Mental Health Support Worker

University of Guelph • Guelph, ON

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Support Worker assists students experiencing complex mental health needs by supporting students to manage goals for day-to-day functioning that will assist the student in their academic success. The Support Worker takes a person-centered and recovery approach to set goals with students and assist them with progress toward their goals. The MHSW can meet with students with an increased frequency to build and practice skills that contribute to growth in goal areas such as academics, mental health, executive functioning, housing stability, and community connectedness. Utilizing case management strategies and structure, the MHSW will support students to access and connect to formal and informal support. The Support Worker is a member of an interdisciplinary team that may be unique for each student. They ensure their work with the student is aligned with the overarching care team plan and ensure clear communication between the care team and the student. They also assist students to monitor mental health symptoms, stay engaged with a treatment plan, develop crisis plans and communicate barriers. They collaborate with community partners, as well as university faculty and staff, to facilitate access to services, and to advocate on behalf of students. They may also provide training, workshops or facilitate support and skills-based groups.

Requirements

• University Degree in the field of social work, psychology, or other health related discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years related experience working with people with complex mental health/addiction issues.
• Demonstrated mental health case management experience including crisis intervention/risk assessment, emotional regulation, harm reduction experience and goal-focused support.
• Experience working with students with diverse identities and demonstrated understanding, training, and experience with anti-oppressive practice.
• Experience working with people who are marginalized and at risk.
• Experience with various service systems and developing support teams for folks with complex mental health.
• Understanding of the broader mental health system, including emergency mental health services, procedures, and legislation.
• Clear understanding of privacy legislation as it relates to work with students, and with support teams with diverse membership.
• A broad understanding of development in adolescence and young adulthood.
• Excellent communication skills: Presentation skills.
• Experience in development and delivery of training, workshops.
• Experience with support and skills-based groups.

Nice To Haves

• Previous post-secondary experience an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist students experiencing complex mental health needs by supporting them to manage goals for day-to-day functioning that will assist in academic success.
• Take a person-centered and recovery approach to set goals with students and assist them with progress toward their goals.
• Build and practice skills that contribute to growth in goal areas such as academics, mental health, executive functioning, housing stability, and community connectedness.
• Utilize case management strategies and structure to support students in accessing and connecting to formal and informal support.
• Be a member of an interdisciplinary team, ensuring work with the student is aligned with the overarching care team plan.
• Ensure clear communication between the care team and the student.
• Assist students to monitor mental health symptoms, stay engaged with a treatment plan, develop crisis plans and communicate barriers.
• Collaborate with community partners, university faculty and staff to facilitate access to services and advocate on behalf of students.
• Provide training, workshops or facilitate support and skills-based groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level