Addictions and Mental Health Worker

KEY FUNCTION:  
Provide assessment, treatment, navigation and support to individuals and families with mental health and substance disorders across the spectrum (e.g. inpatient, community). 

REPORTING:      
Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Inpatient Addictions Medicine.

DUTIES:

1. Work in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to provide psychosocial support to patients admitted to the Addictions Medicine Unit.   
2. Complete assessments and develop care plans to identify treatment goals, provide support in achieving goals and initiate referrals as required with community/external partners.
3. Complete addictions assessments for treatment planning purposes with individuals as required (i.e. Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Short Screener (GAINs SS), Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Q3 (GAINs Q3), etc.) 
4. In collaboration with nursing and social work staff; advocate, refer and determine linkages to community-based services and support including income support, supportive housing, peer support, vocational support, legal services, physical healthcare, mental health/addictions services, counselling services, and others as required.
5. Educate/support patient coping mechanisms and engage family, partners or supports as required.
6. Provide mental health and addictions related support services, including crisis support, supportive counselling, information, referrals to ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation and support services.
7. Assist with self-sufficiency in daily living skills (i.e. cooking/kitchen duties, housekeeping, hygiene) as required.
8. Instruct and guide patients through recommended treatment and activity programs both individually and in groups.
9. Provide program development and facilitation of groups and ensure daily schedule/routine is followed. 
10. Document assessments, intervention plans, progress notes and outcomes in a timely manner as per program policy standards.
11. Provide guidance, training and orientation for new staff and students.
12. Maintain a professional and courteous approach when dealing with patients, visitors, and staff.
13. Responsible to ensure patient, visitor and staff safety by identifying/taking corrective actions and/or reporting any safety concerns to immediate supervisor. 
14. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
15. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN‘s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
16. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
17. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place. 
18. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.  
19. Perform other duties as required.  

QUALIFICATIONS
 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:  

1. Minimum of a two (2) year Diploma in a Health or Social Services field, from an accredited college. 
2. Certificate in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) is required.
3. Successful completion of Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Q3 course is required.
4. Eligible to obtain the International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC) certificate.
5. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:  

1. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in a social service, and/or criminal justice system and/or addictions setting within a health care environment.
2. Recent experience in program development and group facilitation is preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:  

1. Demonstrated knowledge of addiction and mental health rehabilitation. 
2. Demonstrated knowledge of group based facilitation (i.e. life skills, coping, self-help, etc.) and how to manage group dynamics.
3. Demonstrated knowledge in mental health, theories/fundamental concepts of addictions; cultural sensitivity & inclusivity; treatment approaches/modalities; pharmacology relevant to addictions; relapse prevention; harm reduction; stages of change; motivational interviewing; trauma informed care; behaviour management; recognition of signs and symptoms of impairment.
4. Demonstrated ability in completing assessments, including treatment assessments such the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAINS).
5. Demonstrated ability to utilize catalyst/Drug and Alcohol Treatment Information System (DATIS) and B-care system for reporting/documentation.
6. Demonstrated ability to provide referrals to community programs for ongoing support. 
7. Demonstrated compliance with HSN’s privacy policy.
8. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
9. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
10. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
11. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
12. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
13. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information. 
14. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:  

1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients. 
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. 
4. Demonstrated ability to perform with minimal supervision; to prioritize duties.
5. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
6. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
7. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
8. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job. 
9. Ability and willingness to travel between local sites.  
10. Valid driver’s license with access to vehicle may be required

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.