The Organization

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta South Region believes in supporting individuals, groups and committees to enhance their mental wellness and to advocate for those coping with mental illness. We endeavour to protect and promote mental wellness, promote the best possible care, treatment and rehabilitation of the mentally ill, promote research into causes, treatments and prevention of mental illness and to continue to advocate regarding mental illness.

Program Information

The Distress Line of Southwestern Alberta is a 24-hour phone support for individuals experiencing crisis. It is available for any individual who is in distress and requires support, intervention and/or information and referral services.

The Community Crisis Beds is a 24 hour community stabilization program for individuals in crisis. The program provides a facility for individuals in crisis and seeks to support individuals by offering a place that is away for the crisis that they are experiencing.

Position Summary

The Crisis Support Worker provides short term individualized intervention and support for clients with mental illness and concurrent disorders in a safe and supportive environment, to answer calls on the Crisis Line and provide non-judgmental listening, support and intervention.

Reporting to: Crisis Support Team Lead, Clinical Support Team

Job Type: Full time - Shift work rotation 4 day shifts / 4 days off/ 4 nights shifts / 4 days off. 7 day per week / 24 Hours per day facilities

Starting Wage: $20.00 per hour

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

Interact with callers in a respectful and empowering manner
Maintain client confidentiality within the parameters defined by the CMHA
Participate in skill development training and skill monitoring as required
Screen all calls for lethality and follow risk assessment protocol
Provide crisis intervention, support, and resource referrals as outlined by CMHA policies and procedures
Consult and debrief with Senior Social Worker regarding challenging calls including suicide, child abuse, and violence.
Participate in other CMHA training/education/workshops as required.
Complete all documentation according to standards established by the organization.
Keep resource information up to date as required
Input all client information into ETO Software weekly

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Mental status and suicide assessment and intervention skills
Ability to observe and accurately document changes in client status
Active listening, assessment and feedback skills
Ability to determine client needs
Ability to determine appropriate course of action for the client situation
Ability to prioritize and delegate when faced with multiple demands
Ability to function well when faced with multiple tasks and an unpredictable work environment
Ability to work well with other team members, supervisors, and community professionals and agencies in order to develop and implement client treatment plans
Ability to accurately chart changes in callers' status
Interact with callers in a respectful and empowering manner
Maintain client confidentiality within the parameters defined by the CMHA
Consult and debrief with Senior Social Worker regarding challenging calls including suicide, child abuse, and violence.
Complete all documentation according to standards established by the organization.
Keep resource information up to date as required
Knowledge of mental health and mental illness
Knowledge of addictions and concurrent disorders
Knowledge of professional disciplines and various treatment approaches
Knowledge of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta community resources
Knowledge of crisis intervention, crisis continuum and de-escalation approaches
Knowledge of current research and practice related to mental health
Proficiency speaking/writing English
Comfortable and competent using computers
Knowledge of Community Resources and Services

Physical Demands

Sitting, walking, cleaning , carrying equipment or supplies
May be required to utilize non-violent crisis intervention strategies

Areas of Accountability

Accountable to client's served, case managers, community partners, and the CMHA management team.
Maintain a safe environment; ensure potentially harmful objects remain locked up and that clients are not exposed to dangerous situations
Maintain confidentiality at all times according to CMHA, ASR standards
Ensure clients are adhering to treatment plans to the best of staff ability by reminding them of medications and upcoming appointments
Maintain a professional and approachable atmosphere for clients

Areas of Responsibility:

1. Operational

Conduct client intakes and discharges, and ensure that all paperwork and documentation is completed to program standards
Ensure consent/release of information forms are completed
Effectively communicate the program guidelines and expectations to each client
Monitor client's activities and mental status; record changes
Document all client interaction and any communication with third parties in a timely manner
Secure and record all medications, potentially harmful materials, and illegal substances
Supervise and monitor client self-administration of medication
Assist clients with the development and completion of treatment plans
Provide practical and emotional support and guidance to clients; advocate and intervene when necessary
Provide information to clients regarding coping strategies, life skills, and community referrals; actively encourage clients to utilize these resources and referrals
Commence discharge care planning upon intake; ensure clients are provided with information and referrals to promote long term stability and short term crisis support

2. Administrative

Review all documentation pertaining to each client at the beginning of each shift, as well as staff communication notes and new memos
Ensure electronic documentation is updated daily; night staff will be responsible for completing this when necessary.
Ensure information is communicated thoroughly and accurately to oncoming staff during shift change
Maintain up to date knowledge of CMHA, ASR Policies and Procedures
Develop and update program resources and manuals as requested

3. Client Care

Maintain high standards of client care, ensuring clients' individuality and dignity is maintained at all times
Promote client independence
Maintain accurate written and electronic records, including individual careplans made in conjunction with the participant wherever practical and ensuring confidentiality of information at all times
Maintain open and harmonious communications amongst staff within the team, as well as with other services with the aim of promoting multi-disciplinary approaches to care.
Provide information and support for carers and families where appropriate.
Demonstrate cultural awareness; competence and behaviours consistent with the core values, mission, and vision of CMHA, ASR
Comply with the guidelines set forth in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Protection for Persons in Care Act, and the Health Information Act.

4. General

Complete delegated and assigned tasks in a timely manner
Complete daily chores and housekeeping duties as required
Assist with additional spring and fall cleaning as required
Attend staff meetings and training sessions
Remain on site at all times
Participate in Distress Line duties, including:
Answer all calls and provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and community referral information as needed
Complete the Intake Assessment Form and Progress Notes accurately and in a timely manner
Ensure all documentation is completed to program and agency standards
Comply with program policies and procedures as per the Distress Line of Southwestern Alberta Operations Manual.

Education & Experience

Registered in or completed post-secondary education in health sciences
Or equivalent experience is Human Services preferred
Maintain all necessary certifications as directed in CMHA, ASP Policies and Procedures

Conditions of Employment:

Current & Clear Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector (less than 6 months old)
Current & Clear Youth Intervention Check (less than 6 months old)
Current First Aid & CPR Certification
Reliable Transportation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:
On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:
Lethbridge, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):
Are you in possession of a clear and current (dated less than 6 months ago) criminal record check including vulnerable sector check?

Education:
Secondary School (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
First Aid & CPR (required)

Work Location: In person