Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team

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

1d•CA$27 - CA$30•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves working with clients in crisis within the mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the organization, and adhering to the standards of relevant professional colleges. The Crisis Assessment Worker (CAT) will assess the nature and scope of crises and take appropriate action using a psychosocial rehabilitation model. The role includes supporting clients at the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre, Reach Out, and the Strathroy Site, collaborating with clients, peers, and the community to enhance the physical and mental health of individuals experiencing mental illness. Supports can be provided in-person or virtually, at the Crisis Centre, and/or in community hospitals.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study, e.g., social work, psychology, or a related discipline.
Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly.

Nice To Haves

Current Ontario driver’s license.
Registration with a professional college (i.e. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO).
Current First Aid/CPR Certificate.
Bilingual both official languages, preferred; une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues officielles du Canada.

Responsibilities

Complete bio-psychosocial mental health assessments based on crisis management theory, including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral.
Establish therapeutic relationships to maximize client engagement.
Refer clients to psychiatric clinics as deemed appropriate.
Assess the adequacy of client resources and supports, making appropriate referrals to community resources.
Determine the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning.
Identify risk factors related to relapse and the safety of staff and clients.
Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g., treatment options, transportation, finances).
Obtain information from other relevant sources as needed.
Ensure assessments incorporate cultural and ethnic factors.
Identify areas requiring additional assessment.
Provide short-term, psychotherapeutic intervention within the crisis model framework.
Perform calmly, competently, and efficiently in emergency situations, respecting participant privacy and dignity.
Advocate to facilitate access to services and supports to remediate immediate crisis situations.
Support participants in accessing needed resources.
Refer clients for additional assessments as necessary and/or appropriate.
Assist participants in identifying and connecting with personal/natural supports.
Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to longer-term services.
Provide follow-up check-ins with clients accessing services.
Maintain knowledge of community resources relevant to clients, including mental health services, entitlement, and benefit programs.
Identify, develop, and maintain good links with a wide range of community resources.
Assist clients in obtaining needed resources by educating and supporting them, linking them to appropriate services, and advocating when needed.
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and their place within the mental health care system.
Assist in building positive working relationships across the service system.
Participate in public education and advocacy.
Coordinate and facilitate client linkages to recommended community services and supports.
Act as a liaison with caregivers and/or service providers involved with the client to facilitate a coordinated approach.
Provide assistance to clients seeking support, face-to-face appointments, and/or information about mental health services and supports.
Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies.
Assist participants in developing strategies for managing their health needs.
Assist participants in making healthier choices.
Collaborate with community agencies to enhance continuity of care.
Provide information and advocate regarding resources within the broader mental health system and the community.
Collaborate with the client and team to provide a holistic approach and assist in developing goals and the 'plan of care'.
Support clients in developing skills for self-advocacy.
Interact and provide support in a non-judgmental fashion, demonstrating sensitivity to client diversity.
Assist in motivating clients to learn new behaviors and develop coping skills.
Foster healthy interdependence through limit setting.
Assist clients in recognizing strengths and minimizing challenges by identifying potential risks to health.
Provide crisis intervention services and supports on the Reach Out Crisis line via phone, text, and web chat.
Respond to voicemails from the Reach Out Crisis line.
Establish a therapeutic relationship with callers to the Reach Out line and work with them to address their immediate concerns.