Support Worker- Mental Health Support Services

Under the direction of the MHSS Supervisor the employee provides resident support services, on-site supervision, housekeeping and security for the NWT Resource Centre and Mental Health Support Services on the Mental Health Support Services floor.

· Implements formal and informal training plans communicated by Caseworkers.

· Follows direction of Primary Support Worker and/ Program Supervisor to ensure consistency and quality of service.

· Offers client opportunities for growth, development, and choice of lifestyle.

· Responds to crisis situations in the home while on shift, such as medical emergencies and behavioural issues.

· Accompanies or assists clients to obtain transportation to a variety of activities, locations and meetings with other professionals and agencies.

· Ensures clients get up for work, dressed appropriately and follows through with routine activities.

· Provides advocacy services or teaches self-advocacy for clients.

· Documents behavioural concerns

· Works wake shift during the night

Health, Safety & Security:

· Ensures clients, residents and visitors follow house rules and guidelines, i.e., fire safety, house rules, noise, non-smoking, etc.

· Administers first aid and medications according to prescriptions and agency policy.

· Provides personal and physical care to clients, if needed.

· Ensures clients are offered a well-balanced and nutritionally sound diet

· Ensures residence is in good repair, clean and hygienic - light housekeeping

Life Skills:

· Assists with and teaches a variety of daily living skills.

Provides life skills support related to cooking, healthy living, safety, money management, nutrition, and housekeeping

Administration:

• Completes records such as medical file, daily and monthly accounting sheets, client finances, observation booklet on clients, daily logbook, and daily communication book.
• Submits incident reports in case of incidents during night shifts
• Complies with The Salvation Army Policy and Procedures
• Maintains first aid and CPR certification
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the MHSS Supervisor

Critical Relationship Management:

Internal / External relationships:

· There is constant contact with clients to provide for their needs and assess their situations.

· There is daily contact with employees from other departments to pass on relevant information and radio checks.

· There is regular contact with the MHSS Supervisor and individual caseworkers to communicate client information.

· There is also occasional contact with contracting agencies.

· Emergency Services may occasionally need to be called.

Working Conditions:

· The work environment can be fast paced and demanding. The need to be constantly aware of the environment and the movements and attitudes of the individual clients can be stressful. There is a potential to work with aggressive, high-risk clients in this position

· There will be general housekeeping tasks required of the RCSW (sweeping, mopping, dishwashing, laundry, etc.)

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Conflict Resolution
• First Aid
• Verbal Judo and/or NVCI
• Suicide Intervention
• WHMIS
• Post-Secondary Education or related experience in Social Services (One (1) to two (2) years)
• Updated Immunization records
• Clear Criminal Record Check
• Class 5 driver's licence and clean driver's abstract

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• The ability to respond appropriately, decisively, and effectively in crisis situations and in a stressful environment
• Effective interpersonal communication in English both written and oral
• Effective assessment, observation and recording skills
• Implement policy and procedures
• Ability to work within a teamwork structure though will be required to work alone
• Effective interviewing skills
• Understanding of: Aboriginal and Inuit Cultures: Addictions: Mental Health and other social issues
• Computer skills are required

Note: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

The successful incumbent will be required to complete/provide:

• Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid First Aid certificate
• WHMIS
• The Salvation Army on-line certification for abuse prevention
• Clear internal abuse registry check
• Participate in mandatory yearly training

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.