TFT Mental Health Outreach Worker, Main Street Program

Internal applications no later than 5:00pm on Monday, November 4, 2024

External applications no later than 5:00pm on Monday, November 11, 2024

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

Main Street Program

Job Summary

Located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the Main Street supportive housing program located at 162 Main Street consists of 68 units of self-contained apartments for individuals existing homelessness, many of whom have experienced a history of trauma, substance use, and/or mental health challenges. Working in and from the worksite, the Mental Health Outreach Worker provides assistance, support and basic skill training to program participants in their living environment while encouraging independence, and healthy lifestyle choices.

The Mental Health Outreach Worker provides outreach services through identification, coordination and facilitation of in-house and community resources. These resources may include referral to community mental health services, primary care, income assistance, recreational services and other resources. The Mental Health Outreach Worker may also assist with direct service provision as needed by Main Street Program residents.

Functions & Responsibilities

1. Refers tenants to outside services, accompanying to appointments and supports interpersonal relationships. Advocates for the tenant between the individual and representatives of service/care giving agencies.
2. Provides support, assistance, and basic skill training to establish and maintain as independent and stable living situation as possible within the community by performing duties such as developing individual tenant plans to ensure their basic needs are met, developing and coordinating motivational programs for tenants, discussing, isolating and assessing problems with tenants and developing, with them, a flexible plan of action which will address such issues and needs as: housing, health, treatment and finances.
3. Assists tenant with building issues including assisting with cleaning and acting as a liaison between the tenant and the building management. Monitors the tenant’s ability to maintain their unit and when required, makes arrangements for homemaking or other support services such as home nursing or home support workers, and/or provides direct assistance with room cleaning.
4. Assists with the development of physical, social, emotional, and life skills such as maintaining personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, meeting financial obligations, making and keeping appointments, and interpersonal skills
5. Monitors individual tenant plans to ensure they are effective by performing duties such as encouraging appointments are kept, that homemaking routines are followed, financial and medication systems are being followed and healthy recreational or leisure activities are explored as an option. 
6. Observes tenants, identifies and assesses potential emergency situations, and develops short-term strategies to deal with such situations, including de-escalating challenging behaviors. Reports medical, behavioral and other problems to the Manager/Director of the program. Provides feedback and input regarding the tenants’ needs, performance and progress.
7. Participates in the placement procedure for new tenants by performing duties such as making arrangements for tenants to move in, arranging rent payments, assisting the tenant to acquire furnishings where required, introducing new tenants to other tenants and outlining tenancy/program agreements.
8. Plans and coordinates contingency services and provides crisis intervention and/or extraordinary services where indicated by performing duties such as providing additional support to tenants during stressful times, advocating for specific needs, continuing contact throughout temporary/short term placements in facilities such as hospital and emergency centers and referring with information based on tenant disclosure and documented observations.
9. Encourages and supports individuals to make healthy choices and practices through methods such as exchanging needles and provision of health and safety materials such as condoms and referral to life skill training such as anger management courses.
10. Identifies available social, economic, recreational, and educational services and resources in the community that will meet tenants’ needs including long term case management services through mental health/ community health centers and provides tenants with that information.
11. Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as goal directed individual service plans, progress reports, statistics and daily logs including input of information into computer databases as required.
12. Provides medication support, in accordance with established policy.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training & Experience 

1. Diploma in Community Social Service or Mental Health,
   And recent related experience of two (2) years,
   Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience or other qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work
2. Extensive working knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation approaches and services including individual service plan development and implementation and life skills training
3. Understanding of trauma-informed practices and Housing First philosophy
4. A solid background and knowledge of concurrent disorders with related work experience
5. Certificates in CPR, First Aid, and FoodSafe
6. Class 5 BC Driver’s License & Vehicle (Preferred)
7. Satisfactory Criminal Record Check

Skills & Abilities 

1. Solid understanding of community mental health, social service, legal, and forensic resources.
2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, other front line workers, people with mental illness, people at risk of homelessness, community agencies, government agencies, hotel owner/operator and management, and the general public.
3. Ability to work in a harm reduction environment which includes an observed consumption area, as well as familiarization with the principles of harm reduction.
4. Demonstrated ability in crisis de-escalation skills and conflict resolution
5. Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who are marginalized, underserved, and who may be at risk of homelessness or homeless
6. Demonstrated ability working with individuals living with substance use issues and/or an untreated mental illness
7. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
8. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise initiative and good judgment.
9. Ability to operate related equipment
10. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
11. Ability to organize and prioritize
12. Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients
13. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients
14. Ability to instruct
15. Ability to analyze and resolve problems
16. Advocacy skills
17. Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Concurrent Disorders including theories and methods