Mental Health & Addictions Navigator (CONTRACT)

Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI)•Calgary, AB

3d•Onsite

About The Position

At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission – to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time – goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives. We are more than an emergency shelter. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports. All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open. Reporting to the Supervisor of Urban Response programs, alongside other Health & Recovery Services Leadership, the Mental Health & Addictions System Navigator (MH&A SN) works collaboratively with all Health & Recovery Services programs to support clients with their mental health and/or addictions needs while in Emergency Shelter. The Mental Health & Addictions System Navigator will work with a multidisciplinary team to support client intakes, discharge planning, completing assessments, treatment planning, case management, goal setting, connection to community, and building social and/or recovery capital. Employing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach, the MH&A SN will provide a range of interventions and services that work with clients towards achieving their goals.

Requirements

A Diploma or bachelor’s degree in a related field (for example, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work, Addictions Counselling, Human Services, etc.) preferred. Proof of completion required (if applicable).
Two years related experience and asset, preferably in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness.
A combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
This position may include driving clients to and from appointments in the community and/or attending appointments within the city limits within regular working hours. The successful candidate must hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and provide a Driver’s Abstract. Proof of each required.
Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
Comfortable working with clients who are actively under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
Excellent de-escalation and crisis intervention skills.
Ability to maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries.
Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response.
Knowledge of community resources available throughout Calgary.
Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time.
Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously.
Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids.
High resilience in a stressful working environment.
Must demonstrate compassion with healthy boundaries as they work with vulnerable cases that has physical and mental health complexity.
A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.

Nice To Haves

Recovery Coaching Certificate an asset
Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or more years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.

Responsibilities

Support with client triage, intake and assessments and discharge processes.
Work with clients towards individualized goal-setting and co-creating and updating care plans, while assisting clients in building social and/or recovery capital.
Work with clients in monitoring progress, adapting goals as needed and ultimately achieving their recovery goals.
Connect and refer clients to recovery-oriented and/or community services and programs.
Support with systems navigation (e.g. health benefits, income support).
Work with clients towards a sustainable discharge plan.
Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions.
Use Motivational Interviewing skills to help clients understand and move through the Stages of Change.
Support with health promotion and education.
Participate in data collection and program evaluation.
Participate in team meetings, rounds, case conferences and ongoing professional development.
Respond to crisis and emergency situations.
Complete assessments, case notes, client logs and other documentation in a professional and timely manner in the DI database (Guestbook), and Electronic Medical Record (Telus CHR)
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for continuity of care and improve patient/client outcomes.