Basic Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Health Coordinator, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Specialist is responsible for the mental health services within the Osoyoos Indian Band and Nk’Mip Health Services to ensure the current developmental, treatment, and psycho-social needs of children, youth, and families are met.  The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Specialist is responsible to ensure that the policies, standards and procedures related to mental health and Substance Abuse are maintained, applied and communicated to staff and are within the policy framework of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Specialist is responsible to ensure the provision of holistic services for children, youth, and families that is culturally appropriate and consistent with the philosophy and goals established by Nk’Mip Health Services and the Osoyoos Indian Band. 

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Specialist will be responsible to ensure the implementation of integrated service delivery from the point of intake to discharge for all children, youth, and families receiving Mental Health and Substance Abuse services from Osoyoos Indian Band.

Under the direction of the Health Coordinator, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Specialist is responsible for:

• monitoring and evaluating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program objectives and activities and ensuring that services provided incorporate a culturally based focus;  maintaining the consistency of standards to ensure services and related programs express the policies and procedures of Osoyoos Indian Band and are within the legal framework of the Mental Health Act;
• managing the coordination of Osoyoos Indian Band Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, in order to ensure effective social service delivery to the community;  this includes determining and assessing Mental Health needs, setting program priorities, implementing planning and practice, as well as monitoring the status of the facilities, equipment and supplies;
• consulting with staff,  Allied Service Providers, and Interior Health to develop and recommend Mental Health and Substance Abuse strategies and course of action; advising management on the resolution of Mental Health and Substance Abuse  issues and leading the development, selection, implementation and management of strategies;

Work Conditions

• High levels of stress and pressure.
• Working in an office environment.
• Attendance and conducting of presentations.
• Occasional travel.

• Ability to work independently while being capable of collaboration within a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act and other related legislation in children’s services.
• Ability to apply theories in the assessment, planning and development of treatment services, management and administration.
• Ability to translate relevant government legislation and policy into Osoyoos Indian Band and Nk’Mip Health Services policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• MSW or BSW;  or a BA with five or more years direct service with children, adolescents and families in mental health and Substance Abuse services.
• Five or more years direct service with children, adolescents and families in mental health services; three or more year’s management and supervisory experience in treatment services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent supervisory, planning, organization, problem-solving, decision-making and liaison skills, and leadership skills;
• Personnel and program evaluation skills;
• Three or more years management and supervisory experience in Mental Health and Substance Abuse services
• Confidential while working with clients
• Reliable vehicle  with insurance