Working in and from the worksite, the Mental Health Worker works under the direction of Management to provide mental health services to residents. Observes and documents the residents’ health condition and environment, encourages independence, and refers residents to health services and resources.

Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Monitors residents by methods such as observing resident’s health condition and environment, including functional ability, living arrangement, and family supports.
2. Documents behavioral, physical, and cognitive changes in accordance with standard procedures or specific directions, reporting significant and unsafe observations, and recommending adjustments to treatment plans to enable independence.
3. Implements personalized mental health care plans, with an emphasis on encouraging healthy living habits, strong interpersonal connections, and emotional well-being.
4. Provides input and feedback in the care planning process by participating in team reports and care conferences, discussing/recommending changes to mental health treatment plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Encourages clients to attend appointments and medical follow-up in coordination with the care team.
5. Maintains an awareness of community resources and makes this information available to clients, while respecting their individual goals.
6. Assists clients in obtaining housing, economic assistance, health services, and employment opportunities through advocacy and facilitating resource connections.
7. Collaborates with medical services, familial connections, and personal networks to provide individualized mental health supports and crisis intervention.

8. Advocates for clients and connects them to appropriate services while encouraging independent living through the successful development of physical, social, emotional, and life skills.
9. Supports clients with daily living and hygiene needs and maintains a safe and clean environment.
10. Provides medication support and ensures adherence to medical plans.
11. Attends and participates in staff development programs, team meetings, and other meetings as required.
12. Assists with orientation of new staff, intakes, and provides mentorship to Support Workers.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training & Experience:

1. A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a social service role, focusing on mental health and addictions support, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience working with individuals with complex mental health concerns.
2. Completion of a post-secondary degree in Social Services, Psychiatric Care, Mental Health and Addictions, or a related field.
3. Certificates in Narcan Training, First Aid, and NVCI.
4. Successful completion of a Criminal record check.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to work in a harm reduction environment, which includes an observed consumption area, as well as familiarization with the principles of harm reduction.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients, staff, and management and collateral service providers.
• Home management skills.
• Ability to instruct.
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to assist with medication support and to follow established policies and procedures.
• Advocacy skills.
• Ability to work in a low barrier housing environment with sensitivity to the population of shelter and supportive housing environments.

‍