Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Project Pathways

London, ON, Canada
Full Time
Mid Level
Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Project Pathways
Direct Service (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Contract (End Date: March 31, 2026) *2 positions*
London, Ontario (London Zone)
- Application Deadline: July 8, 2025 -

When individuals in our community experience an urgent mental health or addictions crisis, they deserve a response that is person-centred and supportive, while focusing on personal dignity and wellbeing. 

As an Addiction and Mental Health Worker with Project Pathways, you will work alongside London Police Service (LPS) Community Foot Patrol Sections to support crisis mitigation and assist individuals in managing their addiction or mental health issues. You will accompany LPS during foot patrol shifts to connect individuals to receive the most appropriate support by assessing and identifying their needs. As such, the role requires extended periods of walking and regular exposure to varying weather conditions.

By The Project Pathways pilot program was developed by the London Police Service (LPS) to address open-air illicit drug use, specifically within the downtown core and other targeted communities. By creating a supportive environment, this initiative aims to address open drug use and enhance overall community safety. This collaboration will enable officers to identify situations where mental health professionals could provide more effective assistance than police officers alone.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!
 WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:
  • 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
  • When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; rotating days, afternoons, evenings and weekends
     
  • Your pension plan –Immediate optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
     
  • What your benefits will be – 9% in lieu of benefits
HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Direct Client Support & Crisis Response

  • Accompany LPS foot patrol officers during shifts to engage with individuals in need of support
  • Remain ready to respond and support the de-escalation of crises
  • Conduct on-the-spot mental health and addiction assessments with individuals who come into contact with police and where the involvement is requested by an officer
  • Provide immediate, short-term crisis intervention, stabilization, and support
  • De-escalate situations using trauma-informed approaches
  • Deliver support to individuals who have come into contact with police in a safe, ethical, and sensitive manner
  • Act as a liaison between all community individuals and appropriate resources
  • Collaborate with police officers and other addiction/mental health providers to deliver an integrated service approach
  • Engage and work collaboratively with LPS when it is determined that additional intervention is required
  • Advocate as necessary, in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating the immediate crisis situation
  • Employ training, knowledge, and expertise in the de-escalation of crises and, where possible, to support safe, community-based resolutions during police interactions
  • Facilitate short-term follow-up, referral, and navigation to mental health, addiction, and community services
  • Educate clients on coping strategies, wellness, and available supports
  • Support individuals in developing self-advocacy and coping strategies to promote long-term recovery
  • Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies (e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well-being, etc.)
  • Interact and provide support and assessment in a non-judgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to individual diversity (e.g. culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values, etc.).
  • Provide documentation, referrals, and follow-up care coordination
Reach Out/988 & Department Support responsibilities:
  • Participate in training to provide support to individuals through Reach Out and 988
  • Provide crisis intervention services and supports on Reach Out/988 via phone, text and web chat
  • Respond to voicemails from Reach Out
  • Establish a therapeutic relationship with individuals accessing Reach Out/988, and work with individuals to address their immediate concerns
  • Participate as an active member of the multi-disciplinary team by ensuring cross training to perform the roles and responsibilities of each team under the Crisis and Access department
  • Work with colleagues to ensure adequate staffing levels in all programs
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:
Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 2 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We require the following qualifications:
  • Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study (e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline, etc.)
  • Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
  • Successful completion of a London Police Services security clearance
  • Successful police interview and approval
  • Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly
We prefer the following qualifications:
  • First Aid & CPR, WHMIS Training
  • Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST training program
  • Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health conditions is required
  • Minimum of 3-5 years experience working in mental health, including a minimum of 2 years experience working in crisis intervention
  • Experience with, and detailed knowledge of, mild, moderate and serious mental illnesses
  • Experience working in a community-based setting, preferably with an established network of service and support resources
  • Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

Additional Working Conditions:
  • Extended periods of walking and standing; additional moderate physical activity including sitting, lifting
  • Regular exposure to various weather conditions; working outdoors, year round
Get your application in by – July 8, 2025
Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team. 
We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] 
 

Legal Notifications:
  • For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
  • Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes
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