Addictions and Mental Health Worker

KEY FUNCTION:
Provide assessment, navigation and support to individuals and families with mental health and substance use challenges.

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 comprehensive substance use assessments and contribute to the development of care plans; collaborate with patients to identify treatment goals and support progress towards those goals.

3. In collaboration with nursing and social work staff advocate, refer and coordinate referrals to community-based services (e.g. income support, supportive housing, peer support, vocational resources , legal services, physical healthcare, mental health/addictions services, counselling services, etc.) as required.
4. Educate/support patient coping mechanisms and engage family, partners or supports as required.
5. Provide mental health and addictions related support services (i.e. supportive counselling, psycho-education, information, referrals to ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation and recovery support services); recognize, de-escalate, and respond to emerging client concerns and collaborate with the interprofessional team to ensure appropriate follow-up and intervention.

6. Assist with self-sufficiency in daily living skills (i.e. cooking/kitchen duties, housekeeping, hygiene) as required.
7. Instruct and guide patients through recommended treatment and activity programs both individually and in groups.
8. Develop, coordinate, and facilitate therapeutic, psychoeducational, and recovery-oriented group programming; collaborate with peer support providers and community partners in the delivery of unit programming and support client participation in the daily therapeutic schedule and unit routine.

9. Document assessments, intervention plans, progress notes and outcomes in a timely manner as per program policy standards.
10. Maintain a professional and courteous approach when dealing with patients, visitors, and staff.
11. Ensure patient, visitor and staff safety by identifying/taking corrective actions and/or reporting any safety concerns to immediate supervisor.

12. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
13. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN‘s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
14. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.

15. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
16. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
17. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.

18. 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 Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) is required.
3. Eligible to obtain the International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC) certificate.
4. 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 and inclusivity, treatment approaches/modalities, pharmacology relevant to addictions, relapse prevention, harm reduction, stages of change, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, behaviour management, and recognition of signs and symptoms of impairment.
4. Demonstrated ability in completing comprehensive substance use assessments.
5. Demonstrated ability to accurately complete documentation and maintain client records using electronic health record and clinical information systems in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

6. Demonstrated ability to complete 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. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

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.