Mental Health Support Worker

John Howard Society of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

11d•CA$24 - CA$27•Onsite

About The Position

This is a part-time position for a Mental Health Support Worker at the John Howard Society of Ottawa. The role involves assisting men with major mental illness, substance use, and justice involvement to transition to healthy, pro-social lives in the community. The position is a sole shift and is designated for males due to the client group. The organization fosters a supportive, innovative, and caring culture for both clients and staff, celebrating diversity and encouraging employees to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa supports a diverse client group including youth and adults from various social, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The organization is committed to providing high-quality service with integrity through responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches. They are seeking diversity in applicants and welcome candidates from various backgrounds, offering accommodation during the interview process.

Requirements

3-5 years’ experience working with clients with complex needs
Experience in providing non-clinical support for clients that are forensically involved
Certification in Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Intervention, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR; or a willingness to be trained in these areas
A Diploma in Social Services or related field, or equivalent education
Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
Understanding and application of recovery principles, and their applications to people with mental illness and complex needs
Experience supporting people who have a concurrent disorder, physical and mental challenges
Demonstrated understanding of positive behaviour supports in assisting people to enhance the quality of their lives
At least a moderate proficiency with computers and internet
A Positive attitude toward recovery and the mechanisms available to support recovery, including medication and mental health programs
Regular engagement with clients to develop working relationships and role model positive, recovery-oriented activity
An understanding of the Ontario Forensic Mental Health System including the role of the Ontario Review Board

Responsibilities

Assist clients in connecting to emergency crisis intervention and support when needed.
Support client socialization and self-esteem building.
Clearly document time spent with clients.
Role-model social, leisure, and healthy living skills.
Assist clients while helping them become more self-reliant.
Participate in a multidisciplinary mental health team.
Advocate for clients when they have difficulty advocating for themselves.
Promote practices that support people’s health and safety.
Participate in planned leisure activities with individuals and groups.
Manage the day-to-day operations and property management functions associated with a JHS residential location.