Position Summary:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Community Mental Health Counsellor will be responsible for supporting and counselling clients experiencing mental health challenges and housing instability within the community. They will understand mental health symptoms, their effects, and their treatment, and offer intensive, strengths-based case management with a focus on housing stability in a community setting.   Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Centered Care- plan, develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans within a community setting, alongside clients to address unique needs
• Assist with activities of daily living, conflict resolution, and crisis avoidance through ongoing home visits
• Provide comprehensive, holistic, and person/family centered access to services
• Use standardized assessment tools designed to improve and/or stabilize client’s physical and mental health, foster independence, and promote participation and integration into the community
• Housing Navigation & Engagement- Support individuals with securing, maintaining, and sustaining housing
• Act as liaison to enhance Landlord engagement and work with a focus towards eviction prevention
• Partner with clients and their families as members of the health care team
• Develop and maintain a community resource network
• Refer to partnering organizations and provide linkages to community supports
• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out mental health recovery and support
• You may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. You will receive training within the first eight weeks of employment.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Health Services, Psychology or equivalent
• 3+ years providing Mental Health assessments and/or case management; experience in Dual Diagnosis preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, harm reduction, and experience with intake services
• Experience working with the homeless population
• Knowledge and best evidence-based practice for mental health services, including Recovery Oriented Intensive Case Management and Housing First 
• Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention
• Expertise in collaboration with healthcare services
• Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and insurance coverage in alignment with SHIP policy
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Hours are typically from Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm but may vary depending on client needs
• Average amount of physical effort is required
• Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
• Vehicle travel to sites for visits/walk-throughs and open doors as required

Ship Values

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

About Us

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Accessibility

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”. 

Why Work For Us?

Work-Life Balance

SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization

Our Vision  Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

Our Mission  To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

Our Culture  Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.

Our Commitment  People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

• Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
• Comprehensive Health Plans
• Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
• 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
• 10 Paid Vacation Days
• 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
• Generous Parental and Family Leave
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Travel Allowances
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Culture to be Proud of
• Possibility to Create a Real Impact

35+

  Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families

5,000+

  Clients and Residents served annually

20+

  Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario

500+

  Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Union | 37.5 hours / week