Behavioural Specialist

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP Pension Plan

Group Health Insurance

Disability & Life Insurance

Work-Life Balance

Professional Development Funding

Job summary

CMHA Toronto is seeking a Behavioural Specialist to join our Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team. The role provides intensive, community-based support to adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring needs, delivering assessments, plans, and evidence-based interventions to promote independence and housing stability.

The position requires a Bachelor's in a behavioural health field and at least three years in community mental health, with experience in CBT/DBT and forensics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, or a related health discipline.
• Minimum three years of community mental health experience with complex cases.
• Experience in behavioural assessments, support plans, and behaviour modification.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based interventions.
• Experience with forensic mental health and Ontario Review Board processes.
• Case management, care coordination, and housing-first experience is a plus.
• Strong assessment, crisis intervention, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse communities.
• Valid Ontario driver's licence and reliable vehicle for community delivery.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive behavioural and mental health assessments.
• Develop, implement and monitor recovery-oriented behavioural plans.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions to promote independence and community integration.
• Support housing stability, eviction prevention, and community-based interventions.
• Coordinate care with clients, hospital teams, and community partners.
• Monitor progress using behavioural data collection and outcome evaluation.
• Assist with Ontario Review Board conditions and hearings as required.
• Provide crisis intervention and risk management when needed.
• Offer staff training on behavioural and mental health topics.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and contribute to quality improvement.

Skills

Behavioural assessments

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Crisis intervention

Documentation & data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Sciences/Psychology/related health discipline

Tools

CBT

DBT

Job description

Behavioral Specialist – Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Team (Full Time Permanent)

The Role and Opportunity

CMHA Toronto is seeking a Behavioural Specialist to join our Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team. The Behavioural Specialist provides intensive community-based support to adults living with serious and persistent mental illness, concurrent substance-use concerns, and forensic mental health needs. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the Behavioural Specialist conducts assessments, develops and implements behavioural support plans, and provides evidence-based interventions that promote recovery, housing stability, community integration, and successful independent living.

Location: 700 Lawrence Ave. W, and in the community

Hiring Salary Range : $58,783 - $64,407

Hours of Work: 35 per week

About CMHA Toronto

CMHA Toronto is the city’s leading community mental health agency. We provide accessible, quality care for Toronto residents through programs, research and advocacy that create belonging and hope. At CMHA Toronto, we take a person-centred , trauma- and violence-informed, and r ecovery-oriented approach to supporting people and their families when they experience mental health challenges or live with mental illness. By integrating health and social care, we provide services that aid in long-term wellness including housing, employment, community connections and so much more. Our goal? Help everyone thrive in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive behavioural, mental health, substance use, and functional assessments to identify client strengths, needs, and service goals.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate individualized, recovery-oriented treatment and behavioural support plans.
• Deliver evidence-based behavioural interventions and skill-building supports to promote recovery, independence, and community integration.
• Support housing stability through housing retention, eviction prevention, advocacy, and community-based interventions.
• Provide care coordination and collaborate with clients, forensic hospital teams, community partners, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Monitor client progress through behavioural data collection, analysis, and outcome evaluation.
• Support clients in understanding and adhering to Ontario Review Board conditions and participate in review board hearings as required.
• Provide crisis intervention, risk management, and support during periods of increased client need.
• Offer consultation and education to staff and service providers on behavioural and mental health-related issues.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and contribute to quality improvement, client safety, and interdisciplinary team initiatives.

Experience & Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, or a related health discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in community mental health supporting individuals with complex mental health and substance use concerns.
• Experience conducting behavioural assessments, developing behavioural support plans, and implementing behaviour modification strategies.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented practice, trauma- and violence-informed, and evidence-based interventions, including CBT and DBT.
• Experience working with forensic mental health populations and knowledge of the criminal justice system and Ontario Review Board processes.
• Experience in case management, care coordination, and community-based service delivery; Housing First experience is considered an asset.
• Strong assessment, crisis intervention, documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and with diverse communities.
• Valid Ontario driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle for community-based service delivery.

Why Choose CMHA Toronto?

If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement.

Our benefits include:

• Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement
• Comprehensive Group Health Insurance – Health, Dental, Vision, Paramedicals
• Short-term and Long-term Disability programs and life insurance to protect your income upon illness or injury
• Work-life balance and flexibility – to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you
• Annual Professional Development Funding for career learning and advancement
• Work with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery
• Build genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues and clients, with the goal of making a difference

CMHA Toronto is an award-winning workplace committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and accountability. Our staff value the flexibility in work schedules, the emphasis on work-life balance, and the organization's commitment to continuous learning through training and development opportunities. Many employees highlight the strong sense of community and support that make CMHA Toronto feel like more than just a workplace.

As an equity-informed employer, CMHA Toronto reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from equity-deserving candidates, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and women. We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. Personal experience with mental health challenges, whether firsthand or through a loved one, is considered an asset. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please inform us before the interview if you require an accommodation.

To be eligible for this role candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination.

Important Disclosure: We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process.

This posting is for a new vacancy.

CMHA Toronto thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.