Organization
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta South Region’s (CMHA, ASR) mission is to support individuals in their unique mental health journey. We do this by making connections, delivering programs, being an advocate, improving systems and sharing our expertise.
Program Information
CMHA Group Home is a 24- hour community transitional housing and crisis support program that provides in-reach individualized intervention and support for participants with mental illness and concurrent disorders in a safe and supportive environment.
This program provides longer term room and board for individuals to stabilize and transition into other community supports, programs and housing while gaining skills and knowledge in self care, hygiene, scheduling, cooking, budgeting, cleaning, socialization, communication, and independent living. The program also provides short term crisis respite for individuals experiencing a situational, emotional or mental health crisis.
Position Summary
The Residential Support Worker provides in-reach and outreach individualized intervention and support for participants with mental illness and concurrent disorders in a safe and supportive environment. This position is responsible for participating in a team-based approach of planning and delivery of services that are person-centered, trauma informed, and recovery oriented. Overall responsibilities of this position include implementing individualized service plans, fostering skill development, supporting community participation, ensuring safety, and documenting progress towards goals that will assist individuals to have the highest quality of life possible.
Scheduled hours of Work:
- Shift work rotation – 7 day per week / 24 Hours per day (7am – 7pm x 4 days, 4 days off, 7pm-7am x 4 days, 4 days off)
Reporting to: Team Lead, Program Operations Lead and Senior Social Worker
Wage: Starting at $22.00 per hour
Key Responsibilities:
Individualized support and goal achievement: Implement person-centered care plans aimed at promoting independence and skill building in areas like budgeting, cooking, hygiene and daily routines in order to improve housing stability and support successful tenancy.
Outcome Tracking and Documentation:
Monitor behavior changes, track progress towards set goals, and maintain accurate, detailed and up to date records
Complete all documentation according to standards established by the organization
Community Participation and Integration:
Support individuals in accessing community resources, recreational activities and social outings.
Provide connection to other service providers and resources through referrals and system navigation
Take initiative to organize and participate in activities such as walking, swimming and coffee outings, based on identified needs and interests of participants
Support access to volunteer and employment opportunities and social networks
Behavioral Support and Integration: Utilize de-escalation techniques and behavioral management strategies to handle crisis, ensure safety and promote positive choices.
Household Management and Safety: Support skill development in carrying out household duties, including meal planning and preparation, cleaning, laundry and maintaining a safe and clean environment.
Health and Wellness Management: Support the development of healthy personal care habits, monitor physical and mental health and support access to regular preventative medical appointments, such as dentists and other medical professionals.
Communication and Collaboration: Work effectively within a team, liaising with families, caregivers, and external professionals to provide cohesive and collaborative support.
Areas of Responsibility:
1. Operational
- Conduct participant intakes and discharges, and ensure that all paperwork and documentation is completed to program standards
- Effectively communicate the program guidelines and expectations to each participant
- Monitor participant’s activities and mental status; record changes
- Document all participant interaction and any communication with third parties in a timely manner
- Secure and record all medications, potentially harmful materials, and illegal substances
- Monitor participant self-administration of medication
- Assist participants with the development and completion of Recovery Goals
- Develop service plans based on recovery goals
- Provide practical and emotional support and guidance to participants; advocate and intervene when necessary
- Provide information to participants regarding coping strategies, life skills, and community referrals; actively encourage participants to utilize these resources and referrals
2. Administrative
- Review all documentation pertaining to each participant at the beginning of each shift, as well as staff communication notes and new memos
- Ensure electronic documentation is updated daily; night staff will be responsible for completing this when necessary.
- Ensure information is communicated thoroughly and accurately to oncoming staff during shift change
- Maintain up to date knowledge of CMHA, ASR Policies and Procedures
- Develop and update program resources, documents and manuals as requested
3. Clinical
- Maintain high standards of participant care, ensuring participants’ individuality and dignity is maintained at all times
- Promote participant independence
- Maintain accurate written and electronic records, including recovery goals and individual service plans made in conjunction with the participant wherever practical and ensuring confidentiality of information at all times
- Maintain open and harmonious communications amongst staff within the team, as well as with other services with the aim of promoting multi-disciplinary approaches to care.
- Provide information and support for Case Mangers and families where appropriate.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness; competence and behaviours consistent with the core values, mission, and vision of CMHA, ASR
- Comply with the guidelines set forth in the Protection of Privacy Act, the Protection for Persons in Care Act, and the Health Information Act.
4. General
- Complete delegated and assigned tasks in a timely manner
- Complete daily chores and housekeeping duties as required
- Assist with additional spring and fall facility cleaning as required
- Attend staff meetings and training sessions
- Participate in CMHA, ASR training/education/workshops as required
- Update community resource information for participants as required
- Input all participant information into ETO Software
- Facility maintenance/safety planning which includes regular monitoring and reporting
Job Specifications:
- Ability to observe and accurately document changes in participant status and functioning
- Active listening, assessment and feedback skills
- Ability to determine participant needs
- Ability to determine appropriate course of action for the participant to achieve goals
- Ability to prioritize and delegate when faced with multiple demands
- Ability to function well when faced with multiple tasks and an unpredictable work environment
- Ability to work well with other team members, supervisors, and community professionals and agencies in order to develop and implement Independent Support Plans
- Ability to accurately document participant activities
- Flexibility in handling changing participant needs and environments
- Maintain participant confidentiality within the parameters defined by the CMHA, ASR and applicable laws and regulations
- Consult and debrief with Team Lead/Senior Social Worker regarding all participant incidents
- Complete all documentation according to standards established by the organization.
- Promote tenancy rights that follow the Residential Tenancy Act (except where legislative exemptions apply)
- Practice from a Recovery oriented approach which includes teaching and mentoring for personal growth, self-responsibility and health and wellness
Knowledge Requirements:
- Knowledge of mental health and mental illness
- Knowledge of addictions and concurrent disorders
- Knowledge of professional disciplines and various treatment approaches
- Knowledge of Supported Housing
- Knowledge of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta community resources
- Knowledge of crisis intervention, crisis continuum and de-escalation approaches
- Knowledge of current research and practice related to mental health
Education / Training Requirements:
- Registered in or completed post-secondary education in Health Sciences
- or equivalent experience in Human Services preferred
- Maintain all necessary certifications as directed in CMHA, ASP Policies and Procedures
Physical Demands:
- Sitting, walking, stairs, cleaning, carrying equipment or supplies
- May be required to utilize non-violent crisis intervention strategies
Areas of Accountability:
- Accountable to the program, participants served, case managers, community partners, co staff, and the organization.
- Maintain a safe environment; ensure potentially harmful objects remain locked up and that participants are not exposed to dangerous situations
- Maintain confidentiality at all times according to CMHA, ASR standards and applicable laws and regulations
- Ensure participants are adhering to independent service plans to the best of staff ability by reminding them of medications, upcoming appointments and queuing tasks of daily living
- Maintain a professional and approachable atmosphere for participants
Hiring Requirements/Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in human services field preferred or minimum 3 years’ experience in similar human services field, including experience with crisis management
- Post-secondary education in Recreational Therapy or Nursing is an asset
- Proficiency speaking/writing English
- Comfortable and competent using computer software such as Word, Excel and Microsoft Teams
Conditions of Employment:
- Clean & Current (less than 6 months old) Criminal Record Check including vulnerable sector
- Current First Aid & CPR Certification
- Reliable Vehicle & Valid Drivers License
- Able to successfully complete a SkillCheck Driver Assessment if driving any CMHA, ASR owned or rented vehicles and if transporting participants or co-workers in CMHA, ASR owned or rented vehicles
Pay: $22.00-$24.00 per hour
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Do you have a clean & Current (less than 6 months old) Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector
Language:
Work Location: In person
