Mental Health Support Worker

Island Health; Parksville; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health authority in Canada is seeking a Mental Health Support Worker to provide life skills training and support services to individuals facing mental health and developmental challenges. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure client well-being and progress. Candidates should have a diploma in Community Social Services and experience in this field, with effective communication and advocacy skills essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years recent related experience with persons with mental illness/special needs.
• Experience teaching life skills.
• Post-secondary education in counselling skills training.

Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training and support services to clients and families.
• Motivate and assist clients with daily activities.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support client well-being.

Skills

Effective communication

Ability to deal with others

Prioritization and organization

Problem-solving

Teaching life skills

Sound judgment

Observation skills

Initiative and independence

Team cooperation

Promoting positive change

Physical ability

Emotional ability

Equipment operation

Advocacy skills

Education

Diploma in Community Social Services

Current Level C Basic Life Saving Certificate

Food Safe Certificate

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

Provide life skills training, coaching, advocacy, advice, and support services to clients and their caregivers/families in accordance with an established treatment/care plan. Motivate, assist, and instruct clients with activities of daily living. Report on clients\' progress and condition, including reactions to medications. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to support client well-being and recovery.

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.