outreach worker

mental health technician

case manager

secretary

program coordinator

CMHA

Over the last 3 years, I’ve worked in 2 different programs across the agency. This agency has a strong work/life balance that is regularly discussed and reflected upon, and supports the longevity of staff. It’s not uncommon to come across staff who have worked here for 15+ years, all the way up to 35 years of front line experience. Management, both upper and lower, are supportive and extremely approachable. The CEO often interacts with clients who attend programs. During any serious concerns or incidents with clients I have encountered, managers have been extremely helpful in ensuring I am mentally okay afterwards, going as far to pay for private counselling when I was a contract worker and didn’t receive benefits. I have now been a permanent employee for 1 year. I will say, working contracts with this agency has been tough before in the sense where you don’t receive sick time, benefits, or have your time going towards seniority, however, some of this has shifted very recently. Pay has also increased recently, and the agency is seeing a positive shift in this regard. 
The teams I’ve had at both programs were supportive, mature, professional and personable. In my current program where I work collaboratively with a team, we have many instances of team building and work social outings to build a stronger bond. In the program I worked in that was more independent work, management excelled at creating and planning time for the team to get to know each other and bond. 
As a young worker still fresh into my career, I feel as though my efforts are very well recognized and appreciated. I feel as though both my work, and who I am as a person are valued. I plan to stay at this agency for many years to come. 


CMHA is a great spot to work, love interacting with clients and coworkers on a daily basis. Always engaging in different types of activities, counselling, supporting, advocating for those who need a voice, making phone calls, and really helping clients reintegrate into the community as part of there recovery. Helping someone regain there life and reaching goals they set for themselves is the most rewarding part of the job. Knowing you made a difference is an incredible feeling. Another strong aspect of the job is good communication with other case managers and using each other to debrief after a long day, helps you to maintain your own strong positive mental health. Participating in weekly meetings and reviewing clients, how we can support them better, what's working and what's not working, and much more. Always something different everyday!

If you are willing to be good at your job you can go a lot of places here. However, because cmha is based on mental health individuals that aren't very good at their job get hired either because we sympathize, empathize, or want to create a diverse workplace. This is a blessing and a curse. I've seen many individuals who just don't care enough to be decent at their jobs, follow structure, or add actual value to the company. Instead, they are just along for the "easy" ride. These individuals end up disgruntled when someone finally says something or they are let go. Newsflash: even here, there are expectations. 

Otherwise, I have never worked at a more amazing place. I've learned many things and continue to do so. You have an oppoetunity to make a difference here, the scheduling is amazingly flexible, and management has been as accomadating as possible. Thank you cmha. 

Management and leadership do not appreciate the hard work employees are putting in. It is not easy talking and listening to mental health challenges and suicidal ideation daily. They only care about you hitting your target numbers. They treat you like a robot to pump out sessions to reach your targets. The CEO herself had flat out said this program was a "call centre" and dismissed all concerns raised by employees. Very very high turnover that is not surprising. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
CMHA Peel-Dufferin was the best employment I have had thought out my career. The culture, staff and management are great! I was there for 8 years before I moved 3 hours away and needed to seek employment closer to home. Many positive memories there. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Leaving the organization was stressfull for me because, I never thought I would. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The culture and work environment was warm and welcoming.

During a typical day I support clients with activities of daily living, coping skills, advocating resources, facilitating groups, and self care. These individuals are living with a variety of mental health issues. We work as a team, and the team consists of 9 workers. The hardest part of the job wanting to help everyone of my clients, but they need to want the help. I enjoy building rappore, playing games, and watching them smile.

CMHA Kelowna is great in theory. They want to do great things for clients but they often leave their staff’s needs behind. You’ll be paid the same rate as someone who sits all day looking out a window. When you are breaking your back by helping move clients. Not only is the pay rate a joke but their finance department never pays you properly. Be sure to check you pay statements. Also they constantly over work their best employees and typically lose them for non payment of hard work.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Helping others.
Gratifying work
Great team & supervisors. 
Pay is good. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Witnessing people that continue to suffer on their addiction despite the help that is available to them. Cunning nature of addition. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
In my experience it has been mostly excellent. As with any job you don't "click" with everyone. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Good. I love the work, I end each day with a sense of hope & gratitude.

Working with the tenants is amazing but the work culture beyond your shift group is a mess.   You are not free to bring concerns or honest feelings forward without being reprimanded.   You must watch everything you say or do so it is not held against you.  It does not matter how good your work ethic is or your tenant/shift group interactions are, if management does not like you they will nit pick and hold anything they hear about you against you. Making the growth and mental health aspect of working here very dangerous.

A typical day at work is very flexible in my role, able to create your own schedule that works for your clients and you as a worker. Management empowers you in your work, and colleagues are supportive and not judgemental. Great workplace culture, however not many opportunities to advance. The pay could be better like almost all social service jobs. The most enjoyable part of the job is helping people make positive changes in their lives. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Outreach worker 3 salaries reported	$25.33 per hour
Mental health technician 1 salary reported	$33.00 per hour
Case manager 3 salaries reported	$26.50 per hour
Secretary 2 salaries reported	$27.50 per hour
Program coordinator 1 salary reported	$31.00 per hour

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