Community Support Counsellor (Assertive Community Treatment)

Michael Garron Hospital; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Community Support Counsellor to join their interdisciplinary team, providing essential mental health care and support to individuals facing serious challenges. This role emphasizes a client-centered approach, ensuring timely and equitable access to care. Ideal candidates will have a background in psychology or a related health field, with proven experience in assessments, crisis management, and collaborative care. Join a dedicated team committed to improving the lives of those in the community and making a meaningful impact through compassionate support and innovative practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience with adults living with serious mental health challenges.
• Strong skills in conducting assessments and treatment planning.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the ACT team to provide mental health care.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and treatment planning.

Skills

Biopsychosocial assessments

Mental status evaluations

Crisis prevention and management

Advocacy and mediation

Conflict resolution

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

B.A. Psychology

BSW or degree in health-related field

First Aid/CPR certification

Tools

Computer technology

Job description

OVERVIEW

Community Outreach Services (COS) at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) supports individuals impacted by serious mental health concerns, many with concurrent disorders, and their families. The team is comprised of the Reach team, the Community, School & Family Outreach Program and COMPASS, the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT). COS is a community-based mental health program providing interdisciplinary care using a flexible, responsive approach to ensure individual’s needs are met in a timely, client-centred manner and with minimal barriers to access.

Directly reporting to the Manager, the Community Support Counsellor (CSC) functions as an active member of the interdisciplinary ACT team, working collaboratively with all team members to provide mental health care and support appropriate to scope of practice, to ensure care is delivered using a health equity lens according to best practice, relevant College requirements as well as applicable program standards.

This position is required to work the equivalent of 5 days per week, including some weekend/on-call duties. This position will provide cross-coverage to other mental health services based on operational needs.

EDUCATION

1. B.A. Psychology, BSW or a degree in a health related field.
2. Completion of specialized training/course in the support and management of serious mental health challenges preferred.
3. Additional training in mental health recovery, harm reduction and various therapeutic modalities such as motivational interviewing or crisis prevention/management strong assets.
4. Registration with Professional College considered a strong asset.
5. First Aid/CPR certification an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum 2 years recent experience working with adults living with serious mental health challenges in a community or hospital-based setting.
2. Proven skills and experience in conducting biopsychosocial assessments, mental status evaluations, and treatment planning with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
3. Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed manner using well developed leadership, critical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills.
4. Proven ability to evaluate and respond to emerging concerns related to client safety and well being.
5. Experience with preventing and responding to crises.
6. Demonstrated commitment to collaborative client-centred care.
7. Training, knowledge and experience in anti-oppressive approaches to care/treatment.
8. Demonstrated competency and experience working with diverse communities using a health equity lens.
9. Excellent advocacy and mediation skills.
10. Knowledge and experience applying conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
11. Knowledge and experience working with adults with histories of trauma, abuse, self-harm and/or suicidal behaviour.
12. Knowledge of adult mental health and substance use/addiction resources.
13. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in an interprofessional team environment.
14. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing quality improvement and excellence in care.
15. Strong oral and written communication skills.
16. Excellent interpersonal skills.
17. Demonstrated professionalism, accountability and positive attitude.
18. Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications.
19. Good work and attendance record required.
20. Demonstrated knowledge and application of legislation that guides mental health and addiction nursing practice including the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act.
21. All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) [formerly Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH)] agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
22. All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
23. All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and practices.