Concurrent Disorders Specialist

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

This role is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy.

Position Vacancy: 1F Psych Centre

Position: Temporary Full Time Concurrent Disorders Specialist Until Approximately 4/29/2027

Posting Period: November 3 - November 10

Hours of Work: 37.5 Hours Per Week - Monday to Friday (with the possibility of some evening work)

Location: WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus)

Position Summary:

Offering person-centred care, guided by recovery principles, the concurrent disorders specialist promotes healing and instills hope while demonstrating the values of the Mental Health and Addictions Program.

As a member of an interprofessional clinical team within the Adult In-Patient Mental Health program the Concurrent Disorders Specialist will provide assessment, support, and service coordination to individuals with concurrent disorders, as well as their families. The incumbent will also provide a consultation service and educational supports to colleagues within the mental health program and its broader community.

Contributes to ensuring there is a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

Position Requirements:

· Regulated healthcare professional

· Degree in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or another recognized health care discipline (masters degree preferred, consideration would be given to a qualified bachelor prepared candidate with relevant educational preparation and experience)

· Strong knowledge and experience of, and support for, recovery principles

· Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness preferred

· Proven knowledge, skills & experience of working with patients with concurrent disorders i.e. mental illness & addictions in both hospital and community settings

· Demonstrated ability for completing comprehensive biopsychosocial mental health assessments including the evaluation of risk, mental status, and level of functioning.

· Demonstrated ability for conceptualizing and addressing individual and family mental health concerns from a systems perspective

· Evidence of ongoing Advanced Addictions Education from an accredited educational institution

· Ability to provide ongoing education related to individuals with concurrent disorders to: staff, patients and their family

· Advanced clinical practice working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness using short-term interventions

· Ability to provide assessment and screening of patients for possible addiction issues

· Working knowledge of CIWA protocols and detoxification

· Proven ability for developing and implementing integrated treatment plans (related to relapse prevention and harm reduction) in collaboration with other involved service providers within GRH and in the community

· Ability to lead and facilitate groups

· Demonstrated knowledge and comfort with multidisciplinary team processes

· Proven ability for utilizing best practices in meeting the needs of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness

· Knowledge of formal and informal community services and resources (across WWLHIN) such as: Al Anon, AA, NA, GA etc.

· Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Community Treatment Orders, Health Care Consent Act, Child & Family Services Act and any other relevant legislation

· Risk management skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively

· Ability to diffuse conflict and foster collaborative working relationships

· Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

· Ability to work independently

· Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

· Valid Ontario Driver’s License required (must have access to a car)

· Good attendance record

Application Instructions:

EMPLOYEES OF WRHN MIDTOWN & CHICOPEE ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.

Attention Registered Nurses: Please provide a copy of your resume when applying to the position. Applications received without this information may not be considered.

Attention UNIFOR Members: Effective June 1, 2013, applications for postings outside a candidate’s home unit/department will not be considered if no résumé has been provided.

Where applicable, as per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.

WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

WRHN does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions regarding applicants during our recruitment and selection process.