Youth Mental Health Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association-Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge•Dysart et al, ON

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Mental Health Worker is a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Point in Time Centre for Children Youth and Parents - Youth Wellness Hub (YWH). Under the collaborative direction of the CMHA HKPR Manager and the YWH Manager, working within the context of a multidisciplinary team, the Youth Mental Health Worker (YMHW) will provide evidence informed mental health interventions and addiction/harm reduction supports to youth, ages 12-25. Using a client-centered approach, the YMHW will use evidence informed screening and assessment tools to provide therapeutic supports and/or interventions to youth, including but not limited to solution-focused narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to youth. This position will have a specialty focus on supporting people with one or more of the following self-identifications: gender diverse, LGBTQI, neuro diverse, intellectual disability, FASD, and learning disability.

Requirements

Successful completion of Bachelor/Masters of Social Work, Psychology, or related degree, with a postgraduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health, or an equivalent combination of work experience and education
Current Certificate of Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is an asset.
Training in information systems, privacy and data management
Successful completion of advanced training in Microsoft software and/or database software
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015)
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
Workplace Discrimination, Harassment & Violence Prevention
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Verbal Intervention Training
Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN)
Training in established Client Record Management System
First Aid/C.P.R.
3 years’ experience working in a related position preferred, ideally in a community-based setting
Experience working with black youth and people of color, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples is an asset
Formal education in the following: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) or other forms of emotional regulation support, Motivational Interviewing, Concurrent Disorders, Trauma-Informed Therapy.
Experience with program evaluation
Experience in the non-for-profit sector or health care setting with a focus on mental health interventions and addiction/harm reduction supports to youth, ages 12-25
Lived expertise with a mental health concern or addiction, either personally or with a family member
Valid G driver’s license
Automobile in good repair and insurance coverage as required by agency policy
Satisfactory police records search
Satisfactory references
Proof of receipt of full COVID-19 vaccine
Ability to work remotely, for example from home, as required.
Requirement to have reliable home internet service and the technology to complete work from a remote location, for example computer/laptop, telephone, etc.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Intermediate to advanced minus proficiency in French

Nice To Haves

Current Certificate of Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Experience working with black youth and people of color, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples is an asset
Formal education in the following: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) or other forms of emotional regulation support, Motivational Interviewing, Concurrent Disorders, Trauma-Informed Therapy.
Experience with program evaluation
Experience in the non-for-profit sector or health care setting with a focus on mental health interventions and addiction/harm reduction supports to youth, ages 12-25
Lived expertise with a mental health concern or addiction, either personally or with a family member
Intermediate to advanced minus proficiency in French

Responsibilities

Provide timely, responsive, evidence-based interventions and support for youth age 12-25
Apply knowledge of the symptoms of overdose/withdrawal of various substances and assist the client in seeking medical attention as required.
Assess, implement and develop evidence-based, best-practice interventions including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, psychosocial education, to promote improved psychological function and recovery
Help identify when youth may require supports – either in terms of mental health or substance use and assist clients in bridging/navigating social service systems, including income supports, psychiatric, medical, behavioural, vocational, educational, housing, and other support services as needed
Help provide education and capacity to all staff re: harm reduction and mental health
Participate in program planning, implementation and evaluations
Collaborate with community partners
Provide referrals/make linkages to culturally appropriate services/supports
Create a welcoming culturally safe space/environment
Participate as a team member in the day to day hub operations
Respond immediately to crisis situations
Complete relevant Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool (crisis)
Establish crisis and suicide safety plans and make referrals (internal or external) as needed
Provide intensive service for up to 21 days
Complete crisis reports, contact notes, consent and other documentation as needed
Liaise with/refer to other service providers as needed
Enter documents and statistics into a database
Manage clients in multiple services (through case conferencing, collaborating with other service providers, writing reports (e.g. coordinated service plans), advocate both internally and externally, offer flexibility on service models to serve youth with multiple co-occurring needs.
Document and maintain electronic youth client records (intake and assessment forms, progress notes, correspondences, client files, etc.)
Support the development of a quality improvement culture across the program and organization.
Actively participate in Q.I. committees to support coordination and service delivery as
Provide support to quality improvement projects in the program portfolio(s).
Participate in the development, implementation, evaluation and revision of program policies and procedures for the program(s), as
Actively participate in the development of a sustainability program to ensure ongoing application of all Accreditation standards, Required Organizational Practices, and Quality Improvement projects.
Stay current with administrative requirements, including relevant legislation and all CMHA HKPR/YWH policies and
Stay current with leading practices in relevant fields (e.g. attending training and/or conferences, reading current literature, etc.)
Ensure that all forms and reports are accurate and submitted within established timelines, consistent with organization policies and
Utilize CMHA HKPR/YWH established client database documentation programs
Participate cooperatively in the agency performance management process/system
Stay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies and procedures
Participate in ongoing professional development and mandatory training
Actively engage and participate in supervisory process
Work in compliance with the Occupational Health And Safety Act, applicable regulations and all organizational health and safety requirements and procedures to ensure the health and safety of clients, staff/colleagues, volunteers and students.
Adhere to CMHA HKPR/YWH client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report on client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate
Attend, participate in team/staff meetings, and all-staff meetings as required
Participate in external committees as required
Set up and take down of meeting rooms and spaces
Duties may change from time to time