Team Leader - Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Position Overview

HUB-FACT-ACT. Shared Health is implementing wrap around inter-disciplinary community mental health teams for individuals who have severe mental illness. These teams will be composed of the HUB, FACT and ACT teams. The teams will work with individuals who have a severe mental illness and may have been in hospital for extended periods of time, in a special contract, use a number of services and require regular supports to assist in community living. Individuals do not require a diagnosis of primary psychosis but may have a mental illness diagnosis, behavioral complexity, co-existing medical conditions, cognitive impairment, addictions, be involved with the criminal justice system and do not meet the criteria for other mental health programs or services.

The model is a dual intensity level approach and allows for a coordinated approach of care, less intensive FACT (with ability to scale up to ACT for a temporary duration of time), and continuously intensive ACT.

The HUB will be responsible for:

• The assessment, intake and navigation of individuals that are referred for services.
• Development and oversight of the provincial standardization for FACT and ACT teams in Manitoba.

The Flexible ACT team (FACT) will service a broader mental health client population.

FACT will be responsible for:

• Case management services in the community.
• Has the ability to provide more intensive treatment services for a short period of time when needed by the individual.

The ACT team would allow for intensive service for individuals with severe mental illness and have a number of functional and adaptive needs. The ACT team will provide 24-hour wrap around services provided by an inter-disciplinary team. 24-hour services are composed of staff on site days and evenings and on call support after hours.

Main Function:

• Under the general supervision of the HUB & FACT-ACT manager the Team Leader will oversee and provide services to individuals with a severe mental illness who require intensive community supports. They will act as a resource to individuals, families and other service providers who inquire about ACT. Assumes responsibility for directly providing needed treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals with a severe and enduring mental illness.
• Incorporates the principles of recovery and empowerment to ensure helpful and respectful services to program participants. 
• Will develop policies and guidelines for HUB–FACT–ACT.
• Will be part of them team that develops and standardizes the practices for FACT and ACT teams provincially.
• Incorporates the principles of recovery and empowerment to ensure helpful and respectful services to program participants.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the HUB/FACT team lead.

Experience

• Minimum of (5) years directly related clinical experience with working with individuals with severe mental illness and principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery.
• Clinical knowledge in the area of Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use disorders and the related implications for clinical practice.
• Experience in developing behavior plans.
• Experience in clinical practice consultation.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective networking and agency relations skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of FACT, ACT, psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery, and empowerment.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practices, including current knowledge of best practices in the area of Assertive Community Treatment.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• BSW, BScMH, BScPN, BN, OT, RPN, RN, or related health/human service degree.
• Master’s degree preferred.

SPECIAL TRAINING:

• ASIST.
• Suicide Intervention Training.
• Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Workshop.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Active member in good standing of an associated regulatory body as appropriate.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of:
  • Relevant professional regulatory requirements including standards and scope of practice.
  • Relevant legislated acts including but not limited to Personal Health Information Act, Protection of Persons in Care Act, Mental Health Act, Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), Principles of Routine Practices (Universal Precautions).
  • Relative.
  • Working with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Regional/site/unit policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines relating to clinical care, administrative, financial, and human resource management. 
• The provincial health system in Manitoba has adopted the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work safely in a typical computerized office environment with frequent meetings, and to lift and carry items of up to approximately 10 kg (25 lbs.).
• Interruptions to respond to questions from executives, and partner organizations are common; dedicated and focused time for planning and concentration can be scheduled.
• A valid Manitoba driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle may be required for travel within the province.