MHSU Access & Crisis Response Counsellor

Baccalaureate Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution.

Recognized post-basic education related to mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction; two (2) two years' recent related experience in areas requiring frequent crisis intervention and risk assessment, such as policing, crisis counseling, paramedic or other similar work environment; understanding of mental health and alcohol and drug addiction issues; psychiatric and suicide/homicide risk assessments, psychiatric and addictions treatment methodologies, crisis intervention and response techniques and strategies, the change process, and community dynamics;

knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community; knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act, Child Protection legislation, and the Adult Guardianship Act; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Drivers License.

• Demonstrated competence in the treatment of addiction and mental illness congruent with VIHA's framework and standards within rehabilitation/recovery, harm reduction focused model.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and clinical skills, including crisis Intervention, stabilization, de-escalation and brief psychotherapy.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem solving and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively with very difficult/at-risk clients.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to proactively manage and resolve conflict.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Ability to prioritize and organize workload.
• Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to foster good public relations.
• Ability to operate a personal computer with a variety of windows based software and other office equipment.