Crisis Counsellor

JOB POSTING

Position: MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS COUNSELLOR

Department: Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg (AHWC) Clinical Operations

Site: Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. (AHWC) in the Neeginan Centre

Address: 181 Higgins Avenue

Reports to: Director of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic & Director of RAAM Clinic

Status: 1.0 FTE (Flexible to hire up to 2 positions in 1.0 FTE) (7.5 hrs/day)

Hours of Operation: 11AM-7PM Tuesday – Friday; Saturday’s 9AM-4:30PM

Union: Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals (MAHCP)

Salary: $39.52, $40.31, $41.12, $41.94

Date: Immediately

JOB OVERVIEW

This role will be supported between two clinics: 1) The Mobile Healthcare Clinic and 2) Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic. Both clinics offer a point of access into the health system specifically for vulnerable and unsheltered community members, who otherwise experience inequitable healthcare access. The role will require travelling and parking near encampments, shelters, and bridges where the need is greatest, offering immediate and ongoing primary care prevention, treatment, and counselling, is the purpose of the mobile clinic.

The Mental Health Crisis Counsellor will take the initial lead on providing the acute and comprehensive and intensive brief case management, treatment, systems navigation, and counselling for individuals in mental health or psychosocial crisis seeking support. A key function will include assisting individuals to navigate the broader community system of care to access services.

Drawing from AHWC’s mission statement and values, and working as a member of a diverse, inter-professional team, this person will be a welcoming, kind, and compassionate front-line person for community members when they visit the Indigenous-led Mobile Healthcare Clinic to access supports during their healing journey.

EDUCATION

• Completion of a recognized degree or diploma from a University or Community College program in Social Services, or a related health discipline preferred
• Graduate degree, preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as recognized by AHWC and Crisis Response Services may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of two years’ mental health experience at the para-professional level, providing crisis and trauma support services to adults with mental illness required
• Preferred experience in working with individuals experiencing a psychosocial crisis
• Understanding of Recovery Oriented Guidelines Basic familiarity of a range of mental illness presentations
• Basic knowledge Mental Health Programs and Services
• Familiarity with relevant aspects of the Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Act, and Child & Family Services Act
• Familiarity with Crisis Intervention Theory and risk management responsibilities
• Understanding of Trauma Informed Care
• Understands the basic tenets of Mental Health Promotion, Suicide Prevention Initiatives, and CODI Initiatives
• ASIST and Suicide Assessment and Intervention
• Knowledge and experience in working with people with substance related concerns
  

SPECIAL TRAINING

• Mental Health First Aide and ASIST certificates or willingness to obtain
• Basic Cardiac Life Saving Certificate, preferred
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training, preferred Safe Food Handling Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Computer skills including Internet and Microsoft Programs (Word, Outlook)
• Working knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR), preferred
• Addiction related training, an asset
  

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Cognizant and respectful of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple demands, and prioritize duties
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to receive and give direction
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with resources
• Proficient at case management
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Crisis intervention and time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills through clear communication and positive behavior within the Respectful Workplace Policy
• Adherence to all Workplace Safety and Health regulations and Safe Work practices
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
  

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Welcomes and supports all Indigenous - First Nation, Inuit, and Métis – and non-Indigenous community members entering AHWC / Mobile Healthcare Clinic, including people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and persons who live with disabilities; sees to their immediate comfort
Possesses knowledge of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, substance use, mental health/illness, racism, and other challenges faced by Indigenous populations in Winnipeg
Nurtures a judgement-free, shame-free environment, focused on harm-reduction and the journey of healing that the individual has defined for themselves Emphasizes culturally sensitive, culturally relevant, person-centered care
Delivers safe and clinical practices in accordance with: AHWC’s program standards, policy and procedural operations, and organizational values; Mobile Healthcare Clinic’s program standards; Regional Health and Provincial protocols
Collects and has access to Personal Health Information (PHI) and must follow Manitoba and/or WRHA instructions respecting security, use, storage, and destruction of PHI
Maintains key working relationships: Collaborates as required with withdrawal management services and addiction treatment agencies; Interfaces with Clinical Team Leads / Mobile Healthcare Clinic, all Team Members, Inpatient and Community Mental Health Services, as well as external agencies/organizations, stakeholders, and general public; Works in collaboration with Mobile Healthcare team, Shared Health and WRHA care professionals/departments
Supports and monitors individual/family: Provides orientation to individuals and families on Mobile Healthcare Clinic processes; apprises of wait times; Assists individuals and families to reduce any immediate distress; Monitors clients for changes in their mental and physical status and promptly reports same to Director and appropriate Mobile Healthcare team members; Is assertive during crisis intervention in a timely fashion in order to mitigate the situation, reduce risks and ensure safety; Provides support to the client and identify areas where additional or different support may be needed; Collaborates and consults with appropriate members of the Mobile Healthcare team regarding any changes in client behavior /or required changes in the intervention process; Facilitates problem-solving techniques with the client, in consultation with Mobile Healthcare team and other allied health professionals identified in care plan; Supports a Collaborative Care Model; Provides accompaniment on transfers to other facilities as per multi-disciplinary team plan, at the direction of Director and/or most responsible provider of Mobile Healthcare team.
Documents: Engages in Intake / Registration Process with client; Documents in EMR client file, all pertinent information in a clear and concise manner and in accordance with SOAP format, policies, and legal guidelines; Communicates level of client acuity in client file; Assigns and documents client room location; Books appointments and documents in electronic health record; Receives and sends faxes.
Maintains Premises: Maintains general tidiness and cleanliness of mobile vehicle; Assists in maintaining a safe working environment; Ensures that environment is conducive to recovery-oriented client care
Establishes a good therapeutic rapport with clinic visitors
Gives community members hope and encouragement
Addresses the guilt and shame that commonly accompany addiction, mental health, and homelessness
Educates patients on cognitive strategies for coping with cravings
Gives practical guidance on relationships, housing, and finances
Encourages patients to seek help from community resources (such as self- help groups and mental health services), and/or the PEER Support Worker on team
Gives community members hope and encouragement
Assists in response to emergencies by being familiar with the fire plan, emergency procedures, safety protocols, and location of emergency equipment, etc.
Responds to emergency codes as per procedures
Works in collaboration with Director of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic and report operational issues as advised
Attends staff meetings as required
Meets with Director as required
Completes other duties that may be assigned (be a ‘Helper’) when required as part of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic team, not exceeding stated skills and capabilities

DECISION MAKING

Ability to distinguish between circumstances in which decisions can be made independently and those where consultation is needed
Ability to determine the best recommendations to make when approached for advice or resources
Knows how to obtain evidence-based information necessary to make informed recommendations and referrals

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Days, evenings, and weekend shifts
Must be able to lift up to 30lbs daily
Must be able to walk up to 5K-7K steps per day and stand for 50 percent of the time Unexpected deadlines
Some interruptions from internal and external sources
Wide range of client-related and environmental responsibility (stocking, light lifting, transport tasks)
Should have good coping and stress management skills

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

MB Driver’s Class 5 license (preferred)
Proof of recognized degree or diploma from a University or Community College program in Social Services, or a related health regulatory body

All positions are subject to Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry checks. Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine the knowledge, skill, and ability required for position.

AHWC is committed to equity and inclusion and is on an earnest journey to increase responsiveness to Indigenous peoples by promoting a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, those with personal and/or familial lived experience, and members of equity-seeking groups. Qualified applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their application.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: June 17, 2024 or when position is filled

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three work related references to:

Laiza at [email protected]

Requisition Users
Org Chief Team

JOB OVERVIEW

This role will be supported between two clinics: 1) The Mobile Healthcare Clinic and 2) Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic. Both clinics offer a point of access into the health system specifically for vulnerable and unsheltered community members, who otherwise experience inequitable healthcare access. The role will require travelling and parking near encampments, shelters, and bridges where the need is greatest, offering immediate and ongoing primary care prevention, treatment, and counselling, is the purpose of the mobile clinic.

The Mental Health Crisis Counsellor will take the initial lead on providing the acute and comprehensive and intensive brief case management, treatment, systems navigation, and counselling for individuals in mental health or psychosocial crisis seeking support. A key function will include assisting individuals to navigate the broader community system of care to access services.

Drawing from AHWC’s mission statement and values, and working as a member of a diverse, inter-professional team, this person will be a welcoming, kind, and compassionate front-line person for community members when they visit the Indigenous-led Mobile Healthcare Clinic to access supports during their healing journey.

EDUCATION

Completion of a recognized degree or diploma from a University or Community College program in Social Services, or a related health discipline preferred
Graduate degree, preferred
An equivalent combination of education and experience as recognized by AHWC and Crisis Response Services may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of two years’ mental health experience at the para-professional level, providing crisis and trauma support services to adults with mental illness required
Preferred experience in working with individuals experiencing a psychosocial crisis
Understanding of Recovery Oriented Guidelines
Basic familiarity of a range of mental illness presentations
Basic knowledge Mental Health Programs and Services
Familiarity with relevant aspects of the Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Act, and Child & Family Services Act
Familiarity with Crisis Intervention Theory and risk management responsibilities
Understanding of Trauma Informed Care
Understands the basic tenets of Mental Health Promotion, Suicide Prevention Initiatives, and CODI Initiatives
ASIST and Suicide Assessment and Intervention
Knowledge and experience in working with people with substance related concerns

SPECIAL TRAINING

Mental Health First Aide and ASIST certificates or willingness to obtain
Basic Cardiac Life Saving Certificate, preferred
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training, preferred
Safe Food Handling Certificate or willingness to obtain
Computer skills including Internet and Microsoft Programs (Word, Outlook)
Working knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR), preferred
Addiction related training, an asset

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Cognizant and respectful of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple demands, and prioritize duties
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to receive and give direction
Ability to coordinate and collaborate with resources
Proficient at case management
Effective problem-solving skills
Crisis intervention and time management skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated interpersonal skills through clear communication and positive behavior within the Respectful Workplace Policy
Adherence to all Workplace Safety and Health regulations and Safe Work practices
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to respect and promote confidentiality

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Welcomes and supports all Indigenous - First Nation, Inuit, and Métis – and non-Indigenous community members entering AHWC / Mobile Healthcare Clinic, including people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and persons who live with disabilities; sees to their immediate comfort
Possesses knowledge of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, substance use, mental health/illness, racism, and other challenges faced by Indigenous populations in Winnipeg
Nurtures a judgement-free, shame-free environment, focused on harm-reduction and the journey of healing that the individual has defined for themselves
Emphasizes culturally sensitive, culturally relevant, person-centered care
Delivers safe and clinical practices in accordance with: AHWC’s program standards, policy and procedural operations, and organizational values; Mobile Healthcare Clinic’s program standards; Regional Health and Provincial protocols
Collects and has access to Personal Health Information (PHI) and must follow Manitoba and/or WRHA instructions respecting security, use, storage, and destruction of PHI
Maintains key working relationships: Collaborates as required with withdrawal management services and addiction treatment agencies; Interfaces with Clinical Team Leads / Mobile Healthcare Clinic, all Team Members, Inpatient and Community Mental Health Services, as well as external agencies/organizations, stakeholders, and general public; Works in collaboration with Mobile Healthcare team, Shared Health and WRHA care professionals/departments
Supports and monitors individual/family: Provides orientation to individuals and families on Mobile Healthcare Clinic processes; apprises of wait times; Assists individuals and families to reduce any immediate distress; Monitors clients for changes in their mental and physical status and promptly reports same to Director and appropriate Mobile Healthcare team members; Is assertive during crisis intervention in a timely fashion in order to mitigate the situation, reduce risks and ensure safety; Provides support to the client and identify areas where additional or different support may be needed; Collaborates and consults with appropriate members of the Mobile Healthcare team regarding any changes in client behavior /or required changes in the intervention process; Facilitates problem-solving techniques with the client, in consultation with Mobile Healthcare team and other allied health professionals identified in care plan; Supports a Collaborative Care Model; Provides accompaniment on transfers to other facilities as per multi-disciplinary team plan, at the direction of Director and/or most responsible provider of Mobile Healthcare team.
Documents: Engages in Intake / Registration Process with client; Documents in EMR client file, all pertinent information in a clear and concise manner and in accordance with SOAP format, policies, and legal guidelines; Communicates level of client acuity in client file; Assigns and documents client room location; Books appointments and documents in electronic health record; Receives and sends faxes.
Maintains Premises: Maintains general tidiness and cleanliness of mobile vehicle; Assists in maintaining a safe working environment; Ensures that environment is conducive to recovery-oriented client care
Establishes a good therapeutic rapport with clinic visitors
Gives community members hope and encouragement
Addresses the guilt and shame that commonly accompany addiction, mental health, and homelessness
Educates patients on cognitive strategies for coping with cravings
Gives practical guidance on relationships, housing, and finances
Encourages patients to seek help from community resources (such as self- help groups and mental health services), and/or the PEER Support Worker on team
Gives community members hope and encouragement
Assists in response to emergencies by being familiar with the fire plan, emergency procedures, safety protocols, and location of emergency equipment, etc.
Responds to emergency codes as per procedures
Works in collaboration with Director of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic and report operational issues as advised
Attends staff meetings as required
Meets with Director as required
Completes other duties that may be assigned (be a ‘Helper’) when required as part of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic team, not exceeding stated skills and capabilities

DECISION MAKING

Ability to distinguish between circumstances in which decisions can be made independently and those where consultation is needed
Ability to determine the best recommendations to make when approached for advice or resources
Knows how to obtain evidence-based information necessary to make informed recommendations and referrals

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Days, evenings, and weekend shifts
Must be able to lift up to 30lbs daily
Must be able to walk up to 5K-7K steps per day and stand for 50 percent of the time
Unexpected deadlines
Some interruptions from internal and external sources
Wide range of client-related and environmental responsibility (stocking, light lifting, transport tasks)
Should have good coping and stress management skills

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

MB Driver’s Class 5 license (preferred)
Proof of recognized degree or diploma from a University or Community College program in Social Services, or a related health regulatory body

All positions are subject to Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry checks. Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine the knowledge, skill, and ability required for position.

AHWC is committed to equity and inclusion and is on an earnest journey to increase responsiveness to Indigenous peoples by promoting a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, those with personal and/or familial lived experience, and members of equity-seeking groups. Qualified applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their application.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: June 17, 2024 or when position is filled

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three work related references to:

Laiza at [email protected]