Ongoing Cas Mental Health Worker, Beckman Bridging

Internal applicants no later than 5:00pm on Monday, February 13, 2023.

All employment is subject to a satisfactory result from a criminal record check done through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Job Description – Mental Health Worker

Beckman Bridging Program

Job Summary

The Mental Health Worker must be committed to the mission and philosophy of the MPA Society as well as the principles and practice of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and harm reduction strategies.  This commitment is demonstrated through utilization of the principles and approaches of PSR along with harm reduction strategies focused on development of partnerships, expansion of a base of best practice knowledge and a strong commitment to the concept and encouragement of self-empowerment.

The Mental Health Worker must demonstrate the beliefs, personality, temperament, flexibility and adaptability required to work in an enhanced supported housing environment.

The Mental Health Worker will provide a range of support services to program participants with complex mental health and addictions issues.

Functions & Responsibilities

Organizes, participates and works collaboratively with program participants and other community partners in the development of life skills as part of a recovery plan including but not limited to:

A. Personal Growth and Development

• Development of a recovery plan in collaboration with the program participants
• Medication management
• Conflict resolution skill development
• Grooming and hygiene
• Development of budgeting and money management skills

B. Community Integration

• Job/volunteer placements
• Knowledge development of community resources

C. Food Service

• Menu planning
• Grocery shopping
• Meal preparation

1. Participates in the admission, discharge and transfer of program participants.
2. Responsible for the activities involved in the daily operation of the enhanced supported housing program including monitoring and ensuring the safety of program participants.
3. Provides a range of services for each participant including recovery planning, linking the participants with on-going community resources relevant to their particular situation, health services including both physical and mental health, substance abuse, and income assistance and provides advocacy on behalf of the participant when necessary.
4. Performs crisis intervention services including assessment of mental health decompensation, suicidality, physical health crises and seeks relevant emergency services when required.
5. Reports all crises and critical incidents to the Program Coordinator and in the Coordinator’s absence reports all crises and critical incidents to the Operational Director.
6. Communicates clearly, effectively and respectfully with all program participants, staff and community partners.
7. Actively participates in building a skilled, cohesive, collaborative staff team including commitment and dedication to MPA Society mission, philosophy value and belief statements.
8. Actively participates in the resolving of interpersonal conflict and assisting in orienting, training and mentoring of all staff.
9. Performs other duties as required and assigned.

Education, Training & Experience

1. Completion of a diploma or degree in community social services/mental health with two years of recent related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, supported housing and or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
2. Working knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles and the ability and willingness to work within its philosophy, concurrent disorders and the harm reduction model of recovery
3. Ability to operate all related equipment including computer literacy
4. Ability to carry out the physical demands of the position
5. Certificates in first aid, CPR, Food Safe, WHIMIS and a Class 5 unrestricted BC Driver’s License
6. Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is preferred
7. Knowledge of local community resources available to program participants that will assist them in all areas of their lives. This includes but is not limited to medical, economic, housing, social recreation, and vocational.
8. Knowledge of psychotropic medications and accompanying therapeutic and side-effects.

Skills & Abilities

1. Ability to organize, prioritize and problem solve.
2. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with program participants
3. Ability to observe and recognize psychiatric and medical and psychiatric status changes in program participants
4. A good understanding of the issues facing persons with mental illness and addictions issues
5. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
6. Ability to work in a stressful and complex work environment