Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.  The Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker provides support services to clients who are seriously affected by substance use and/or mental health problems. Monitors clients, documents and provides verbal reports on observations in accordance with standard procedures or specific direction, facilitates the use of community services and resources and provides information on community services, and liaises and coordinates services with mental health, addictions, medical professionals and other related services.  Participates in the process of case planning, assists clients in the development of life skills and healthy lifestyles and escorts clients to appointments as needed.  Participates in team meetings and corporate initiatives, engages in ongoing team planning and quality improvement activities, participates in maintaining a healthy environment for clients and team, and performs a variety of clerical duties as required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Monitors clients in accordance with treatment objectives; observes behaviors and symptoms and documents observations in accordance with standard procedures.  Recognizes anticipated/unanticipated client responses to the recovery process; provides verbal reports on changes in client's appearance, behavior, and/or health.
2.    As required, participates in the admission, case planning, and discharge process for clients by methods such as conducting interview with client and family to identify and assessing client’s needs; gathering appropriate history, and collecting relevant records and documentation; attending and participating in client case meetings; developing an individual care plan by collaborating with interdisciplinary team.
3.    Establishes rapport with clients based on respect; provides emotional support and supportive counseling, assists with problem solving day to day matters/issues of living, managing behaviors and self care/personal hygiene, etc. Recommends/discusses changes to treatment goals with Counsellors.
4.    Assists clients with daily living activities including time management, organization and interpersonal communication. Escorts clients to medical, dental and social appointments and acts as a role model to facilitate appropriate social behaviors.  Participates in activities to support skill development and addictions recovery.
5.    Participates in case planning; interviews clients to identify problems/needs, assists with collecting relevant records, documents client’s progress. Coordinates services with medical professionals and use of community services/resources; acts as an advocate for clients, provides information on community services.  
6.    Provides assistance with obtaining accommodations for clients including temporary and permanent housing.  Encourages and supports exploration of educational goals and provides opportunities for entrance into job training/retraining initiatives and program.  
7.    Plans, organizes, facilitates and leads/co-leads groups such as sports and exercise, Talking Circle, relapse prevention, social support groups, and social activities, depending on the needs of the clients.
8.    Participates in team meetings, continuing education, conferences, and/or corporate initiatives by methods such as providing input, presenting relevant material, and acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program.
9.    Prepares and maintains client charts by performing duties such as receiving referral/admission documentation, as required.  Enters information into computerized client database including updating existing files, completing a variety of standard forms as required, maintaining statistical information, and forwarding designated forms/files to applicable area.
10.    Maintains a safe and clean environment for clients and team; performs general housekeeping/cleaning duties, handles/disposes of workplace hazardous material in accordance with established procedures and reports incidents and/or equipment problems to others.
11.    Collaborates with administrative staff in performance of a variety of clerical duties; answers phone, takes/relays messages, responds to routine inquiries, greets visitors, prepares and maintains files, sorting/distributing mail.
12.    Engages in team planning activities; attends meetings, reviews team policies and procedures and provides feedback to others regarding efficiency of processes/procedures relating to work duties.
13.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
•    Diploma from a recognized Social Services Support Worker educational program, two (2) years’ recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  Valid B.C. driver's license.  Local area travel requires the use of a personal vehicle.

Skills and Abilities
•    Knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.
•    Knowledge of community, social and health resources.
•    Knowledge of substance misuse and of problems encountered by chemically dependant individuals; basic understanding of behavior management.
•    Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment.
•    Ability to demonstrate and assist client with development of health life skills.
•    Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
•    Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
•    Ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behavior, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques.
•    Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
•    Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
•    Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines.
•    Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory work relationships with the public and other employees, to deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, public and staff from other agencies, to maintain confidentiality and to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
•    Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
•    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
•    Ability to operate related equipment.
•    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.