Addictions and Mental Health Specialist - Full Time

Who we are:

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years.

During that time, it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that, in addition to dealing with client mental health issues, address social determinants of health using the recovery model.

Overview of the Role:

Reporting to the HART Hub Lead, this individual plays a vital role in supporting individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This includes providing integrated clinical, therapeutic, education and advocacy interventions, in collaboration with medical staff.  This individual will also play a role in delivering essential programming with an expertise in concurrent disorders, trauma and complex illness.

Location: HART Hub employees may begin work at 60 Bond St. West, and will move to the designated HART Hub location in Oshawa at a later date. 

Hiring for Multiple Positions. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Treatment Planning

Develops, writes, implements, evaluates and revises overall treatment goals and plans in collaboration with clients and team members

Develops, writes, implements, evaluates and revises integrated treatment goals and plans in collaboration with clients and all other team members.

Collaborates with partners to plan and deliver priority addictions and mental health education and recovery programming to align with program aims

Works with other program staff in one-on-one and/or group situations to assist clients in developing life skills and promoting sharing of responsibilities associated with co-ed and co-operative living in order for clients to reach their goals to move onto more independent housing

Education and Advocacy

Ensures that clients understand CMHA Durham services and agree to the expectations related to HART Hub services using appropriate agreements

Advocates for, and with, clients and caregivers in collaboration with service providers ensuring clients obtain the most appropriate services and receive continuity in their care

Provides addiction support and training to staff within the organization

Provides on-site supports to clients establishing peer and family support networks

Acts as a liaison between additional mental health and substance use treatment services to obtain assistance for clients as needed

Monitoring and Documentation

Monitors, reviews and updates Client Care Plans with input from the multidisciplinary team on a regular basis revising the plan, as necessary, ensuring flexibility to meet client’s needs

Documents client contacts using clinical methods and within predetermined time frame in accordance with CMHA policies and procedures

Provides on-call crisis intervention and counselling as needed for all program clients Provides individual and group treatment services

Attends professional meetings, educational conferences and designated training workshops, as assigned to maintain up-to-date knowledge and transfer knowledge to staff within the organization

Client Safety

Adhere to CMHA Durham 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 client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.

Other Duties as Assigned

Attend, participate in team meetings and all employee meetings

Participate in organizational quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation projects, committee work, special events

Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level

Participate in external committees as required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Effort:

Sits at desk, stands and walks daily to perform the duties of the job.

Concentration, conceptualization and attentiveness required daily to answer all inquiries.

Operates personal vehicle to perform the duties of the job

Creativity and innovation required daily using sight, hearing and touch to operate a computer,

Develop strategic actions, develop/provide information on policies and procedures,

Proofread, perform comprehensive assessments, and read documents,

Resolve conflicts, problem solve, facilitate meetings, attend meetings, oversee daily operations, manage caseloads, prepare documents, listen to clients etc.

Risk Management:

Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of employees and clients 

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in a related area of study (i.e. mental health, social sciences or human services)
and
a minimum of three years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Membership in good standing to relevant College or other regulatory body as applicable

Sound knowledge the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, Ontario ACT Standards, social service benefits and related legislation in Ontario

Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a multidisciplinary care setting , with a solid understanding of significant client trauma

A minimum of 2 years' experience in mental health and/or addictions

Previous experience in working with life limiting diagnoses an asset

Recent work experience in addictions and mental health and/or concurrent disorders

Valid Ontario Driver’s license, access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage

Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook), as well as the internet

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; able to prioritize

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed approach

Strong knowledge in various aspects of applicable legislation

Effective client relationship building skills; understanding the client’s needs and background

Ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of a team, management, board of directors, stakeholders and partners such as external vendors

Able to integrate CMHA Durham’s philosophy of being a “welcoming organization” into everyday practice.

Ability to adapt to change and navigate through ambiguous situations

Knowledge of Indigenous communities and cultural practices (preferred). 

Intermediate fluency in French considered an asset 

Work outside of normal business hours as required, in compliance with the Disconnect from Work policy. 

Working Conditions:

Works on site in office settings and occasionally off site in the community in public environments Exposure to psychiatric behaviors that may be considered offensive (abusive/irate clients), deadlines, multiple demands, distractions/Interruptions   

Some exposure to hazards (smoke, pets)

What we offer:

CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, age, faith, or ability. With a flexible working model (within reasonable parameters of the program), memberships to meditation apps, competitive vacation, wellness time and 100% employer paid health benefits, work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday – Friday work week has 35 hours for most positions and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.

Read more about us at CMHADurham.org/getinvolved.

CMHA Durham endorses the principles of workforce diversity and does not use AI algorithms or automated decision-making in the recruitment process.   All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise us if you require any level of accommodation; we are here to help and support you.