Community Support Worker (CSW) - Community Mental Health Services

Community Support Worker (CSW) - Community Mental Health Services - Internal

Job Number: J1224-0335

Job Title: Community Support Worker (CSW) - Community Mental Health Services

Department: Community Mental Health

Job Type: Temporary Full Time

Approximate End Date: April 30, 2025

Job Category: Support Services

Open Positions: 1

Date Posted: December 12, 2024

Closing Date: December 19, 2024

Hours of Work:

Position Summary

The Community Support Worker is responsible for providing outreach and community support services to individuals with a severe and persistent mental health condition, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Program, in collaboration with the Counselling and Treatment Team, Case Management Coordinator, and under the supervision of the Program Manager, Mental Health Services.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assisting clients to identify and express service needs.
• Developing an appropriate individual treatment plan for each assigned client based on clinician-client assessment of areas of need. This plan will include the identification of relevant goals.
• Providing a range of support services to clients, including outreach, supportive counselling, crisis intervention, monitoring of symptoms, education, advocacy, collateral contacts with other family members and other professionals, life skills training and follow up. The methods of treatment, professional ethics and standards of practice are to be in accordance with established policies of the Program and regulatory requirements of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
• Providing service to the client to develop and make appropriate use of a personal and natural support network including family members, friends, other clients of the program as deemed appropriate.
• Network and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Consulting with client’s primary Social Worker, where appropriate, for the coordination of overall treatment. The position requires some independent decision-making and professional judgement on matters pertaining to problem solving, assessment, methods of intervention, and client safety.
• Maintaining timely clinical records of course of treatment in accordance with Program and Hospital policies, and regulatory requirements of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
• Maintaining adequate and accurate statistical data as required, and to participate in research projects, as required.
• Continuing professional development, and participating in the annual Performance Engagement process.
• Participating with other staff and clinicians in monthly (or ad hoc) business meetings for the review of policies and procedures, and the ongoing program development and evaluation.
• Knowledge of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) support, Ontario Works (OW) support, housing and community resources.
• Knowledge of Supportive Housing programs, and responsibilities associated with these programs.
• Keeping informed of Policy and Procedures for both the Program and Hospital, and to understand the main provisions of legislation related to the work of the Program (e.g. Mental Health Act).
• Keeping team members and the Program Manager informed of client, employee, program and potential risk issues as they arise during the delivery of services, and assist in the development of appropriate proactive responses in order to minimize risks.
• This position involves physical demands at times when partaking in activities such as moving clients, assisting with grocery shopping, etc

Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Program Manager of Mental Health Services.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related health discipline, or a community College diploma in Social Services, Developmental Services, or Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Mental Health is required, and,
• Current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as a Social Service Worker required.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with individuals living with major mental illness is preferred.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated understanding of the issues related to individuals living with major mental illnesses, and direct experience working with this client population.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, including symptoms and major diagnostic categories.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the main classifications of psychotropic medications, including their general use, expected response and common side effects.
• Demonstrated understanding of the basic principles of case management, psychosocial rehabilitation or other community-based service delivery system.
• Demonstrated strong communications skills in English both written and verbal.
• Competency with French language is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and problem solve independently.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.

Other:

• Must have a valid driver’s license, and a reliable vehicle to provide client care/services off-site. Responsible for providing evidence annually of insurance coverage in the amount of two million dollars (at the owner’s expense) and annual proof that the insurance company is aware that the vehicle will transport clients.
• Demonstrates commitment to continued professional and personal growth and development through Continuing Education Programs and Self-Directed Learning Opportunities.

OSMH is committed to diversity and equity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons and others who may contribute to a diverse workplace.

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially.