Community Outreach Worker - Mental Health & Addictions

Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health•Dartmouth, NS

2d•CA$36 - CA$46•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Health Services Manager, the Community Outreach Worker (COW) provides a range of clinical services to adults and their families affected by mental illness and/or substance use or gambling disorder. The COW may be working in both clinic and community settings providing a wide range of services including screening, assessment, brief intervention, case management/navigation, individual and group treatment. This position will play a key role in navigation, advocacy, and the coordination of resources and services within Mental Health and Addictions and the community. The COW must be knowledgeable and use principles of harm reduction, community development and psychosocial rehabilitation PSR). The successful candidate will serve as a resource to colleagues, clients and family members and will create and enrich linkages with organizations and agencies within their community.

Requirements

Bachelor of Social Work
Must be registered or eligible for registration with professional regulatory body.
One year post BSW clinical experience in Mental Health and Addictions required
Screening and risk assessment skills, including suicide risk assessment
High degree of independent practice, excellent assessment skills, and the ability to implement an evidenced based plan of care.
Working knowledge of the DSM
Experience in offering brief, supportive intervention strategies focusing on harm reduction and recovery
Ability to navigate and de-escalate situations and offer crisis support.
Group facilitation skills.
Ability to use motivational interviewing skills and engage with clients/families
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and program and community development methods
Demonstrated knowledge of recovery-oriented practice and client and family centered care
Knowledge of social determinants of health/social context and its importance to decision formulation
Knowledge and experience with a trauma informed care approach
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships
Strong problem solving skills
Demonstrated ability to make sound and reliable clinical decisions
Travel to other sites or throughout the province required.
Valid Nova Scotia driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle is required

Nice To Haves

Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Responsibilities

Provides a range of clinical services to adults and their families affected by mental illness and/or substance use or gambling disorder.
Works in both clinic and community settings providing screening, assessment, brief intervention, case management/navigation, individual and group treatment.
Plays a key role in navigation, advocacy, and the coordination of resources and services within Mental Health and Addictions and the community.
Serves as a resource to colleagues, clients and family members.
Creates and enriches linkages with organizations and agencies within their community.