Casual Mental Health Worker, Resource Centre

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

Please note that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you for your interest. 

Job Description – Mental Health Worker

Resource Centre

Job Summary 

MPA Resource Centre employees must be committed to the mission, philosophy, values and beliefs of MPA Society. This commitment includes an understanding, acceptance and practice of the principles of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and harm reduction strategies as well as an understanding of the determinants of health.

Under the direction of the Manager, the MHW works independently and as part of a larger team to deliver social/recreational, work, and volunteer programs as well as the delivery of the support and advocacy services. Advocates on behalf of our members to secure shelter, food, healthcare and economic benefits.

Functions & Responsibilities

1. Monitors and ensures the safety of clients and the facility by performing duties such as screening telephone calls and visitors, ensuring the rules of the Resource Centre are upheld and ensuring that those in attendance qualify for program participation.
2. Implements and participates in the delivery of life skills, recreational and/or social activities designed to meet the needs of members, providing demonstrations as required. Adapts and modifies established activities to meet the special needs of members. Accompanies clients on outings such as appointments and leisure activities.
3. Promotes client participation in activities and provides feedback regarding the performance and progress of members.
4. Observes members and their environments.
5. Receives member feedback, inquiries, and complaints and reports to the Program Manager and responds as required.
6. Engages clients, gathers background information, determines clients’ suitability for the program, and makes referrals to other programs and services in collaboration with the Program Manager.
7. Assists individuals to obtain shelter, economic assistance, health services, clothing and employment by performing such duties as advocacy, facilitating placement in programs and assisting clients to be job ready, and identifying community resources to meet member needs.
8. Assists members in maintaining an effective liaison with their support networks.
9. Provides support on life skills and health maintenance, including symptom management, support, coping skills, and money management skills.
10. Engages with clients, identifies and assesses potential emergency crisis situations, and develops short-term strategies to deal with such situations.
11. Implements, when necessary, crisis management techniques, while accessing other agencies or professionals to provide appropriate support services.
12. Works with members, peers, supervisors, and other agencies and professionals in the community in a cooperative and professional manner.
13. Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as incident reports, daily logs and other documentation as required. Fulfils administrative duties including petty cash, purchasing of supplies within budgetary guidelines, etc. Maintains an inventory of equipment, tools, and material related to activities and procedures.
14. Undertakes meal preparation responsibilities including food preparation, cooking and clean up by following menus, safe food handling and sanitary protocols. Maintains an inventory of supplies and identifies items for purchasing.
15. Has the physical capability of lifting 40 lbs of weight.
16. Performs cleaning and light maintenance duties.
17. May be asked to supervise students and volunteers.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 Education, Training & Experience

1. Baccalaureate in Behavioural Sciences or a Diploma in Mental Health and two years recent related working experience in mental health or an acceptable combination of formal education and experience.
2. Understanding, knowledge and ability to implement Psychosocial Rehabilitation principles and the ability and willingness to work within its philosophy; concurrent disorders and the Harm Reduction Model of Recovery.
3. Knowledge of resources and collateral services available to our members that will assist them in all areas of their lives. This includes but is not limited to medical, economic, housing, social recreation, and vocational.
4. Ability to operate related equipment.
5. Ability to carry out the physical demands of the position.
6. Certificates in CPR, First Aid, Food Safe, and Class 5 unrestricted BC Driver's License.
7. Must possess a certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

 Skills & Abilities 

1. A working understanding of resources and collateral services available to our members that assist their medical, economic, housing, social, recreation and vocational needs.
2. Ability to operate related equipment.
3. Ability to organize, prioritize and problem solve.
4. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with members.
5. Ability to observe and recognize changes in members.
6. A good understanding of the issues facing persons with a psychiatric disability.
7. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
8. Ability and willingness to cook for a large number of individuals using limited resources.
9. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.