CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
SAULT STE. MARIE BRANCH
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title:
Reports to:
Date:
Approved by:
Clinician-Dual Diagnosis
Director of Clinical Services
December 2009
Executive Director
JOB SUMMARY
In partnership with the consulting psychiatrist to provide comprehensive person-centred psychiatric
assessments and treatment to individuals living in the Algoma district who have a developmental
disability and mental health concerns. The Dual Diagnosis program is part of a regional communitybased service of the Developmental Disabilities Service of the Northeast mental Health Centre.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. Service Engagement
 Receive and screen all referrals to the Dual Diagnosis Program
 Determine eligibility for service based on documented criteria and in collaboration with the
psychiatrist and NEMHC
 Establish a therapeutic relationship with clients, service providers and natural supports based
on trust and respect
 Work with clients within their natural environment when appropriate
 Establish treatment goals and action plans
 Collaborate with community partners to ensure continuity of care
 Identify alternate service options as appropriate and expedite referrals
 Provide crisis support and/or referral as required
 Manage waitlist
2. Assessment
 Conduct intensive bio-psychosocial intake assessment prior to admission to program
 Conduct follow-up assessments on a regular and as needed basis by utilizing a
comprehensive assessment process. Identifies strengths, resources and challenges of
individuals and assists them in achieving their goals as outlined in the treatment plan
 Assess for symptoms of mental illness and strategies for coping (positive and negative)
 Monitor psychiatric symptoms, medication compliance, side effects and efficacy
 Understand client presentation within environment and circumstances within which they
live, work and play
 Gather all collaborative information and reports to ensure comprehensive service delivery
 In consultation with supervising psychiatrist, conduct assessments for risk, including suicide
risk and take the needed steps to ensure safety of client and community
Clinician – Dual Diagnosis
3. Service Delivery
 Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and theoretical models to address client concerns
and needs
 Monitor and adjusts treatment plan as required
 Provide psycho-education and monitors symptom management and medication usage and
effectiveness with client and support team
 Collaborate with physicians, psychiatrists, mental health service providers and health care
professionals
 Emphasize strength development and positive behavioural approach
 Make appropriate referrals to other mental health and community services
 Provide crisis support to clients and potential clients as the need arises
 Advocate on behalf of clients
4. Community Relations and Advocacy
 Engages in professional activities that promote the Vision, Mission and Values of the
organization
 Provides educational presentations on programs, the agency and mental health issues
 Challenges stigma and discrimination
 Identifies gaps in service, trends and changes in client needs that are not being met in the
system
 Positively represents the agency in inter-agency initiatives in consultation with the Director
of Clinical Services and/or the Executive Director
 Participates in community development activities through committees and informal
networking with community partners
5. Organizational Responsibility
 Takes part in regular clinical supervision with the Director of Clinical Services, Program
Manager of the Developmental Disabilities Service and the designated Psychiatrist
 Participates in peer consultation and peer de-briefing
 Keeps the supervisor, NEMHC Manager and/or Executive Director informed of activities,
progress, problems and roadblocks that might interfere with the delivery of service
 Participates in regular team and all agency meetings
 Participates in clinical conferences, seminars, literature reviews to ensure professional
development and attainment of staff development goals
 Ensures accurate and timely documentation as established by agency standards, expectations
and policies including those set by NEMHC
 Adheres to personnel policies and Social Work Code of Ethics
 Assists in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the programs and services
 Participates in strategic planning
 Assists in the undertaking of research projects and program evaluation
 Contributes to the overall health, safety and morale in the workplace
 Participates in supervision of students as assigned
 Participates and contributes to an environment (workplace and systemic) that embraces
change
 Represents CMHA in a positive and professional way with clients, family members and staff
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Clinician – Dual Diagnosis
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of other agencies and organizations
Keeps abreast of developments in theory and research
Collects and accounts for any fees/monies collected from clients as applicable
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Masters level in Social Work or Bachelor’s degree with significant experience. Current registration
with OCSWSSW or a regulated body under the Regulated Health Professions Act is preferred.
Experience
Minimum of three years experience in the fields of developmental disabilities, mental health and
addictions with an emphasis in community based services. Experience in conducting biopsychosocial assessments. Experience in working within a multi-disciplinary field is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 Ability to work in partnership with clients
 Extensive knowledge and understanding of the mental health and addictions services
 Ability to apply Recovery principles and empowerment-orientated philosophies and practices in
work with clients
 Demonstrated ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain
from dual relationship with clients
 Demonstrates diplomacy and negotiation skills in client and system advocacy
 Ability to make sound clinical judgments and to effectively communicate that to others
 Ability to work effectively within a team environment
 Excellent organizational and time management skills
 Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain sound relationships within and outside
CMHA
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills
 Ability and flexibility to work independently on a range of tasks within specified time frames
and deadlines
 Excellent computer skills and competency in software application used by the agency.
 Engage in reasonable self-care strategies that incorporate balancing work/life responsibilities
 Excellent problem-solving and decision making skills
 Ability to provide effective client services in English and French
 Valid driver’s license and vehicle is required.
DISCLAIMER: Because of the changing nature of work and the work to be done, job
qualifications and job descriptions may be altered from time-to-time.
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