Concurrent Disorders Specialist

At Grand River Hospital we are building a world class health care system supporting healthier lives for the communities we serve. We value people above all else and the experiences of our patients and their families, our team members, and our partners are at the very top of our agenda.

Through our values of CARE; TRUST AND BE TRUSTWORTHY; COURAGE TO START, HEART TO FINISH and WELCOME ONE TO WELCOME ALL we leverage the collective talents and strengths of our GRH team, our community, and our partners to innovate and accelerate the transformation of health care delivery.

We currently have an opportunity for a temporary part-time Concurrent Disorder Specialist. This position is anticipated to extend to April 30, 2025. Hours of Worked: Monday to Friday, Evenings and Weekends.

How Concurrent Disorder Specialist our teams at Grand River Hospital:

Assertive Community Treatment Team or ACTT is a best practice model of providing specialized community mental health care to people with severe and persistent mental illness. This program is located in the community and supports people living in all types of housing options across Waterloo Region. This clinician will assess the client's individual status and needs, develop a treatment plan and, in collaboration with all ACT Team, clinicians, provide or participate in the provision of the core program services including comprehensive assessment and case management, psychiatric treatment, substance abuse treatment, structuring time and employment, activities of daily living, social and interpersonal relationships and leisure time, and support. The Concurrent Disorders Specialist will provide assessment, support, and service coordination to individuals with concurrent disorders, as well as their families in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. The ACT team utilizes a client centered approach striving to support the client’s recovery plan. The incumbent will also provide a consultation service and educational supports to colleagues within the specialized mental health program and its broader community. Contributes to ensuring there is a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

At Grand River Hospital, The Concurrent Disorder Specialist Has

• Regulated healthcare professional
• Degree in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or another recognized health care discipline (masters degree preferred, consideration would be given to a qualified bachelor prepared candidate with relevant educational preparation and experience)
• Strong knowledge and experience of, and support for, recovery principles
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness preferred
• Proven knowledge, skills & experience of working with patients with concurrent disorders i.e. mental illness & addictions in both hospital and community settings
• Demonstrated ability for completing comprehensive biopsychosocial mental health assessments including the evaluation of risk, mental status, and level of functioning.
• Demonstrated ability for conceptualizing and addressing individual and family mental health concerns from a systems perspective
• Evidence of ongoing Advanced Addictions Education from an accredited educational institution
• Ability to provide ongoing education related to individuals with concurrent disorders to: staff, patients and their family
• Advanced clinical practice working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness using short-term interventions
• Ability to provide assessment and screening of patients for possible addiction issues
• Working knowledge of CIWA protocols and detoxification
• Proven ability for developing and implementing integrated treatment plans (related to relapse prevention and harm reduction) in collaboration with other involved service providers within GRH and in the community
• Ability to lead and facilitate groups
• Demonstrated knowledge and comfort with multidisciplinary team processes
• Proven ability for utilizing best practices in meeting the needs of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness
• Knowledge of formal and informal community services and resources (across WWLHIN) such as: Al Anon, AA, NA, GA etc.
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Community Treatment Orders, Health Care Consent Act, Child & Family Services Act and any other relevant legislation
• Risk management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to diffuse conflict and foster collaborative working relationships
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License required (must have access to a car)
• Good attendance record
  
  

At Grand River Hospital we support our Team Members with:

• A thorough onboarding and orientation program
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to our Ongoing Education Fund
• Career mentorship
• Wellness programs
  
  

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our patients, staff and community from COVID-19, subject to any accommodation required by applicable human rights legislation, Grand River Hospital requires that all staff have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE POSTING IS CLOSED.

Please include a resume with your application in order to ensure that your qualifications are appropriately considered in the hiring process.

Grand River Hospital is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to: racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment. Grand River Hospital is a proud member of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).

Upon individual request, the hospital will endeavour to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate candidates, including those with disabilities. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection processes, please contact Human Resources in advance for assistance.