Mental Health Specialist

Services-and-Housing-in-the-Province-; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to provide counseling and primary case management for clients in a transitional home showing early signs of psychosis. The role focuses on developing care plans, life skills coaching, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Reporting to the Transitional Program Supervisor, you will help residents access community supports, maintain records, and uphold SHIP’s mission and values.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent.
• 2+ years’ experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or equivalent.
• 1+ years' experience with Mental Health assessment and/or treatment.
• Experience with GAIN-SS, ADAT, or full SPDAT is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).
• A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage.
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR.
• Training in ASIST and CPI.
• Staff may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. Staff receive training within the first eight weeks of employment

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments for clients who are experiencing early signs of psychosis and provide counseling to those with complex challenges.
• Develop plans of care to meet objectives with an emphasis on life skills and potential mentorships.
• Develop and facilitate life skill programming, psycho-social and psycho-education to residents.
• Lead the development of educational programs on mental illness while consulting with team members and community mental health services.
• Assist residents with coping mechanisms to physical and emotional barriers.
• Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community.
• Various residential tasks for daily operation
• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out recovery and support
• Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
• Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
• Adhere to agency Health & Safety programs and the Client Safety Framework
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

Skills

Mental health assessment

Counselling

Case management

Client support

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Driver's license

Job description

Salary Range: $58,082.76 To $67,333.84 Annually

About the Job

Reporting to 84 Frederick Street Transitional Program Supervisor, the Mental Health Specialist will be responsible for providing support and counselling to clients in a transitional home who are experiencing the first signs and symptoms of psychosis. They will act as primary case manager for a caseload as well as consulting on similar mental health challenges and be considered an expert on providing treatment while collaborating with colleagues to determine the appropriate plans of care.

They will operate within a transitional housing program that is focused on providing services to residents who are at risk of homelessness.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments for clients who are experiencing early signs of psychosis and provide counseling to those with complex challenges
• Develop plans of care to meet objectives with an emphasis on life skills and potential mentorships
• Develop and facilitate life skill programming, psycho-social and psycho-education to residents
• Lead the development of educational programs on mental illness while consulting with team members and community mental health services
• Assist residents with coping mechanisms to physical and emotional barriers
• Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
• Various residential tasks for daily operation
• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out recovery and support
• Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
• Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
• Adhere to agency Health & Safety programs and the Client Safety Framework
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent
• 2+ years’ experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or equivalent
• 1+ years' experience with Mental Health assessment and/or treatment
• Experience with GAIN-SS, ADAT, or full SPDAT is considered an asset
• Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI
• Staff may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. Staff receive training within the first eight weeks of employment

Reporting Function

The Mental Health Specialist will report directly to Supervisor, UA Transitional Program. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization. They will have no supervisory responsibilities.

They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Company.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Hours are generally Sunday - Thursday |11pm - 7:30ambut additional hours may be required
• Average amount of physical effort is required.
• Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
• Vehicle travel to sites for community engagement and open doors as required.
• Required to work statutory holidays

Ship Values

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

About us

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Accessibility

“SHIP strives to beequitableand inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values.We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Pleaseadvisethe People and Culture Department of anyaccommodationsneededin accordance withthe Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair andequitableprocess”.

Why Work For Us?

Work-Life Balance

SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization

Our Vision

Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

Our Mission

To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

Our Culture

Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.

Our Commitment

People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

• Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
• Comprehensive Health Plans
• Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
• 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
• 10 Paid Vacation Days
• 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
• Generous Parental and Family Leave
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Travel Allowances
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Culture to be Proud of
• Possibility to Create a Real Impact

35+

Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families

5,000+

Clients and Residents served annually

20+

Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario

500+

Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees

Overnight Sunday - Thursday 11pm - 7:30am
contract end May 31st 2028
Union | 37.5 hours per week