Job Description

ABOUT MADISON: Madison Community Services is a non-profit agency that promotes the independence, health, recovery and community integration of persons with mental health challenges through the provision of mental health case management, supportive housing and a broad range of other programs and services. Madison's Recovery during Immigration and Settlement (RISE) program which is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a range of community-based holistic supports and services to newcomers living in Toronto, who experience mental health and addiction challenges during their settlement process.POSITION SUMMARY: The Mental Health Crisis Counselor (MHCC) will provide short-term crisis counselling support and intervention to RISE clients experiencing emotional distress and/or are in a crisis situation. The MHCC will assist RISE clients with strengthening their constructive coping skills, making referrals to community mental health resources and becoming self-sufficient in daily living activities. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Case Management Programs, the MHCC is responsible for providing brief-counseling and recovery-focused supports to clients in the following areas: psychosocial assessment, planning and treatment, care coordination, referral, monitoring and evaluation.In addition, the candidate would be responsible for conducting therapeutic/support group programs for RISE clients. The candidate must be fluent in one or more of the following languages: Arabic, Farsi, and Spanish, in addition to English. Registered with a counseling or social work college.DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND RELATED TASKS

• Provide information and strategies for health and mental health promotion and crisis prevention.
• Respond and provide on-site crisis assessments, intervention and support to clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Provide brief counseling and referrals for clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Assist RISE Mental Health Case Managers in supporting clients to access mental health specialists and/or hospitals and to coordinate referrals, and follow-up to appropriate community support services.
• Liaise with families and friends, mental health specialists, police, emergency service personnel, and facilities to assist individuals requiring acute care admission under the Mental Health Act.
• Consult with the RISE team and community partner staff to determine the needs for peer support, parenting, trauma-focused and/or therapeutic oriented groups.
• Maintain confidentiality, program targets, and proper documentation as per the agency's policies, procedures, standards and all applicable legislations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Manager, Case Management Programs or a designate in the absence of the Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• University degree relevant to mental health & addictions is required.
• At least one-year recent related experience in formal counselling work.
• Registered with a counseling or social work college and is in good standing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in Arabic, Farsi, and Spanish, in addition to English is required.
• Demonstrated assessment, crisis intervention and de-escalation skills with broad knowledge of emergency mental health and crisis stabilization.
• Clinical knowledge and experience in application of clinical therapeutic techniques (i.e. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Brief Solution Focus, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care).
• A strong commitment to, and knowledge of, recovery principles, harm reduction approach and anti-oppressive practice.
• Demonstrated understanding and sensitivity to social and cultural diversity.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply discipline specific principles and practices to individuals who live with a serious mental illness and/or addiction issue, within a client-centered approach.
• Familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
• Strong understanding of immigration, settlement and acculturation related stress and mental health challenges within the newcomer population.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects.
• Demonstrated advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively utilize community resources and supports to meet the needs of clients.
• Anticipates client difficulties or crises and applies crisis theory during these situations as appropriate.
• Use of appropriate skills and resources to intervene with aggression behavior and suicidal behavior to maintain safety for all individuals.
• Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment.
• Flexible to work evenings or weekends if and when required
• Vulnerable Sector Background Check / Clearance is required.
• Training in CPR, First Aid and ASIST is an asset.

Madison is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, including women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas, representation and programming at Madison. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.We encourage all applicant to review Madison's website to learn more about us at www.madisoncs.orgWe thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 monthsSalary: $23.00-$25.00 per hourSchedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Toronto, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Master's Degree (preferred)

Application deadline: 2022-08-26
Expected start date: 2022-09-05