Mental Health Support Worker - (215789)

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare authority seeks a Mental Health Support Worker to join their multidisciplinary team. This role involves providing essential life skills training and support to clients facing mental health and developmental challenges, while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Candidates should have a relevant diploma and experience working with individuals with mental illness. The position emphasizes effective communication, advocacy skills, and the ability to teach life skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years recent related experience with persons with mental illness or special needs.
• Post-secondary education in counselling skills training is preferred.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act and Guardianship Act.

Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training, coaching, and support for clients with mental health challenges.
• Motivate and assist clients with daily living activities.
• Report on clients' progress and reactions to medications.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Ability to interact effectively

Ability to prioritize and organize

Problem-solving skills

Ability to teach life skills

Sound judgment

Initiative and independence

Ability to work in a team

Physical and emotional capacity

Advocacy skills

Education

Diploma in Community Social Services

Current Level C Basic Life Saving Certificate

Food Safe Certificate

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 shared responsibility. Continuous improvement in quality and safety is inherent in this position.

Reporting to the Coordinator, the Mental Health Support Worker is a member of a multidisciplinary team. They provide life skills training, coaching, advocacy, advice, and support services for clients experiencing mental health, behavioral, and developmental challenges, as well as support for their caregivers and families. This is done in accordance with an established treatment or care plan. The role involves motivating, assisting, and instructing clients with activities of daily living, reporting on clients' progress and condition, including reactions to medications.

Qualifications: Education, Training, and Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Services, such as 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 community care delivery.
• 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 or special needs, including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and organize client demands and care needs.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to teach life skills.
• Sound judgment and good observation skills.
• Initiative and independence in work.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Physical and emotional capacity to perform duties.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Advocacy skills.

For more details, see the full job description here.