Mental Health Support Worker

John Howard Society of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefit plan

4 weeks vacation annually

Defined contribution pension plan

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

John Howard Society of Ottawa is seeking a Part Time Mental Health Support Worker to assist men with major mental illness, substance use, and justice involvement in the community.

The role requires 3–5 years of relevant experience, MHFA/First Aid certifications (or willingness to obtain), and a Diploma in Social Services or related field. OSH Ottawa offers a supportive culture, benefits, and professional development.

Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent in social services or related field.
• Certifications in MHFA, suicide intervention, NV crisis intervention and first aid/CPR or willingness to train.
• Minimum 3–5 years experience with clients with complex needs (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Provide non-clinical support to clients with mental illness and complex needs.
• Document time spent with clients clearly and accurately.
• Engage regularly with clients to build rapport and recovery-oriented goals.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary mental health team.
• Advocate for clients and assist with connecting to crisis resources when needed.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Recovery-oriented approach

Computer proficiency

Time management

Education

Diploma in Social Services or related field

Certifications in Mental Health First Aid/Suicide Intervention/NV Crisis Intervention/First Aid CPR

Tools

Computers & Internet

Job description

Title: Part Time Mental Health Support Worker

Salary: $23.97 - $27.04 per hour ** based on work experience

* *This position is a male designated position given the nature of the client group and that the position is a sole shift **

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the Role:

Are you enthusiastic to assist men with major mental illness, substance use, and Justice involvement transition to healthy, pro-social life in our community? are you searching for an opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and effort to help this vulnerable group in their recovery goals? This may be just the opportunity for you .

As the successful candidate, you have:

• 3-5 years’ experience working with clients with complex needs
• Experience in providing non-clinical support for clients that are forensically involved
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Intervention, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR; or a willingness to be trained in these area
• A Diploma in Social Services or related field, or equivalent education
• This position is for Mental Health Support, not Personal Support as in PSW

You’ll also be prepared to demonstrate …..

• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Understanding and application of recovery principles, and their applications to people with mental illness and complex needs
• Experience supporting people who have a concurrent disorder, physical and mental challenges
• Demonstrated understanding of positive behaviour supports in assisting people to enhance the quality of their lives
• At least a moderate proficiency with computers and internet
• A Positive attitude toward recovery and the mechanisms available to support recovery, including medication and mental health programs
• Regular engagement with clients to develop working relationships and role model positive, recovery-oriented activity
• An understanding of the Ontario Forensic Mental Health System including the role of the Ontario Review Board
• Experience managing the day-to-day operations and property management functions associated with a JHS residential location
• Advocate for clients when they have difficulty advocating for themselves
• Promote practices that support people’s health and safety
• Participate in planned leisure activities with individuals and groups
• Assist clients in connecting to emergency crisis intervention and support when needed
• Support client socialization and self-esteem building
• Clearly document time spent with clients
• Role-model social, leisure, and healthy living skills
• Assist clients while helping them become more self-reliant
• Participate in a multidisciplinary mental health team

You’rea fitwith our organizational culture, if you mirrorourvalues in the way you work:

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, through responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• You work in a way that helps employees and clients live their strengths and reach their potential
• Work with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

You’re a fit with our organizational culture if you believe:

• In building meaningful connections across our programs, partners, and neighborhoods in order to foster inclusion and empowerment.
• In a person-centered approach, recognizing the value, expertise, and capacity of each individual to make choices that lead to their best self.
• That systemic inequalities exist, and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity, to live free from discrimination, to have a home, and to access employment, education, health promotion and other supports.
• In reducing harm to individuals and communities through a non-judgmental approach that builds resiliency and accountability.
• In the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation.