In this position, you will engage in collaborative work within the community, with the Integrated Health Team (IHT) and the Reaching Home Intensive Case Management program (ICM). As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Mental Health Clinician enhances the dignity and quality of life of our clients, visitors and staff by providing direct services to clients of Reaching Home Division's Intensive Case Management Program and providing consultation to staff who are supporting Youth, Women and Families experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns and substance use.

The Mental Health clinician provides mental health intervention, including, counseling and advocacy to clients accessing the program. Through integration within the Intensive Case Management team the clinician provides and completes triage assessments to help identify and respond to client needs. The mental health clinician conducts a holistic assessment before providing services and referrals to meet the needs of the clients.

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in promoting hope and dignity to the most under-served members of our community. You will be working with our patients/clients, visitors, and staff by providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including health promotion, disease prevention, treatment of injury and illness, consultation, and support.

Good Shepherd is committed to integrating Harm Reduction into our all of our services and to prioritizing the rights, dignity, and choices of those who use substances. By integrating a Harm Reduction framework within our programs, we can decrease barriers to service and better support some of our community's most marginalized members.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Driven by the client's self-identified needs, goals and readiness for change, establish comprehensive assessment and individualized service plans including referrals, as appropriate;
• Provide crisis counselling, education and support to clients and members of their immediate support systems in a manner that is consistent with their level of knowledge and understanding of mental health needs;
• To act as an important communication link between IHT/HoW staff and all service users and providers (e.g. physician, service recipients, community partners) to ensure effective communication and the timely sharing of information necessary to promote the health and wellness of our clients;
• To work alongside the ICM team to strengthen service delivery for all clients experiencing the need for mental health supports;
• Share responsibility in all of the day-to-day functions and activities of the Reaching Home Division to ensure safety and smooth operations;
• Participate in risk assessments and seek consultation and assistance as needed to ensure the safety and dignity of all those served by the program;
• Develop and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with other health and social service providers to ensure access to services for clients;
• To identify trends, issues and needs related to mental health and provide training on mental health to individuals, programs and the staff team as a whole.
• To assess the needs of clients accessing services and create a support plan based on each individual, including behaviour management plans.
• The clinician is a member of the outreach team, and works to promote the achievement of optimal health and well-being for clients who have experienced mental health challenges, complex trauma, substance use and homelessness and who have had difficulty in working with the traditional medical / mental health system;
• Liaise with community Mental Health Service providers and crisis services.
• Assessment and ongoing monitoring of client mental health issues.
• Observe all health and safety rules and work in compliance with the provisions of the occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• Demonstrated commitment to the Mission and Values of Availability, Flexibility, Adaptability, Hospitality and Dignity;
• Proficient computer skills including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, or equivalent software programs;
• Extensive knowledge of the social service system and community resources;
• Expertise providing counselling and case management to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced a complex history of homelessness, substance use and mental health concerns;
• Assessment skills, crisis intervention, counselling and case management skills, acquired through a combination of education (MSW, BSW) and experience in mental health service provision in a community setting.
• Valid driver's license
• CPR/First Aid certification and WHMIS training and/or willingness to certify
• Experience and sensitivity in working with culturally diverse populations including individuals newly arrived in Canadaand a commitment to intersectional anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Outgoing and adaptable to working in a fast paced and changing environment.
• Creativity and flexibility in achieving desired outcomes.
• Hospitable in dealings with clients and other key stakeholders
• Available, respectful and responsive to the needs of others
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, good interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to with various record keeping technologies including Electronic Medical Record programs

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE /FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905.528.5877.

Good Shepherd has a mandatory verification of COVID-19 vaccination policy. More information on the full policy requirements and accommodation allowances will be provided to