Outreach Support Worker, Integrated Response Team (IRT)

Detailed Overview Reporting to the Manager or designate, as a member of the Integrated Response Team, the Outreach Support Worker provides outreach community-based support services, assists in mental health and substance use treatment, provides life skills training, coaching, advocacy and support to clients experiencing mental health, behavioral, and developmental problems and to their caregivers/families, in accordance with an established plan of treatment/care. Motivates, assists, and instructs clients with the activities of daily living, reports clients' progress and condition, including reactions to medications. Responsibilities Observes the client during interviews and assesses their behavior to identify problems and needs, solicits client feedback, inquiries, and complaints; responds to client needs as appropriate. Encourages and promotes independence and self-sufficiency for clients and their caregivers/families; develops short-term strategies to deal with various situations. Provides feedback and suggested recommendations to the treatment plans within established guidelines. Documents the care requested and progress made in the communications books; maintains client records. Reports regularly to the multidisciplinary team on the condition, behaviour, performance, progress, and care needs of clients and their caregivers/families. Provides support services, coaching and behavior modeling for the client and their caregivers/families to assist with the development of physical, social, emotion and life-skills, including all activities of daily living, interpersonal skills, meal planning and preparation, and household and budget management. Consults and works cooperatively with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the service and treatment process. Acts as an advocate for the client in dispute situations by responding to and/or coordinating response to problems regarding landlord-tenant issues, financial assistance, or accessing community resources and housing, and developing workable solutions that meet the needs of the client. Observes and supports individuals in appropriate medication management, in accordance with the plan of treatment/care and established policies and procedures. Observes and monitors clients in accordance with plan of treatment/care, assesses and responds in potential emergency or crisis situations in accordance with established procedures i.e. call . Provides feedback and recommendations to the treatment/care plan, including strategies to resolve situations, and referring for professional intervention, as required. Documents client progress to maintain permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures. Participates in finding substance use treatment services, home finding and general housing support (moving, packing, cleaning), individual and personal care services. Provides individual vocational support and other work-related supportive services. Maintains an awareness of community resources, including health care services, social, economic, recreational, employment, and educational services and resources, and other agencies and shares that information as required. Facilitates client attendance at appointments, programs, and services including escorting or accompanying client to appointments, and for shopping and leisure activities, including driving a vehicle. Participates in and supervises social and recreational activities as required. Teaches, demonstrates, models, and supports home maintenance and household management methods. Provides basic information to clients related to activities of daily living, e.g. housekeeping, yard maintenance, meal planning, and preparation, grocery shopping, and managing monthly living expenses. Ensures a safe and healthy working environment by observing universal precautions and infection control procedures; removing obvious hazards; reporting faulty equipment, accidents, injuries, and near misses; and adhering to and enforcing rules regarding safety. Participates in staff meetings, quality improvement initiatives, committees and in-services, and maintains up-to-date knowledge through involvement in work-related continuing education, as required. Provides direction to volunteers and assists with orientation of new staff and education experiences of students, as well as sharing expertise with other members of the team, as required. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Diploma in Community Social Services, e.g. Mental Health Worker, Community Health Worker, or Social Services Worker including post-secondary education in counselling skills training. Two years recent related experience working with individuals with mental illness/ substance use issues including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current CPR certificate. Current Food Safe certificate. Valid Class 5 BC Drivers Licence and access to personal vehicle with appropriate business insurance coverage. Skills and Abilities Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act. Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to deal with others effectively. Ability to prioritize and organize client demands made and care needs. Ability to problem solve. Ability to teach life skills. Sound judgment and good observation skills. Ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of initiative and independence. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to promote positive change and independence. Physical and ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment. Advocacy skills.