Mental Health Case Manager

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Mental Health Case Manager will provide high-quality, comprehensive, and intensive case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The Case Manager will assess service users, develop, and implement Personal Service plans by utilizing therapeutic modalities and conducting motivational interviews for individuals as well as psychoeducational activities using a variety of therapeutic counselling techniques. This position will work with community, governmental and non-government agencies to support individuals to access and maintain safe and stable housing, utilizing a trauma-informed approach while respecting individual autonomy and rights to self-determination.

LOCATION

Dawson Creek, BC

STATUS AND CLASSIFICATION

Unionized; this position requires union membership. This position is open to applicants of all genders.

HOURS

40 Hours per week; Monday – Friday, 0900 - 1700

WHAT WE OFFER?

• Committed Living Wage Employer.
• 2022, 2023 and 2025 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award from NEOC.
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from Supporting Lines.
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan.
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments.
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management.
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday.
• Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months).

REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports and is accountable to the Senior Program Manager or their designate.
• Participates as a member of the Connective services team to ensure quality and continuity of services to clients.
• Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required.
• Liaises with Connective staff as necessary.
• Participates as a member of the Connective staff team.

Key Accountabilities

• Gathers information relevant to service users’ needs by interviewing, observing behaviour, meeting with caregivers and service providers and using a variety of inventories, checklists, and questionnaires. Conducts structured analyses of the information gathered to provide an assessment of service users’ needs.
• Evaluates client needs and develops short- and long-term plans to meet such needs with the active participation of residents.
• Develops and implements therapeutic approaches and interventions to support clients in positive, sustainable behavioral change, growth, and development. Provides a variety of counselling interventions in accordance with the program's policies and procedures.
• Participates in the assessment, goal setting, and program planning, such as Personal Service Plans for individuals. Provides consultation to care team as required. Advises other professionals involved with client's care where further evaluation or more intensive treatment is required.
• Provides conflict-resolution support and strategies for clients as-needed. Responds to critical incidents, implements crisis intervention strategies, participates in collaborative crisis management, and informs the program team as needed.
• Identifies social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services in the community that will meet clients’ needs. Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials, health authorities and the community to provide appropriate referrals to clients.
• Works directly with other program staff (i.e., Tenant Support Workers and Indigenous Liaison Workers), community service and support providers, health authorities, government and non-government organizations, and First Nations service providers to inform the development and implementation of individual support plans consistent with harm reduction and Connective’s philosophies and practices.
• Reviews and evaluates clients’ progress and adjusts programs as required. Provides feedback and support to clients and/or their families.
• Accompanies and/or transports clients to activities such as appointments or leisure activities as part of their personal service plan.
• Maintains/provides either written and/or verbal reports regarding clients’ daily activities and progress in accordance with policy and standards. Ensures that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Trains staff in the appropriate approaches to dealing with crisis and to de escalate situations involving service users and community members. Shares best practices in terms of interventions.
• Supports the effective onboarding and training of new employees which may include training in current program systems, safety protocols, safety plans, OSH related concerns, Safer Consumption Room, Case Administration, and other related trainings.
• Develops, plans and hosts regular inclusive programs for service users based on gaps in service which focuses on mental health and wellness.
• Liaise, connect, create and fosters community partnerships through coordinating with external partners to gather information, develop and host events/programs for service users.
• Is available to all resource staff, in case of emergencies; including but not limited to supporting with on-call coverage 24 hours/day and ensuring on-call coverage is arranged in their absence. This includes potentially coming on-site in the event of an emergency or for last minute shift coverage.
• Participates in OSH committee as employee representative and may act as co-chair of the committee, including creating an agenda, hosting the meeting, creation of meeting minutes.
• Supports Connective’s OSH initiatives, which includes attending health and safety training sessions, and participating as the organization’s representative in health and safety investigations mandated by statutory authorities or as directed by the organization.
• Other related duties may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the care team.
• Adheres to Connective’s policies and procedures.
• Is available to work flexible hours as needed, which may include some evenings/weekends, as determined by program/client needs and schedules.
• Is a member of CUPE local 1936-11.

Experience And Skills

• Graduated with a degree in social work or a related human or social services field and 2 years’ experience in a similar setting with a mental health or addictions focus.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments that include mental health and addictions standardized frameworks and tools.
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate practice interventions based on psychosocial assessments.
• Ability to make appropriate and effective referrals that reflect in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners.
• Demonstrated skills and ability to apply theory to practice in the areas of case management, resource and supportive counseling, and individual and group therapy to clients/families coping with problematic substance use and/or mental health issues.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of regulations, policies, procedures, and other statutory duties related to relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, and the Freedom of Information Act.
• A demonstrated and clear ability to promote behavioural changes and respond well in crisis situations.
• A demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, and lifestyle.
• Experience working with First Nation communities.

Requirements

• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check.
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate.
• Valid MANDT cetification.
• Valid BC driver’s license .
• Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business up to $1,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport clients.

Compensation

As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $40.03 per hour plus benefits as per the collective agreement.

Important: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.

INCLUSION

At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.

For more information on Connective’s services and locations, visit our website at