Case Worker (Developmental Services Worker) - Geriatric Mental Health Services

Job Description

If you’re a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) looking to contribute to the development of a unit that includes programming and clinical processes, this position could be for you!

At the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), we count on the expertise and dedication of our skilled inter-professional teams to meet the health care needs of clients with a wide range of diagnoses, and of their families.

The Complex Care and Recovery Program is currently seeking a full-time, temporary (18 months) DSW to work various assigned shifts within the Geriatric Inpatient & Adult Neurodevelopmental Service.

Reporting to the Manager, you will work as part of the inter-professional teams, and under the direction and supervision of the nursing staff.

In this role, you will carry out assigned duties, particularly through ensuring a safe environment, and contribute to the organization and optimal function of the units with a view to promoting and supporting the independence, dignity and social, emotional and cultural well-being of the clients, as well as maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu.

In this position, you will provide support to a dual diagnosis client housed within the Complex Recovery Care Program.

More specifically, as a DSW, you will :

• Work with clients with dual diagnosis disorders, developmental disorders, schizophrenia and other complex mental illnesses, cognitive issues, and / or limited verbal skills including clients with severe aggression or self-injurious behaviours
• Be able to work under the direction of the behavioural therapist having familiarity with positive behavioural supports and functional assessment, and experience implementing behavioural support plans including monitoring and observational data gathering.
• Support activities of daily living, social skills building, provide input to clinical processes, and facilitate interventions.
• Participate in groups, and clinical team reviews; continuous quality improvement initiatives, program development and supervision of students at the college level.
• Engage in clinical documentation and other duties as assigned are parts of the required role.
• Support a healthy workforce that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Provide personal support to clients, including assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), accompanying / escorting clients on and off site for transfers, appointments and programming, and maintaining close or continuous observation of clients.
• Use least restrictive strategies in the prevention of restraint and seclusion, to help maintain safety.
• Collect data on, and communicate both verbally and in writing, behavioural observations and clients’ responses to interventions.
• Assume an active role in maintaining security of the program and service through your relationships with clients, as well as through regulation of the physical environment.
• Support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements.

This position involves 12-hour shift rotations, weekend work and potentially night shifts. This position is located at 1025 Queen Street.

Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate will hold a Developmental Service Worker diploma from a recognized college. Direct experience working with clients who have a dual diagnosis disorder (mental health and developmental disability) is essential.

Working within a biopsychosocial model of care, the successful candidates will have a competent understanding of behavioural treatment protocols such as management techniques.

Knowledge of, and ability to manage, responsive behaviour, and crisis prevention and intervention skills is required. Familiarity with the use of psychotropic medications is preferred.

The successful candidates will possess demonstrated skills and experience in the delivery of person-centered planning and the co-ordination of comprehensive and meaningful activities that promote recovery, enhance clients’ quality of life, and promote socially acceptable behaviours to allow clients to be maintained in their community.

Highly developed therapeutic relationship and advocacy skills are essential, as well as experience in working with complex clients within a team approach.

You will also possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) combined with computer literacy.

Bilingualism (French / English) or proficiency in a second language would be an asset. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and First Aid certifications are assets.

Familiarity with ergonomics of safe patient handling is necessary. Attention to detail and the ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds is required.

All applicants offered and accepting employment must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon receipt of the satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.