Crisis Response Worker (Full-Time, Contract)

Canadian Mental Health Association•Oakville, ON

2d•CA$63,000 - CA$65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton Region Branch (CMHA Halton) is seeking a Crisis Response Worker that will work on our day shift (10:00am to 6:00pm from Monday to Friday). The Crisis Response Worker will respond to needs of individuals calling into our crisis line (COAST, 988, or Crisis Call Diversion). The Crisis Response Worker will also cover as needed at our Safe Beds location in Oakville, ON. The Crisis Response Worker will work a combination of remote and out of our Oakville location to provide support to our crisis phone lines and may provide back-up support to the Safe Beds teams as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social work, Clinical Psychology, Nursing or a relevant field required.
At least three (3) years’ experience working with individuals with mental health and addictions issues, especially those with complex needs (e.g., concurrent disorders, dual diagnosis).
Crisis intervention and management experience (i.e., assisting clients in crisis face-to-face and over the phone).
Strong de-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
Highly skilled at conducting assessments, and ensuring appropriate risk management
A demonstrated ability to work with issues related to substance use and concurrent disorders within a harm reduction framework.
Cultural competence and a demonstrated ability to adapt interventions to ensure equity, access, and accommodation.
Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery-oriented practices.
Good working knowledge of relevant mental health legislation including the Mental Health Act.
Skilled at trauma-informed practice and implementation.
Proven expertise in psychiatric symptomology and psychiatric medication as well as suicide assessment and intervention.
A broad understanding of all factors that impact an individual’s mental health and well-being, including the social determinants of health, trauma, poverty and homelessness.
Familiarity with mental health and addictions/justice/community-based support services in the Halton Region.
Possesses a high degree of empathy, understanding, patience, flexibility, initiative, creativity, openness to change and excellent rapport-building skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
High level of accountability, is reliable and takes initiative.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in MS Word and Excel

Nice To Haves

Regulated health professional (Registered Social worker or Registered Nurse) or equivalent preferred.
Non-violent crisis intervention, first aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are an asset
Working knowledge of EMHware database of similar Client Information System (CIS) would be beneficial.
Ability to speak a second language would be considered an asset

Responsibilities

Provide intensive short-term support, crisis intervention, and service coordination to clients
Possess a comprehensive knowledge of social service resources within the Halton Region and ability to make referrals, guide and advocate on behalf of clients
Utilize a harm-reduction model as an option when working with clients affected by addiction
Commit to the use of the recovery model while providing client service
Incorporate equity, diversity and inclusion practices and principles in the delivery of client-centered care
Provide COAST crisis line telephone support including referrals and interventions to prevent further crisis.
Utilize evidence-based methods and best practices to: manage client crisis, develop strategies to assist clients to prevent further crisis, provide monitoring and support as they work through their crisis and recovery plans, and establish personal goals that move clients towards recovery.
Provide support to client families and friends as appropriate
Work collaboratively with in-house programs, 988 team, Halton Regional Police Services, local hospital ED’s and Psychiatric Departments, and community agencies.
Comply with Crisis Response Service Standards
Answer 988 lines to assess for suicide, safety, and identify resources to refer caller to the appropriate community resources to address the client’s behavioral health and social needs as required.
Conduct follow-up calls on individuals as part of the safety plan process.
Utilize 988 software to accurately document all client interactions.
Identify best outcomes, including the coordination of wellness checks and/or the dispatch of mobile crisis response teams.
Coordinate services, advocate on behalf of, and develop plans to support the recovery and stabilization of clients.
Ensure clients receive support to de-escalate and stabilize their crisis through a psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery-focused, harm-reduction approach.
Ensure clients are connected with services and supports to enable stable community living that addresses their health and well-being over the longer term.
Provide intensive short-term support to individuals who have called 911 but are diverted by police responders to the CMHA Crisis Call Diversion Worker.
Provide crisis intervention, service coordination and facilitate stabilization help to clients with significant mental health and/ or addiction issues
Focus on strategies to integrate clients into the community following a period of immediate crisis support
Make referrals on behalf of clients to a wide variety of community programs and services that can best meet their individual needs
Commit to supporting client’s health, safety and wellness according to relevant legislation and agency policies and procedures
Maintain a non-judgmental attitude when interacting with contacts, displaying sensitivity to all cultural backgrounds.
Complete all required documentation related to the support of clients
Work collaboratively with community partners in a multidisciplinary approach.