Title: Mental Health and Substance Use Support Worker

Reports to:
Director of Employee Experience

Based at:
Head Office

Pay Range:
$30 - $40 /hr

Hours:
Part Time: Flexibility in scheduling required

3-month probation and review

Description

The Mental Health and Substance Use Support Worker, in collaboration with SCPs Mental Health and Substance Use Consultant, supports youth accessing SCP services who are seeking additional mental health and/or substance use assistance. This multifaceted role involves providing direct support to youth, offering consultative guidance to staff, and liaising with external agencies. The Mental Health and Substance Use Support Worker is expected to adhere to industry standards, best practices, and all SCP mandated approaches, policies, processes, and protocols in carrying out their duties and fulfilling their role

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree (psychology, counselling, addiction, social work, or related field) required
• Masters degree in a related field preferred
• Knowledge in youth centered philosophy, trauma informed care and harm reduction
• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in:
  • Supporting individuals with substance use & mental health challenges
  • Supporting individuals with a range of diagnoses and behaviours including, but not limited to; suicidal ideation, self harm, anxiety, depression, FASD, ADHD, PTSD, disordered eating, etc.
  • Applying strength based approaches
  • Navigating access to mental health and substance use resources
  • Collaborating with healthcare professionals and Indigenous healers or elders
  • Working with government ministries and non profit organizations
  • Working with youth, Indigenous populations and youth in care

Requirements (Skills & Competencies)

• Valid Drivers License with Driver's Abstract
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance
• Cultural awareness required
• Demonstrated mastery of official SCP sanctioned approaches
  • NHA, Youth Centred Care, Harm Reduction, & Trauma Informed Care

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
  • Compassion, Collaboration, Holistic Thinking, Advocacy, Difficult Conversations
• Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Coaching, Facilitation, Counselling
• Strongly developed crisis response, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills
  • Youth Engagement, Staff Support
• Well developed time management and organisational skills

Duties & Responsibilities to be completed in conjunction with SCPs MHSU Consultant

Outcomes to be monitored quarterly

Youth Support

• Screen each youth upon entry for acute mental health/substance use support needs
• Assess each exiting youth to ascertain the impact of care on mental health and substance use
• Provide individual support for youth with urgent mental health or substance use challenges
• Assist youth with safety planning & support the development of healthy coping mechanisms
• Work with youth to prevent mental health crisis
• Debrief youth after critical or major incidents

Staff Support

• Integrate strategies for youths individual mental health needs into case plans
• Support SCP staff to ensure youth receive appropriate services that address their mental health and substance use needs
• Assist in developing staff resources to support youth with complex diagnoses, substance use challenges, and mental health needs as needed
• Provide individual staff coaching and group facilitation on supporting youth with complex diagnoses, substance use challenges, and mental health needs as needed
• Debriefing for staff after critical or major incidents

Navigating Systems & Resources

• Work closely with program staff to navigate emergency services, psychiatric assessment, and APU involvement with youth
• Support staff in navigating mental health and substance use resources/supports in the community (ex. APU and Child & Youth)

Reporting & Administration

• Report on youth progress, track related data, and complete administrative duties as required

What you get in return

• Making a difference in the lives of the youth in our community
• Continuous learning & professional development opportunities
• A genuine & passionate work community
• Vacation pay
• Opportunity for movement & growth within SCP
• Full benefit package (depending on eligibility) covering Life, AD&D, Dental, Vision care, extended health coverage (massage, chiropractor, counselling, etc.)
• *matching RRSP contributions

In the interest of giving all internal staff the opportunity to apply for open positions within the Agency, job postings will generally be offered internally first.

As an equal opportunity employer we are committed to reflect the diversity of the youth we serve, and fully support inclusivity in the workplace. We strongly encourage Indigenous applicants to consider this opportunity.

Thank you.