Status: Temporary, Full-time

Salary Range: $42.27 to $52.81

Location: Various Sites, Vancouver, BC

Schedule: Monday - Friday  8:30AM-4:30PM

Job Summary: 

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Social Worker works within a multi-disciplinary team to provide evidence-based, trauma- informed counselling to individuals affected by mental illness and substance use issues.

Staff assist clients in the areas of interpersonal relationships, mental health and addiction issues, housing and support services, self-management of medication, social recreation, activities of daily living, life skills and community preparedness as well as others recovery oriented areas identified by clients. Coast staff work in partnership with family members, aboriginal communities, and community agencies and services who are committed to positive outcomes for clients.

Typical Duties:

Provide individual counselling to address unique to R&R clients’ needs and challenges, including unresolved trauma, emotional dysregulation, problem solving, relapse prevention, etc. Plan and implement therapeutic group sessions utilizing a variety of frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Remediation, and Mindfulness. Contribute to program and policy development by advising of the program development requirements to meet the needs of the clients. May be required to: plan, coordinate, and deliver educational sessions to clients and their family members on topics such as detoxification, relapse prevention, stress management, wellness, self-care, problem solving, coping skills, etc. Monitor, assess and evaluate client’s progress in collaboration with other members of the health care team to ensure program meets client/family needs and the effectiveness of group therapy. Identifies problems and implements established protocol for high risk clients in crisis and makes adjustments to treatment needs in consultation with the health care team. Provide formal and informal staff education and competency building activities by facilitating / co-facilitating in-services, preparing educational materials and compiling resources related to evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Contribute to multidisciplinary input and team building by participating in regular client progress reviews and team meetings. Initiate and participate in individual professional development; maintain current knowledge and skills in relation to addiction, mental health, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Maintain a safe environment for clients, visitors and employees by adhering to established safety and emergency practices and procedures and reporting any risks and anomalies to the Coordinator. Participate in research and quality improvement activities by identifying client care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols. Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree of Social Work from an accredited University; A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a similar setting with a mental health or addictions related agency; Registration with the BC College of Social Workers Ability to provide/obtain the following upon hire: Valid First Aid Certificate ("Emergency First Aid - Community Care" or equivalent) WHMIS certificate A Ministry of Justice criminal records check

Knowledge/Abilities:

Knowledge of issues facing persons with a psychiatric disability or substance use issue, particularly as related to meeting client needs of finances, legal/criminal justice involvement, family supports, housing, and advocacy. Thorough understanding of the Mental Health Act. Experience in tracking and reporting outcome measures. Experience in collaborating with community case managers, housing providers, and other agencies to determine the effective utilization of available resources Experience in therapeutic group development and facilitation skills Case management experience. Understanding of recovery principles, including strengths-based case management Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of the team. Knowledge of CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing and trauma recovery Knowledge of mental illness, substance use issues, psychosocial rehabilitation principles, and therapeutic modalities.

Why Coast

We believe in the person, not the disease We operate client-centered care under the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation There is a variety of work within a particular position and within the organization We strive to be the best that we can be We hold Exemplary Status accreditation through Accreditation Canada We have won numerous awards for our innovative programming We care about our employees, and believe in living our values and culture throughout the organization

***Employees of Coast must apply within seven days of the posting date with their internal account (Coast email address registered) to be considered as an internal applicant. Current Coast employees who apply to this posting using external accounts or after the 7 day deadline will be considered as external candidates. Seniority will not apply.***

Coast Mental Health is committed to creating a culture of diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or disability.