Mental Health Support Worker

Island Health; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Support Worker to join their multidisciplinary team. In this impactful role, you will provide essential life skills training, advocacy, and support to clients facing mental health and developmental challenges. Your experience and compassion will empower individuals to achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life. With a commitment to patient and staff safety, this position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience with mental health or special needs.
• Diploma in Community Social Services required.

Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training and support to clients with mental health issues.
• Assist clients with daily living activities and report progress.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Teaching life skills

Judgment and observation

Team collaboration

Advocacy skills

Education

Diploma in Community Social Services

Post-secondary education in counselling skills

Tools

Basic Life Saving Certificate

Food Safe Certificate

Class 5 vehicle license

Job description

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Coordinator, as a member of a multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health Support Worker provides life skills training, coaching, advocacy, advice, and support services for clients experiencing mental health, behavioral, and developmental problems and to their caregivers/families, in accordance with an established plan of treatment/care. Motivates, assists, and instructs clients with the activities of daily living, reports clients' progress and condition, 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 care in the community. 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/ special needs including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to prioritize and organize client demands made and care needs.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to teach life skills.
• Sound judgment and good observation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of initiative and independence.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Physical and emotional ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Advocacy skills.