Mental Health Worker

Position Details

Job Number

JR00955

Department

Hamilton and Brant Geriatric Outreach Program

West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Job Type

Regular, Part time

Contract Duration: (If applicable)

0 months

Number of Positions

Union

OPSEU Local 206

Hourly Rate (Min / Max)

$37.96 - $54.3

Schedule

Work Days

Monday to Friday

Time of Day

Days

Shift

Hours - 7.5

Shift Start: (If applicable)

Application Dates

Opening Date

2026-06-30

Closing Date

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Mental Health Worker - Geriatric will be to contribute to the achievement of the following mandated core program functions: intake and screening; specialized assessment; care planning treatment and follow up; consultation education and support; program and system development; and service and program evaluation. The position will respond to seniors and their families affected by late onset serious mental illness/addiction and/or seniors with chronic mental illness/addiction with age related complications. This is a mobile outreach position serving seniors in a range of settings ( e.g. own home LTCH retirement home etc.). The Mental Health Worker position operates in a team framework and is operationalized in the context of the local and regional continuum of care that includes inpatient and outpatient services primary care practitioners long-term care homes and a range of other community services. The Mental Health Worker works in partnership and uses a systematic approach for the assessment of seniors with serious mental illness addiction and/or behavioural issues and complex needs to stabilize plan interventions and optimize the current situation. Provides coverage for both Hamilton and Brant areas and geographically can be used within the SJHH Regional Geriatric Psychiatry Service based on needs.

Qualifications

• Degree/diploma in nursing (RN) Degree in Social Work or Occupational Therapy or a degree in related health or social science field (e.g. Gerontology psychology) OR current registration in good standing with the College of Psychotherapists with a Degree in a health related discipline
• Current registration with your college in good standing: College of Nurses (RN) Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a comparable mobile outreach role working with the defined population (e.g. seniors with complex mental illness addictions and/or behavioural issues)
• Demonstrated knowledge and practiced skills in geriatric psychiatry community and Long Term Care Home consultation and follow up
• Knowledge of PIECES frameworks and templates a strong asset
• Knowledge of the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for Dementia Care an asset and highly recommended
• Working knowledge and understanding of HNHB LHIN Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) cross sector strategies and initiatives
• Proven ability to perform comprehensive bio-psychosocial geriatric mental health assessment an establish rapport with target population ( e.g. seniors with complex mental illness and/or addiction) in various scenarios
• Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and crisis intervention
• Demonstrated educational/presentation facilitation and networking skills
• Understanding of basic use of psychotropic medications in the elderly psychiatric diagnosis and formulation of a mental health assessment
• Knowledge of relevant geriatric mental health addiction and behavioural assessment interventions and strategies is critical
• Familiarity with standardized assessment tools (e.g. Folstein MOCA Cornell etc.) used in a geriatric psychiatry assessment
• Knowledge of Long Term Care and Mental Health systems and related legislation
• Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with a trans disciplinary team and other agencies/organizations in the community
• Current First Aid/CPR certification
• Valid drivers' license and full time use of own car is required
• Ability and willingness to travel (e.g. be mobile) and work in various settings/environments throughout the day (e.g. community home LTC facility retirement home etc.)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision and able to prioritize work demands and work in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer ability/knowledge is required (e.g. typing assessments and data entry)

Responsibilities

• Provide "community outreach" assessment treatment/intervention education advocacy and support to older adults with complex disorders (emotional behavioural cognitive psychosocial and physical) and their care providers
• Liaison with community agencies and other residential settings (e.g. Long Term Care assisted living retirement home) and health and social service providers to ensure comprehensive integrated responsive service delivery
• Leadership in community education service system development and student training

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is an equal opportunity employer and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all our programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SJHH.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHH is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process.