The Mental Health Specialist provides support, counseling, and case management for clients in a transitional home experiencing early signs of psychosis. They develop care plans, facilitate life skills programming, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support residents at risk of homelessness.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have post-secondary education in Social Services, at least 2 years of experience supporting homeless individuals, and 1 year of mental health assessment experience. Required certifications include First Aid, CPR, ASIST, CPI, and a valid driver's license with a vehicle.
professional certificateCase ManagementFirst AidMicrosoft Office SuiteCrisis InterventionCounselingCPRMental Health AssessmentPsycho-educationClient-Centered CareNaloxone AdministrationMultidisciplinary CollaborationLife Skills Programming
Job description
Position Summary
Reporting to UA Transitional Program Supervisor, the Mental Health Specialist will be responsible for providing support and counselling to clients in a transitional home who are experiencing the first signs and symptoms of psychosis. They will act as primary case manager for a caseload as well as consulting on similar mental health challenges and be considered an expert on providing treatment while collaborating with colleagues to determine the appropriate plans of care.
They will operate within a transitional housing program that is focused on providing services to residents who are at risk of homelessness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct assessments for clients who are experiencing early signs of psychosis and provide counseling to those with complex challenges
Develop plans of care to meet objectives with an emphasis on life skills and potential mentorships
Develop and facilitate life skill programming, psycho-social and psycho-education to residents
Lead the development of educational programs on mental illness while consulting with team members and community mental health services
Assist residents with coping mechanisms to physical and emotional barriers
Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
Various residential tasks for daily operation
Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out recovery andsupport
Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
Adhere to agency Health & Safety programs and the Client Safety Framework
Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management
You may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. You will receive training within the first eight weeks of employment.
Benefits
Competitive Salaries
Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
10 Paid Vacation Days
3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Generous Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Qualifications
Post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent
2+ years’ experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or equivalent
1+ years' experience with Mental Health assessment and/or treatment
Experience with GAIN-SS, ADAT, or full SPDAT is considered an asset
Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
Training in ASIST and CPI
Reporting Function
The Mental Health Specialist will report directly to Supervisor, UA Transitional Program. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization. They will have no supervisory responsibilities.
They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Company.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Shifts are every
Saturday and
Sunday, 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm but may vary depending on client needs
Average amount of physical effort is required.
Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time
Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
Vehicle travel to sites for community engagement and open doors as required.
Required to work statutory holidays
Staff will work in an environment designed to accommodate animals of various sizes and temperaments, and must be comfortable performing duties in a pet-controlled setting with exposure to noise, fur, and unpredictable animal behavior
Ship Values
Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional
About Us
Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.
Accessibility
“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do.
Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process.
We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments.
Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.
Application Instructions: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before July 6, 2026
Why Work For Us?
Work-Life Balance
SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization
Our Mission To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness
Our Culture Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.
Our Commitment People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:
Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
12 Paid Health,Wellness, and SickDays
10 Paid Vacation Days
3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Generous Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Company Culture to be Proud of
Possibility to Create a Real Impact
35+
Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families
5,000+
Clients and Residents served annually
20+
Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario
500+
Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees
Saturday and Sunday 3: 00 pm to 11:30 pm Union | 15 hours / week
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
