#23.07 Mental Health and

Substance Use Diversion and Response Worker

919 Pandora Ave

*Please See Below for Shift Details*

This posting is open to all qualified applicants.

Our Place Society (OPS) is an organization founded on progressive and inclusive Christian values and principles. We work as a team to create a nurturing atmosphere of home and family, where all are welcome. A team approach is critical to living out our mission and values and directing our work.

Position Overview

To work co-operatively and creatively across the spectrum of client services at Our Place Society to provide assessment, community resource referrals, individual crisis counselling, complex case planning for residents and family members of Our Place. This position also works in close collaboration with the teams at The Harbour (adjacent Safe Consumption Site collaboratively operated by Island Health, Lookout Society and SOLID) to address emerging mental health and addiction challenges impacting both agencies and the surrounding area.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • The Mental Health and Substance Use Diversion and Response Worker will be responsible for supporting and developing realistic, short- and long-term, achievable interventions and responses for individuals affected by mental illness and substance use disorders
  • Improve health outcomes for under-served/unserved individuals affected by mental health and substance use
  • Enhance diversion from acute care services through early intervention and responsive support
  • Reduce the incidence of service bans consequent to escalating behaviour and preserve continuity of access to basic needs services
  • Develop and pilot a collaborative and integrated OPS/The Harbour response to the unique needs of high acuity service users on the 900 Pandora Avenue block and surrounding area
  • Track and report relevant data to define the needs of high acuity service users to inform future program development
  • Refer to the Health Canada Best Practices model for Concurrent Mental Health and substance Use Disorders as a basis for working with and implementing case plans for residents and family members.
  • To work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers.
  • To attend meetings as appropriate and required.
  • To facilitate or organize group training sessions related to issues associated with mental health and/or addiction
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with community partners that provide mental health and addiction support
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to work independently and show initiative and creativity.
  • Excellent knowledge of community mental health and addiction resources.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, decision-making and problem solving
  • Experience with First Nation populations is an asset.
  • Familiar with the spectrum of substance use treatments ranging from Harm Reduction- to Abstinence based practices
  • Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, marginalization, mental illness, and drug addiction.
  • Ability to work in an intense and challenging work environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Ability to navigate stairs and be on feet for up to 6 hours of shift.
  • Ability to kneel down to ground to attend to overdoses and other medical emergencies.

Qualifications

Education and Knowledge:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Educational Psychology, Psychology, Social Sciences, or related field.

Training and Experience:

  • Two (2) years of experience in a related position.

OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Working Conditions/Compensation:

Shifts: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. Evening and weekend work may be required to support residents, family members, and staff in the event residents or family members are experiencing significant mental health concerns. This is a temporary position, scheduled for six months, with the possibility for extension.

Compensation: $27.18 to $33.46 per hour.

Benefits: 3 weeks’ vacation. Excellent benefits after successful completion of 3 months of full-time employment.

This position requires union membership.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates are invited to submit a covering letter with their resume detailing their related background, experience and qualifications by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 to careers@ourplacesociety.com or to Our Place Society, Attention Marion Hoadley, HR Director, 919 Pandora Ave, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3P4. Please quote “File #23.07 – Mental Health and Substance Use Diversion and Response Worker” in the subject line.

Please note: All applications must have a cover letter to be considered.

We appreciate your time and interest in the position. However, due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Our Place Society is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve, and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our Place Society welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently-abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.