Mental Health Support Worker (Full Time)

Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Reach Out
Direct Service - (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Contract (End date: This posting is the result of an existing vacancy
- As a member of our Reach Out/988 team, you’ll support individuals through phone, text and webchat who are struggling with their mental health and/or addictions to feel the same sense of belonging, connection and safety that everyone in our community deserves. 9-8-8 is Canada’s first nation-wide support specifically for suicide prevention and emotional distress. This new service will be available 24/7/365 and accessible to everyone from coast to coast to coast. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.
Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated)
Premiums of $2.00 will be applied for Evening/Night and Weekend Shifts
When you'll work – 70 hours per bi-weekly period; Rotating shifts of days, afternoons, evenings and weekends
Your pension plan – Optional enrolment in in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Complete mental health assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to determine client needs and level of risk
Assess social and environmental factors impacting the client
Identify risk factors related to the safety of both the client and staff members as well as relapse
Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.)
Warm transfer callers to local crisis response teams, Support Line and other partners as defined by program protocols
Engage Emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required
Provide prompt, accurate, empathetic verbal / text / web chat responses to requests for information about the availability of services for mental health and/or addiction services to clients, their family members and friends, as well as health and social service professionals
Provide health teaching and information regarding a variety of coping techniques & strategies
Provide information regarding resources found within both the broader mental health and addiction system & community in general
Identify, develop and maintain good links with a wide range of community resources
Maintain up-to-date knowledge or resources relevant to clients including other mental health and addiction services, entitlement and benefit programs (e.g. ODSP, Ontario Works, London Housing, etc.)
Work collaboratively with local crisis response teams to ensure coordinated care is provided to clients accessing the Reach Out Line and 988
Provide crisis support, resources, information and referrals to those contacting Reach Out & 988 through calls, texts and web chat.
Advocate, as necessary, to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation
Assist the client to identify and connect with personal / natural and community supports
When appropriate, act as liaison with caregivers and/or service & service providers who are involved with the client to facilitate coordinated approach to service provision

Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 3 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
Minimum three years’ experience within the addiction and/or mental health services field, preferably in crisis intervention. Direct clinical experience is an asset
Flexibility to work shifts in a 24/7 operation
Experience in telephone-based risk management, lethality assessment and crisis intervention preferred
Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation
Training in crisis intervention and resolution including ASIST and First Aid/CPR an asset
Bilingual both official languages, preferred; Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact Human.Legal Notifications:
For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes