Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Project Pathways

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
   
  • Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
     
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated)
     
  • For internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; rotating days, afternoons, evenings and weekends
   
• Your pension plan –Immediate optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
   
• What your benefits will be – 9% in lieu of benefits

Direct Client Support & Crisis Response

• Accompany LPS foot patrol officers during shifts to engage with individuals in need of support
• Remain ready to respond and support the de-escalation of crises
• Conduct on-the-spot mental health and addiction assessments with individuals who come into contact with police and where the involvement is requested by an officer
• Provide immediate, short-term crisis intervention, stabilization, and support
• De-escalate situations using trauma-informed approaches
• Deliver support to individuals who have come into contact with police in a safe, ethical, and sensitive manner
• Act as a liaison between all community individuals and appropriate resources
• Collaborate with police officers and other addiction/mental health providers to deliver an integrated service approach
• Engage and work collaboratively with LPS when it is determined that additional intervention is required
• Advocate as necessary, in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating the immediate crisis situation
• Employ training, knowledge, and expertise in the de-escalation of crises and, where possible, to support safe, community-based resolutions during police interactions
• Facilitate short-term follow-up, referral, and navigation to mental health, addiction, and community services
• Educate clients on coping strategies, wellness, and available supports
• Support individuals in developing self-advocacy and coping strategies to promote long-term recovery
• Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies (e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well-being, etc.)
• Interact and provide support and assessment in a non-judgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to individual diversity (e.g. culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values, etc.).
• Provide documentation, referrals, and follow-up care coordination

• Participate in training to provide support to individuals through Reach Out and 988
• Provide crisis intervention services and supports on Reach Out/988 via phone, text and web chat
• Respond to voicemails from Reach Out
• Establish a therapeutic relationship with individuals accessing Reach Out/988, and work with individuals to address their immediate concerns
• Participate as an active member of the multi-disciplinary team by ensuring cross training to perform the roles and responsibilities of each team under the Crisis and Access department
• Work with colleagues to ensure adequate staffing levels in all programs

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study (e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline, etc.)
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Successful completion of a London Police Services security clearance
• Successful police interview and approval
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

• First Aid & CPR, WHMIS Training
• Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST training program
• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health conditions is required
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience working in mental health, including a minimum of 2 years experience working in crisis intervention
• Experience with, and detailed knowledge of, mild, moderate and serious mental illnesses
• Experience working in a community-based setting, preferably with an established network of service and support resources
• Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

• Extended periods of walking and standing; additional moderate physical activity including sitting, lifting
• Regular exposure to various weather conditions; working outdoors, year round