Addiction Services Worker - Mental Health & Addictions

Purpose

Improve the quality of care for individuals using substances and support people being served where they present including but not limited to the Emergency Department, an inpatient unit, or a Community WMS service. Provide strong linkages to Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) and other outpatient services. Support a safe and compassionate learning environment and assist with improving the knowledge and skills of staff within the areas that they are consulting.

Duties

• Assist in development of referral pathways and transitional care planning for inpatients with addictions.
• Provide educational support with interdisciplinary team members to build capacity within the hospital, community and district.
• Facilitate and score relevant assessments & perception of care tools (SS&A & OPOC etc.).
• Work collaboratively with addictions physicians and clients in determining appropriate treatment modality for inpatients across the Hospital.
• Provide navigational support to individuals accessing services throughout trajectory (intake, during treatment and on discharge from clinic including transfer of care plan).
• Ensure flow in the clinic and that individuals are being connected with community resources and back to their primary care provider.
• Maintain accurate client records and statistical reports as required.
• Provide health teaching to patients and family and education to community and district partners.
• Maintain compliance with legislation, and organizational and departmental policies, standards, and procedures.
• Maintain commitment to self-growth and professional development.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
• Participate in community events, and outreach/training to/with community and district partners
• Remain current in knowledge and application of best practice pertaining to withdrawal management through the utilization of appropriate research and literature.
• Consistently behave in a manner that reflects Sault Area Hospital’s core values and Employee Standards of Performance.
• Maintain ethical and professional standards in all interactions with clients, co-workers, other departments and agencies.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Participate in ongoing quality improvement and risk management activities.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) year Community College Diploma in a health or social sciences field.
• Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or relevant governing body.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and First Aid certificate required.
  
  

Knowledge & Skill

• Proficiency in a Microsoft environment including experience in the development of spreadsheets, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Visio
• Demonstrated proficiency in evidence-based screening and assessment tools re: addictions and mental health care, as well as biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments, and the ability to link clients with the appropriate services are essential.
• Human relations skills including empathy, sensitivity, understanding of human and organizational behavior, motivational techniques and counseling skills (e.g. teaching patients).
• Functional knowledge of evidence-based modalities for addictions care.
• Functional knowledge of formal and informal bio-psycho-social-spiritual services and supports throughout Algoma.
  
  

Ability

• Ability to meet physical demands of the job, including extended standing, walking, lifting and climbing using proper technique.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member in a fast paced environment in stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain successful working relationships with the interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Ability to organize time effectively to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to meet and interact with people in a pleasant, professional, responsible and reassuring manner.
• Ability to read, write and communicate to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of self-help groups and harm reduction strategies.
• Knowledge of – Ontario Withdrawal Management Standards, addiction, housing and mental health services.
• Knowledge of evidence based treatment modalities – Stages of Change and Biopsychosocial Model.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation – Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, and Personal Health Information Protection Act.
• Ability to provide effective support to chemically dependent people through employment in a related service.
• Utilize effective crisis management skills in dealing with client’s behavioural or emotional complications.
• Behaviour consistent with Hospital Mission, ICCARE Values and Standards of Performance.
  
  

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may by assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time. Only those selected for the test/ interview will be contacted.

Individuals will be selected on the basis of their ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume which they have attached to the posting application form. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview and/or testing where required.