Job Description

PHS Community Services Society (PHS) is looking for 2 Mental Health Workers to work in our Arbutus Shelter in Victoria: Friday & Saturday 8PM-8AM {22 hours/week} and Saturday-Monday 8PM-8AM {33 hours/week}.

Mental Health Workers are responsible for providing support services, advocacy, and sheltering/housing for those who are: persons with a mental health diagnosis, persons with physical disabilities and/or chronic disease such as HIV/AIDS, persons with a history of criminal activity and/or involvement in the criminal justice system, persons who engage in active alcohol, drug, and/or IV drug use, persons with any combination of the above, or other persons in need of service. Working as a collaborative team, with Management, Coordinators and external agencies to develop, implement and review of individual resident/participant case plans. Mental Health workers provide many daily supports including overseeing medication administration, harm reduction, recreational activities, financial administration, wound care & first aid, safety and security measures, and crisis intervention. This position acts as a first responder in medical interventions including overdose response, medical emergencies, and instances of death.

Society Philosophy

The PHS attempts to promote, develop, and manage supportive affordable housing and community services for individuals who are poorly served elsewhere in the community due to their physical health, mental health, behaviour, substance use, forensic history or for those who are homeless. The Society aims to foster a sense of community within the PHS Community Services Society's programs and projects, by encouraging its members to be accepting of and offer support to one another, and: strive to support each person to function at the level determined by that person; support each person to determine for themselves the time, place, course, and method of therapeutic treatment, if any; foster an environment which accepts, believes in, forgives, and looks to the good in each person.

Why work here?

Working at PHS will offer you the opportunity to thrive in a fast-growing and exciting organization, committed to providing housing, service and advocacy to people in need. PHS is recognized as North American leaders in low barrier housing and harm reduction services. We are innovators, highly regarded across the sector. We operate as a series of well-resourced, experienced, multi-disciplinary teams. You will be supported, and your input will be sought and respected by your colleagues.

PHS hires from within. Mental Health Worker roles provide foundational skills - many managers and senior staff running housing and programs formerly worked in frontline positions.

It's a CUPE 5536 union position, overnight and weekend premiums apply, access to our family assistance program available.

Responsibilities

Job duties include (but are not limited to):

Provides physical, social, emotional, basic life skills, and behaviour management support to participants including; accompanying residents to appointments, coordinating transportation, harm reduction initiatives, personal hygiene and basic wound care, home support, or assisting with practical problems such as social assistance applications, housing waitlists and financial administration using strong judgement to create positive outcomes. Safety and security measures, and wellness checks. Complies with the policies for medication administration and storage. Ensures that all the medication sheets are filled in accurately independently of health care professionals. Uses analytical abilities to observe and respond to participants needs and attempt to mitigate potential emergency situations. Being knowledgeable that certain behaviours may be indicative of de-compensating behaviour. Uses logs, and care plans to document observations and provide input on appropriate courses of action. Responsible for the management of the physical needs of buildings; cleaning and maintenance, cleaning of resident rooms/shelter spaces in accordance with initiatives set out by the Project Manager, and room clean-outs and preparation for new resident arrivals. Listens and responds to participants concerns, questions and requests in a manner that conveys respect. Responsible for de-escalating hostile interactions between tenants. Escalates to higher authorities as necessary. Acting as the first to respond in medical interventions including overdose response and serious medical emergencies.

Education and experience

Different types of experiences are valued at PHS, including volunteer and educational experience. The ideal candidate for this role has the following qualifications and skills:

Current First Aid and CPR certification is required. 1 - 2 years' experience working with marginalized populations an asset. A diploma in Social Services or related field. Must bring a non-judgmental, compassionate and anti-oppressive, harm reduction approach. Class 5 Driver's License is a preferred asset.
An equal combination of education, training and experience is acceptable.

Terms of employment

Salary: $31.56 p/h plus overnight and weekend premiums applied.

This is a unionized position under CUPE 5536.

Successful applicants will be required to complete a criminal records check.

PHS strives to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the community we serve. We seek a diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and professional and lived experience in our staff. We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals.

POSITION 1

Arbutus Shelter Mental Health Worker - Permanent Part-Time

Schedule: Friday & Saturday 8:00pm-8:00am {22 hours/week}

POSITION 2

Arbutus Shelter Mental Health Worker - Permanent Part-Time

Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, Monday 8:00pm-8:00am {33 hours/week}

How to apply

Please include a cover letter identifying the qualities and competencies that would make you a suitable candidate.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $31.56 per hour

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Flexible schedule On-site parking Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:

Victoria, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Are you familiar with Harm Reduction philosophy? Which position are you applying for? (Saturday, Sunday, Monday 8pm-8am OR Friday & Saturday 8pm-8am)
Education:

DCS / DEC (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

First Aid Certification (preferred)
Location:

Victoria, BC (preferred)
Work Location: In person