Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Reach

Overview

Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Reach Out

Direct Service - (OPSEU). Full-Time, Contract (End date: April 30, 2026). London, Ontario (London Zone). This posting is the result of an existing vacancy. Final date to receive applications:
February 16, 2026.

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
  • Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated)
  • For internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
  • Premiums of $2.00 will be applied for Evening/Night and Weekend Shifts
• When you'll work – 70 hours per bi-weekly period; rotating shifts of days, afternoons, evenings and weekends
• Your benefits will be - 9% in lieu of benefits
• Your pension plan – Optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

• Assessment in collaboration with the client:
  • Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize the benefits of engagement between the staff person and the client
  • Operate from a trauma and violence informed perspective
  • Complete mental health assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to determine client needs and level of risk
  • Assess social and environmental factors impacting the client
  • Assess the adequacy of resources/supports currently available to the client
  • Identify risk factors related to the safety of both the client and staff members as well as relapse
  • Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.)
  • Ensure assessment incorporates cultural and ethnic factors
  • Identify areas requiring additional assessment
  • Warm transfer callers to local crisis response teams, Support Line and other partners as defined by program protocols
  • Engage Emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required

• Provide prompt, accurate, empathetic verbal / text / web chat responses to requests for information about the availability of services for mental health and/or addiction services to clients, their family members and friends, as well as health and social service professionals
• Provide health teaching and information regarding a variety of coping techniques & strategies
• Provide information regarding resources found within both the broader mental health and addiction system & community in general
• Identify, develop and maintain good links with a wide range of community resources
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of resources relevant to clients including other mental health and addiction services, entitlement and benefit programs (e.g. ODSP, Ontario Works, London Housing, etc.)
• Work collaboratively with local crisis response teams to ensure coordinated care is provided to clients accessing the Reach Out Line and 988

• Provide crisis support, resources, information and referrals to those contacting Reach Out & 988 through calls, texts and web chat.
• Advocate, as necessary, to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation
• Assist the client to obtain needed resources by educating and supporting client to access resources, linking the client to appropriate services, advocating with or for the client when needed
• Assist the client to identify and connect with personal / natural and community supports
• When appropriate, act as liaison with caregivers and/or service & service providers who are involved with the client to facilitate coordinated approach to service provision

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed…