Addictions and Mental Health Specialist 4 month FT CONTRACT

Full-time

CMHA Durham

Who we are:

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years.

During that time it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges from information and education to case management psychosocial rehabilitation housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that in addition to dealing with client mental health issues address social determinants of health using the recovery model.

Overview of the Role:

Reporting to the HART Hub Lead this individual plays a vital role in supporting individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This includes providing integrated clinical therapeutic education and advocacy interventions in collaboration with medical staff. This individual will also play a role in delivering essential programming with an expertise in concurrent disorders trauma and complex illness.

Location: HART Hub employees may begin work at 60 Bond St. West and will move to the designated HART Hub location in Oshawa at a later date.

Hiring for Multiple Positions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Treatment Planning

Develops writes implements evaluates and revises overall treatment goals and plans in collaboration with clients and team members
Develops writes implements evaluates and revises integrated treatment goals and plans in collaboration with clients and all other team members.
Collaborates with partners to plan and deliver priority addictions and mental health education and recovery programming to align with program aims
Works with other program staff in one-on-one and/or group situations to assist clients in developing life skills and promoting sharing of responsibilities associated with co-ed and co-operative living in order for clients to reach their goals to move onto more independent housing

Education and Advocacy

Ensures that clients understand CMHA Durham services and agree to the expectations related to HART Hub services using appropriate agreements

Advocates for and with clients and caregivers in collaboration with service providers ensuring clients obtain the most appropriate services and receive continuity in their care

Provides addiction support and training to staff within the organization
Provides on-site supports to clients establishing peer and family support networks
Acts as a liaison between additional mental health and substance use treatment services to obtain assistance for clients as needed

Monitoring and Documentation

Monitors reviews and updates Client Care Plans with input from the multidisciplinary team on a regular basis revising the plan as necessary ensuring flexibility to meet clients needs

Documents client contacts using clinical methods and within predetermined time frame in accordance with CMHA policies and procedures
Provides on-call crisis intervention and counselling as needed for all program clients Provides individual and group treatment services

Attends professional meetings educational conferences and designated training workshops as assigned to maintain up-to-date knowledge and transfer knowledge to staff within the organization

Client Safety

Adhere to CMHA Durham client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures.
In partnership with clients family members and fellow staff maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety.
Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.

Other Duties as Assigned

Attend participate in team meetings and all employee meetings
Participate in organizational quality improvement activities e.g. accreditation projects committee work special events
Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level
Participate in external committees as required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Effort:

Sits at desk stands and walks daily to perform the duties of the job.
Concentration conceptualization and attentiveness required daily to answer all inquiries.
Operates personal vehicle to perform the duties of the job
Creativity and innovation required daily using sight hearing and touch to operate a computer
Develop strategic actions develop/provide information on policies and procedures
Proofread perform comprehensive assessments and read documents
Resolve conflicts problem solve facilitate meetings attend meetings oversee daily operations manage caseloads prepare documents listen to clients etc.

Risk Management:

Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying assessing evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of employees and clients

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in a related area of study (i.e. mental health social sciences or human services)
and
a minimum of three years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Membership in good standing to relevant College or other regulatory body as applicable

Sound knowledge the Mental Health Act Health Care Consent Act Ontario ACT Standards social service benefits and related legislation in Ontario
Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills
A minimum of 2 years experience in a multidisciplinary care setting with a solid understanding of significant client trauma
A minimum of 2 years experience in mental health and/or addictions
Previous experience in working with life limiting diagnoses an asset
Recent work experience in addictions and mental health and/or concurrent disorders

Valid Ontario Drivers license access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage

Knowledge of MS Office (Word Excel PowerPoint Access and Outlook) as well as the internet

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; able to prioritize
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed approach
Strong knowledge in various aspects of applicable legislation
Effective client relationship building skills; understanding the clients needs and background
Ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of a team management board of directors stakeholders and partners such as external vendors
Able to integrate CMHA Durhams philosophy of being a welcoming organization into everyday practice.
Ability to adapt to change and navigate through ambiguous situations

Knowledge of Indigenous communities and cultural practices (preferred).
Intermediate fluency in French considered an asset
Work outside of normal business hours as required in compliance with the Disconnect from Work policy.

Working Conditions:

Works on site in office settings and occasionally off site in the community in public environments Exposure to psychiatric behaviors that may be considered offensive (abusive/irate clients ) deadlines multiple demands distractions/Interruptions
Some exposure to hazards (smoke pets)

What we offer:

CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class race sexuality gender age faith or ability. With a flexible working model (within reasonable parameters of the program) memberships to meditation apps competitive vacation wellness time and 100% employer paid health benefits work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday Friday work week has 35 hours for most position and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.