, mental health, corrections, etc., or equivalent

× Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required

× Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required

× Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required

× First aid certification with CPR is required

× Valid driver’s license is required

Skills & Knowledge

× Good knowledge of facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques

× High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation

× Strong therapeutic skills in the areas of individual and group therapy with adults with substance use and/or concurrent disorders

× Strong skills in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management systems

× Strong problem solving, analytical, and creative skills with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses

× Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English

× Ability to perceive situational and other stressors that elevate risk and act proactively in response

× Ability to adjust one’s approach to meet the demands and needs of constantly changing conditions, situations and people and to work effectively in difficult situations

× Ability to lead and work in a trauma-informed practice

× Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential

Competencies

Approach to Work

× Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness

× Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to inform continuous self-improvement

× Sets goals, creates and implements action plans, monitors progress, and evaluates results

× Adeptly manages competing tasks and uses time efficiently and effectively

Job Knowledge & Quality of Work

× High-degree of relevant and current job knowledge and skill

× Consistently produces accurate, thorough, high-quality work in a timely manner

× Builds and promotes a culture of health and safety in the workplace

× Implements and enforces best practices in health and safety within the workplace

Judgement & Decision-Making

× Models independent thinking and creativity

× Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills

× Makes clear, consistent, transparent and timely decisions after contemplating various available courses of action

× Exercises sound judgment in the best interests of the organization

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Has a manner, style and presence that makes a positive impression
• Listens to and considers others’ views
• Expresses themselves clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Displays high emotional intelligence; uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations

Personal Leadership

• Models the organization’s core values of social justice, teamwork, social innovation, and strength-based practices
• Fosters enthusiasm, energy and commitment
• Is reliable and accountable; shows up on time ready to work
• Takes responsibility for personal actions, performance and health

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Leverages the expertise and experience of others for organizational success
• Effectively works with their colleagues to ensure organizational success
• Champions positive working relationships with staff and external stakeholders
• Supports an environment of openness, and champions teamwork and communication across programs