Mental Health Clinician - MH&A - Public Safety Personnel (PSP)

Position Overview

The Mental Health Clinician provides critical Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) support to public safety personnel (e.g., police officers, firefighters, paramedics, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, etc.) and retired members through self or provider referral. The clinician will work in collaboration with psychiatrists and psychologists to provide timely, first-line MHA assessments to determine the severity of concerns and appropriate treatment options targeted to clients. The clinician will create an increased awareness of the service, support prevention efforts, and build relationships with other PSP-focused service providers and key stakeholders.

Main Function: 
The Mental Health Clinician is responsible for the delivery of direct client service including the following:

1. conducts first line MHA assessments.
2. provides timely clinical evidence-based interventions to address needs in accordance with the treatment plan.
3. plans, develops, and facilitates CBT-based psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.
4. provides clinical case management.
5. completes referrals and linkages to community-based services/resources and primary care, as appropriate.

The clinician will maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, supervisors, colleagues, key service stakeholders, primary healthcare providers, and other service providers. These functions are in accordance with Shared Health’s Vision, Mission, and Values, organizational policies and procedures, and Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics as outlined by the incumbent’s professional licensing body.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of clinical practice in a mental health setting performing clinical assessments and interventions with clients.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in the independent delivery of cognitive-behavioral therapy to individuals and/or groups.
• Experience working on an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience working with uniformed personnel an asset.
• Experience and training in treatment models related to trauma an asset.
• Experience and training in group treatment an asset.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Master’s degree in a relevant health discipline from an accredited education institution required (i.e. Social Work, Occupational Therapy or equivalent).
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Active member in good standing of an associated regulatory body, as appropriate.
• Valid Manitoba driver’s license.
• Subject to criminal record and adult abuse registry checks.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated sound knowledge and skills of:
  • Mental health assessment, including crisis intervention/psychosocial assessment.
  • Evidence-based mental health treatment options for individuals and groups, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapies.
  • Evidence-based treatment options of trauma-related symptoms.
  • Trauma-informed care practices.
  • Anxiety and mood disorders, in particular depressive illnesses and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Psychiatric medication used in the management of mental disorders.
  • Current research in above clinical areas and implications for effective treatment.
  • Personal Health Information Act, the Mental Health Act, and other legislated acts.
• Manitoba’s healthcare system and relevant community resources and services.
• Person-centered care and strategies for engaging families and natural supports in the provision of care.
• Exhibits cultural sensitivity, cultural humility, and awareness of culturally safe practices of populations served.
• Ability to work within a complex system of services and collaborate with system stakeholders, including community services and primary care providers
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to practice with a high degree of independence and prioritize workload.
• Ability to navigate difficult clinical situations, including clients in crisis.
• Ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Proficient using a variety of software programs (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc.) and familiarity with electronic medical records platforms.
• Exhibits a collaborative approach to quality improvement and research within a clinical setting.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to work extended or evening hours.