Addictions and Mental Health Specialist - 4 month FT CONTRACT

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 assetRecent 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 position 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.

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