Gillian's Place
Mental Health & Addictions Case Worker
Union Classification: Union
Number of Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Office (Gillian’s Place, St. Catharines)
Posting Closes: September 14, 2024
Salary: $30.30 per hour
Gillian’s Place
As one of the first shelters of its kind in Ontario, Gillian’s Place brings over 45 years of experience and expertise in gender-based violence service in Niagara. Since 1977, we have grown from an eight-bed emergency shelter to a multi-site provider of free and confidential services that support women, children, genderqueer, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals escaping the cycle of violence and abuse. These services include a 34-bed emergency shelter, second-stage housing, a 24/7 phone or text crisis support line, safety planning, expert counselling, child and youth programs, legal advice and support, education and violence prevention programs, and a transitional housing and support program.
Beyond the paycheque. Why you want to join our team. . .
- We are an organization where you can realize your aspirations and achieve your personal and professional goals in an inclusive and supportive environment
- We are a dynamic and talented team who collectively provide practical, compassionate, client-centred care to those who have experienced gendered abuse
- We are committed to your growth and well-being, investing in our team through comprehensive training, professional development opportunities, and wellness initiatives
- We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable work environment where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources
Position and Department Overview
The Mental Health & Addictions Worker will provide services to Gillian’s Place clients with varying mental health and/or substance use challenges or concerns. Within the context of the organization’s mission, vision, and values, the Mental Health & Addictions Worker will provide education, support, and counselling to clients and advise colleagues when required. This program will operate within a harm reduction framework. Services will include initial and ongoing screening and assessment, as well as providing support and opportunities focusing on recovery and well-being, evaluating the effectiveness of the case management plan, and making changes as needed. As with all employees of Gillian’s Place, the Mental Health & Addictions Worker has a strong understanding of gendered violence and a commitment to providing superior service to our clients.
Detail of Position / Hours of Work
Regular work week is 35 hours per week.
This position involves evening and weekend contact with clients as needed, along with a flexible schedule that is responsive to client’s needs.
Services will be provided in offices, community agencies, or locations in the community convenient for clients.
Qualifications
- A relevant undergraduate degree or college diploma
- Specialized training in mental health and addictions
- Minimum of 3 years of proven success in directly supporting people with mental health challenges and addictions
- Extensive knowledge of gendered violence and counselling people who have experienced abuse
- Current vulnerable sector police check
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- ASIST certification
- Certificate or relevant education/experience in de-escalation
- DBT and solution-based therapy would be considered an asset
- Valid Ontario driver's license and use of own vehicle
- The ability to communicate in a second language would be considered an asset.
Responsibilities
- Case management for clients with mental health and/or addictions
- Mental health assessment to determine needs and recommend relevant supports
- Evaluate the effectiveness of case management by monitoring behavioural changes, assessing the client’s progress, and readjusting plans as necessary
- Provide mental health counselling and coping strategies for various mental health diagnoses
- Provide counselling regarding the use and effects of alcohol and drugs to shelter and outreach clients
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of client-centred mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods, and professional skills
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues
- Provide information regarding and referrals to community resources, treatment centres, social service networks, and organizations
- Connect clients to funding agencies available to assist clients in accessing needed support services and community resources
- Support clients who live at Gillian’s Place to follow through on their case plans and provide counselling support on issues of abuse as needed.
- Provide counselling support to individuals and groups
- Execute crisis intervention, de-escalation, and active listening skills
- Stay up to date on Gillian’s Place safety and emergency procedures, ensure the safety of clients and the shelter, and manage emergencies as necessary
- Understand and apply the frameworks within which the organization operates, including but not limited to harm reduction, trauma-informed counselling, and intersectional feminist frameworks.
- Staff the front desk as required, including monitoring cameras and doors, assisting with administrative tasks
- Assist in preparing Family and Children Services Reports, per Duty to Report requirements, which involve documenting and reporting any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
- Assisting with the upkeep of the shelter as needed (such as turning over rooms, laundry, cleaning communal spaces and offices)
- Assist with food services as required
- Perform all other duties as assigned
To succeed, you:
- Are non-judgmental and client-centred
- Deal with stressful situations in a calm manner, make critical decisions and solve problems effectively
- Understand risk and use sound judgment
- Are organized, detail-oriented and professional
- Possess excellent assessment and reporting skills
- Contribute to a professional, healthy team and individual environment
- Possess knowledge, skills and abilities related to counselling people who have experienced abuse
- Understand the impact on children who have witnessed abuse
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all job and organization-related matters
- Improve and support ongoing team development
All interested applicants should apply in writing to humanresources@gilliansplace.com
Gillian’s Place is an equal opportunity employer that actively encourages applications from people of colour, First Nations/Aboriginal individuals, newcomers and immigrants, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people of all abilities, and members of other underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences these individuals bring to our team. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Any applicant who communicates the need for accommodation shall be considered in a non-discriminatory and respectful manner.
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