Mental Health Clinician

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Crisis Call Diversion program is a partnership between Lakeridge Health and Durham Region Police Service. The Mental Health Clinician will be positioned at the DRPS Communications Centre and work in collaboration with communications/911 staff to divert non-imminent risk mental health calls away from a police response and toward community based supports. The Mental Health Clinician will respond to callers in order to de-escalate, assess risk, provide crisis intervention, and refer callers to appropriate services. The Mental Health Clinician will complete follow up work to ensure action plans are effective, de-escalation and safety continues, and linkage to service referrals are successful.

* Develop and maintain an effective partnership with Communications/911 staff and Durham Regional Police Services;
* Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and engage in positive working relationships with same;
* Conduct comprehensive assessments of adults and youth experiencing a range of emotional, psychological and/or psychiatric issues including those acutely under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol with concurrent disorders;
* Engagement with family members and significant others as strengths to the individuals situation and care team;
* Operate from a trauma and violence informed perspective
* Develop a plan of action/care to meet the person's immediate needs based on input from multiple sources;
* Provide follow-up as needed to ensure the person is linked/re-linked to supportive services;
* Document the assessment, plan, intervention, consent as applicable, disposition, data and other information;
* Collect and compile program statistical information; and
* Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Master's degree in Social Work, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy or equivalent and eligible for certification/membership in a registered professional association
* Current Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification (or equivalent), or obtained within 6 months of hire;
* Considerable experience in acute mental health setting required;
* Exceptional skills and experience in conducting mental health assessments with associated action and treatment plans;
* Ability to speak another language an asset;
* Experience working with individuals with substance use disorder and/or addictions is an asset;
* Demonstrated excellence in crisis intervention and de-escalation skills;
* Demonstrated knowledge and skills in clinical assessment, psychotherapy, and supportive counselling;
* Demonstrated ability to communicate information effectively and sensitively to both individuals and diverse groups;
* Proven competencies in problem solving, mediation and conflict resolution;
* Knowledge of and ability to access community resources;
* Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team;
* Proven ability to work effectively with persons (i.e Communication/911 staff) whose role and perspective are different;
* Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, PHIPA, HCCA;
* Sound knowledge of the principles of the therapeutic relationship and their application to crisis intervention;
* Demonstrates excellent organizational and time-management skills;
* Demonstrates initiative and the ability to function both independently and as a multidisciplinary team member in a fast paced demanding environment;
* Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, communication and leadership skills;
* Proficiency in computer skills;
* Demonstrated commitment to continual learning;
* Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Compassion, Innovation, Courage and Trust;
* Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices, including staff safety, patient safety, environmental safety and participates in regular in-service education in this area.


At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@lh.ca .

Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.

Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Hospital and OPSEU Local 348.

Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.

Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.