Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Mental Health Support Worker

Island Health; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Mental Health Support Worker to join their multidisciplinary outreach team. In this fulfilling role, you will provide essential community-based support services, assist clients in their mental health and addictions treatment, and empower them through life skills training and advocacy. With a focus on patient and staff safety, you will play a vital part in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing mental health challenges. If you're passionate about making a difference and have the skills to motivate and support others, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience working with persons with mental illness or special needs.
• Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach community-based support services for mental health and addictions treatment.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living and report on their progress.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Ability to work effectively with others

Problem-solving skills

Ability to teach life skills

Advocacy skills

Initiative and independence

Education

Diploma in Community Social Services

Post-secondary education in counselling skills training

Job description

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a shared responsibility. Continuous improvement in quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the team leader or designate, the ACT Mental Health Support Worker is a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-agency outreach team. The role involves providing outreach community-based support services, assisting in mental health and addictions treatment, offering life skills training, coaching, advocacy, and advice to clients experiencing mental health, behavioral, and developmental challenges, as well as to their caregivers and families. All services are delivered in accordance with an established plan of treatment/care. The support worker motivates, assists, and instructs clients with activities of daily living, reports on clients' progress and conditions, including reactions to medications.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Services, e.g., Mental Health Worker, Community Health Worker, Resident Care Attendant/Long Term Care Aide, or Social Services Worker, including post-secondary education in counselling skills training.
• Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act.
• Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering community care.
• Current Level C Basic Life Saving Certificate.
• Valid Class 5 vehicle license.
• Food Safe Certificate.
• A minimum of two years recent related experience working with persons with mental illness or special needs, including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and organize client demands and care needs.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to teach life skills.
• Sound judgment and good observation skills.
• Initiative and independence in performing duties.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Physical and emotional capability to perform duties.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Advocacy skills.
• Travel is required; transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements of Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Link to Full Job Description

https://jd.viha.ca/JD118.pdf