Court Diversion

HAS AN OPENING FOR THE POSITION OF

Court Diversion & Support Worker

(1.00 FTE – 37.5 HRS/WEEK)

LOCATION: FORT FRANCES, ONTARIO Salary Range $30.98-$35.92/hour

Position Summary:

The Court Support Worker will provide comprehensive rehabilitation and support to referred individuals with a serious mental illness, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, developmental disability and/or acquired brain injury who are involved with the criminal justice system. Under the direction of the Community Services Team Co-Leads the position will provide court support functions within the framework of a client directed case management model. The Court Support Worker will perform a continuum of functions including; building community partnerships and/or relationships, client and system advocacy, crisis support, program development and program promotion. The position will provide front line community support services to clients involved in the criminal justice system, including those involved in the forensic mental health stream.

Essential Duties:

· Provides appropriate intervention support for client needs.

· Conducts comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments with clients and sets service goals.

· Provides assistance to other programs as required such as housing support and case management with CMHAFF.

· Screens referred individuals to determine eligibility for court diversion/support services.

· Perform intakes and collects necessary collateral information for new clients.

· Provides psycho-social rehabilitation and support to clients in achieving goals such as: basic life skills, social interactions, family relationships, medication education and compliance, vocational skills development.

· Monitors progress and carries out interventions when problems or crisis arise.

· Responsible for data collection, reporting and evaluation.

· Advocates on behalf of the Branch and its clients.

· Makes appropriate referrals to other mental and community resources/services.

· Advocates for diversion when clients meet criteria.

· Provides court support to mandated individuals who are not eligible for diversion through the legal system.

· Provides release from custody planning as appropriate.

· Ensures clients are informed of their rights under the Mental Health Act, and other related legislation.

· Ensures the client is aware and has an understanding of their rights such as: services, confidentiality and the complaint process.

· Ensures family members are aware of available resources.

· Provides support, consultation and information to the Crown Attorney and other officers of the court on community mental health services and resources.

· Educates the community on mental health issues and the criminal justice system.

· Provides diversion duties as established by the Ministry of the Attorney General's office.

· Screens referrals for appropriateness of fitness and/or criminal responsibility.

· Assists the criminal justice system (police, court, probation, FF Jail) in identifying and providing collaborative services to mandated individuals.

· Develops and follows protocol with other agencies and services.

· Acts as a liaison with Forensic Mental Health facility to support individual's transition into the community.

· Engages with Crown and client to develop, implement, and support Mental Health Diversion Plans

Qualifications:

• A degree in a regulated health or social service discipline preferred.
• A minimum of three years' experience working in a community setting with persons with mental illness/and or other relevant target populations.
• Working knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and Mental Health Act.
• Working knowledge of internet explorer, word processing and Outlook.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to write accurate, detailed, grammatically correct reports for internal and external use.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work individually and as a team member.
• Ability to liaise with consumers, family members, professionals and agencies of varying ideologies.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle required for employment purposes, proof of $2 million personal liability auto insurance, valid first aid/CPR certificate.
• Provision of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and maintenance of current Vulnerable Sector Check as required.

Qualified applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their experience to:

Selection Committee

Canadian Mental Health Association, Fort Frances Branch

P.O. Box 446

FortFrances, Ontario P9A 3M8

Fax: Email:

Applicants will be considered until position is filled.

We would like to thank everyone for their application, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CMHAFF offers a comprehensive benefits package including membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), starting vacation entitlement of four (4) weeks per year, competitive health, dental, Life, LTD, compressed work week and excellent work-life culture.

CMHAFF welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $30.98-$35.92 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person