Mental Health Worker - (211938)

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Manager or designate, the Mental Health Worker participates in the provision of client-focused treatment, rehabilitation, and support for persons with mental illness in a residential, community-based facility. Promotes a safe, healthy, and non-threatening environment that instills a sense of dignity and self-respect. Participates in the planning, development, implementation, delivery, and modification of clinical services by responding to identified client needs, within the program's guidelines. Motivates, assists, and instructs clients with the activities of daily living, reports clients' conditions, including reactions to medications. Escorts clients to off-site programs, appointments, and other planned events. Assesses clients' ability to assume self-care responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training And Experience

Diploma in Community Social Services, e.g. Mental Health Worker, Community Health Worker, or Social Services Worker including post-secondary education in counseling skills training. Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act. Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community. Understanding of the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation, using a client-centred approach. A minimum of two years recent related experience working with persons with mental illness including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Current Level C Basic Life Saving Certificate. Valid Class 5 vehicle license. Food Safe Certificate.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain therapeutic rapport with clients and employ such rapport to enable clients to understand their illness and the rehabilitation process.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to employ aggressive behaviour management techniques.
• Ability to exercise judgment in keeping with program philosophy when the supervisor is unavailable for consultation.
• Must hold a valid BC Driver's License and if required, must be able to obtain a class 4 Driver's License.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.