Therapy Aide - Complex Mental Health

Here’s your chance to be a part of our story!  Carewest is one of Calgary’s leaders in exceptional care and we are looking for passionate helpers to join our team.

At Carewest, our mission is to support all clients in maintaining their quality of life as they transition through their health care journey. Our core values of Caring, Relationships, Excellence, Accountability and Teamwork guide how we provide care to those who need it the most.

 

With a strong focus on delivering quality care & safety to our residents & clients we strive to attract innovative thinkers looking for a rewarding career.

 

Help us make a difference and connect with us today!

 

 

Offer Acceptance Timeline: Due to the operational timelines associated with the opening of the new Bridgeland site, successful candidates will be required to accept or decline their offer of employment within a shortened timeframe following the verbal offer. Candidates are encouraged to be prepared to make a timely decision upon receiving an offer.

 

The Opportunity 

 

Under close supervision and in accordance with established policies, procedures and care plans, the Therapy Aide provides therapeutic, recreational and client care support activities within a Complex Mental Health setting. The Therapy Aide supports individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders, cognitive impairment,
behavioural challenges and complex psychosocial needs by facilitating meaningful activities that promote functional abilities, social engagement, independence and quality of life. 

 

Responsibilities include assisting clients with activities of daily living, facilitating individual and group recreational activities, exercises, games and social events, and supporting participation in therapeutic programming. The Therapy Aide observes, documents and reports changes in client behaviour, functioning and participation, and communicates programming feedback to the Recreation Therapist and interdisciplinary care team. The Therapy Aide supports clients using person-centred, trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches while contributing to a safe, inclusive and therapeutic environment. 

 

In keeping with Carewest's Frame of Reference, Philosophy of Care and
Carewest policies, this position maintains professional and ethical standards at all times. Responsible for other related duties as required.

 

Complex Mental Health Programs provide continuing care and specialized supports for adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, often in combination with physical health conditions, substance use disorders, cognitive impairment, acquired brain injury, psychosocial challenges, responsive behaviours, and functional disabilities. Services are delivered within a harm-reduction, traumainformed, person-directed model of care that emphasizes dignity, autonomy, wellness, meaningful engagement, therapeutic relationships, and quality of life while working collaboratively with clients, families, support networks, and community partners to promote stability, recovery, independence, and successful transitions where appropriate.

 

• Graduation from Grade 12 is required.
• Current and active Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider CPR certification is required.
• Personal Care Aide (PCA) certification, certificate in leisure activities or equivalent is preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish positive therapeutic relationships with clients experiencing mental health and behavioural challenges.
• Knowledge of mental health conditions, addictions, concurrent disorders, cognitive impairment and responsive behaviours is an asset.
• Education or training in Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, non-violent crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, harm reduction or behavioural support strategies is considered an asset.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary care team and maintain a safe, respectful and supportive environment.
• Related experience in a hospital or continuing care facility is preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals living with mental illness, addictions, concurrent disorders, behavioural challenges, cognitive impairment or complex psychosocial needs is an asset.
• Experience facilitating recreational, therapeutic, social or group activities in a health care or community-based setting is preferred.

 

We select dedicated people just like you to care for our clients, those who offer compassion, knowledge and commitment to the treatment, progress, outcomes and lives of our clients. We are motivated to employ individuals who are passionate about what they do and, are naturally driven to uphold our client-centered approach, contribute to best-practice solutions and a desire to take their careers to the next level within Carewest.

We are one of Canada’s largest public healthcare providers of complex continuing care, rehabilitation and recovery services, and a wide variety of community programs for both seniors and others requiring specialized care. With 13 locations across Calgary and a team of over 3000 employees, we offer a diverse, interdisciplinary, and expert community of health care professionals. Our innovative practices allow for optimal opportunities to learn, grow, and excel with us.