Integrated Youth Services Mental Health & Addictions Clinician
Job Description
Position Description
The Mental Health & Addictions Clinician (“MHA Clinician”) champions the Pan- Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS and provides clinical direction and leadership for the IYS-Sydney site staff team. The MHA Clinician provides assessment, crisis intervention, bridge clinical treatment and case management, referrals, and advocacy for youth (ages 12 to 25) who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
Provide clinical direction and oversight for youth and caregiver services provided by Sydney site staff members.
Where required, provide youth ages 12 to 25 with evidence-based bridge clinical treatment, case management, and the coordinated transfer of care to clinical addiction and mental health services.
Liaise with external clinical treatment providers and, as needed, provide case management for youth who are receiving external clinical services.
Participate in meetings of the IYS-NS Clinicians’ Community of Practice and relevant working groups and committees.
Collect and enter data (identified in the minimum data set) into the IYS-NS data platform, and use the data to guide care conversations; assist youth in entering data as required.
On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management, IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, to ensure that services align with the Pan- Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and protocols regarding addiction and mental health care, and youth/young adults more broadly.
- Take part in IYS planning, development, team-building, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives (locally, provincially and occasionally nationally).
- Take part in regular performance appraisals and employer/IYS-NS training and professional development.
- Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and IYS-NS policies procedures, applicable legislation and regulations, and professional standards and code(s) of ethics.
- Participate in internal team meetings as required
- Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions
- Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers
- Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn and IYS in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
- Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations
- Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
- Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
- Other duties as assigned by Site Supervisor, Integrated Youth Services
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in social work required
- Registered, or eligible to be registered with Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
- Minimum two (2) years clinical experience working in youth and young adult mental health/addictions/substance use services required; three (3) to five (5) years preferred.
- Valid NS Drivers License, regular access to a reliable insurance, and appropriate insurance to transport clients is required
- Current and up-to-date CPR and First Aid training required
- Current and up-to-date Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training; or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required.
- Brain Story training or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required
- Mental Health First Aid training or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required
- Compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and problem solving
- Experience working with and advocating for vulnerable populations
- Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with guidance
- Exceptional attention to detail and verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with others toward shared goals
- Highly organized and ability to work well under pressure
- Proficiency with Microsoft suite of programs and applications
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
- Understands servant leadership and community-centricity
Work Conditions
- Travel may be required
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Overtime may be required; working evenings/weekends as needed
- Interacts with employees, management, and the public at large
- Environment can be busy and/or noisy at times