Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Crisis Stabilization Space

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services•London, ON

9d•CA$27 - CA$37•Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports individuals experiencing urgent mental health or addiction crises by providing a person-centered, supportive psychosocial response that promotes crisis resolution and empowerment. The worker will collaborate with individuals to assess needs and connect them to community supports. Services can be delivered in-person, via telephone, or virtually, including walk-in services at the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre, mobile response, phone/text/web chat support, and intensive short-term stabilization. The position is part-time, contract for approximately 7 months, with a starting rate of $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a potential wage differential to $30.01 per hour for regulated professionals. Grid progression is available based on seniority. The work schedule involves 12 hours bi-weekly, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Benefits include 9% in lieu of benefits, and eligibility for the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

Requirements

College Diploma or University Degree in a mental health or addictions related field OR a minimum of 3 years of experience in a direct-service role and some post-secondary education in a mental health or addictions related field.
Ability to attend work regularly.
Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) completed in the last six months.

Nice To Haves

Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST.
Extensive knowledge of community resources, service and support programs, and barriers individuals face in accessing them.
Working knowledge of a variety of treatment, intervention, and support strategies for mental health and addictions.
Computer literacy.
3 years’ experience working in mental health.
2 years’ experience in mental health crisis intervention.
Experience with, and detailed knowledge of, mild, moderate & serious mental illnesses.
Experience working in a community-based setting; preferably with an established network of service & support resources.
Proficiency in crisis intervention, crisis resolution, and community support.
Written and verbal communication skills.
First Aid & CPR, WHMIS.
Bilingual in both official languages.

Responsibilities

Complete mental health and addiction assessments based on crisis management theory, identifying the impact of psychiatric symptoms, risk factors, and opportunities for de-escalation and stabilization.
Establish therapeutic relationships to maximize engagement with individuals.
Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap between referral and engagement with longer-term services.
Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services and supports.
Advocate to facilitate access to services and supports for immediate crisis remediation.
Engage emergency services when additional intervention is required.
Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g., treatment options, transportation, finances).
Obtain information from other relevant sources as needed.
Interact and provide support and assessment in a nonjudgmental manner, demonstrating sensitivity to individual diversity.
Support individuals in developing self-advocacy skills, new behaviors, and coping skills for healthy interdependence.
Provide health teaching and information on coping techniques and strategies (e.g., grounding, breathing, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene).
Provide crisis intervention services and supports via phone, text, and web chat through the Reach Out Addiction and Mental Health Crisis Line.
Respond to voicemails from Reach Out.
Establish therapeutic relationships with individuals accessing Reach Out and address their immediate concerns.
Provide short-term, psychotherapeutic intervention within the crisis model framework.
Perform calmly, competently, and efficiently in emergency situations, respecting individual privacy and dignity.
Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce, and remove risk factors.
Refer individuals for additional assessments as necessary.
Assist individuals in identifying and connecting with personal/natural supports.
Provide follow-up support and check-ins as appropriate.
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and the mental health and addiction care system.
Assist in building positive working relationships across the service system.
Participate in public education and advocacy.
Act as a liaison with caregivers and service providers to facilitate a coordinated approach to service provision.