PT Mental Health and Wellness Facilitator (Nanaimo)

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

ROLE PURPOSE
This position involves assessing client needs, developing individualized support plans, and providing therapeutic interventions to promote behavioral change and personal growth. The role includes supporting clients with de-hoarding, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and access to community services. The employee collaborates with internal staff and external agencies to implement harm-reduction and client-centered practices. Responsibilities also include documenting client progress, engaging with residents in communal spaces, coordinating external services, promoting wellness initiatives, and conducting research on mental health trends. Additionally, the role involves planning and supporting activities that enhance residents’ mental health in collaboration with the Activities Coordinator. 

HOURS (32 Hours per Week)

• Tuesday to Friday, 0930 - 1730 

WHAT WE OFFER?

• Committed Living Wage Employer
• 2022 & 2023 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Aware from NEOC
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
• Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conducts assessments of service users’ needs through interviews, observations, consultations with caregivers and service providers, and the use of various evaluation tools.
• Develops and implements individualized support plans, including Personal Service Plans, that address short- and long-term client needs.
• Supports clients in de-hoarding and room cleaning.
• Provides motivational interviewing and therapeutic interventions to support clients in achieving positive, sustainable behavioral change, growth, and development.
• Participates in goal setting, program planning, and case management for individuals living semi-independently.
• Provides conflict-resolution strategies, crisis intervention, and support to clients as needed, including responding to critical incidents.
• Identifies and facilitates access to social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services in the community.
• Collaborates with other program staff (e.g., Tenant Support Workers, Shift Leads, etc.) and external agencies to ensure effective implementation of harm-reduction and client-centered practices.
• Reviews and evaluates client progress, adjusting support strategies as necessary while providing feedback to clients and their families.
• Provides documentation, including written and verbal reports, regarding clients’ daily activities, progress, and critical incidents in accordance with policy and standards.
• Engages with residents informally in communal areas (e.g., cafeteria, smoking areas, hallways) to foster connections, provide support, and document observations related to mental health.
• Conducts outreach and check-ins with residents, responding to needs related to mental health, addiction, taxes, identification, ministry forms, and other social services.
• Coordinates with external service providers such as CCH, ACT, and PCO for resident updates and collaborative support efforts.
• Monitors and maintains sufficient informational materials (e.g., flyers, brochures) in common areas.
• Promotes physical and mental health initiatives among both residents and co-workers, engaging in discussions on wellness topics such as sleep, diet, exercise, and mindfulness practices.
• Provides post-incident support to residents and staff, offering services or referrals following critical events.
• Conducts ongoing research on mental health trends and best practices to enhance service delivery.
• Regularly collaborates with the Activities Coordinator to plan and support programs that positively impact residents’ mental health.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
We seek candidates who meet the following qualifications and requirements:

• Ability to successfully complete a Vulnerable Persons Criminal Record Check
• Ability to successfully pass a reference check
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License
• Personal vehicle that is in good repair, insured for business up to $1,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport clients
• Graduated with a degree in social work or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a similar setting with a mental health or addictions focus
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments that include mental health and addictions standardized frameworks and tools.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate practice interventions based on psychosocial assessments.
• Ability to make appropriate and effective referrals that reflect in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners.
• Demonstrated skills and ability to apply theory to practice in the areas of case management, resource and supportive counseling, and individual and group therapy to clients/families coping with problematic substance use and/or mental health issues.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of regulations, policies, procedures, and other statutory duties related to relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, and the Freedom of Information Act.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

COMPENSATION
As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $29.17 up to $33.49 per hour. Plus, benefits enrollment as per the Collective Agreement.