Job Type : Permanent Full Time
Salary Range : $ (Bachelors), per Local 684 Collective Agreement
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Counsellor provides therapeutic services to achieve improved symptom management, improved interpersonal relationships and increased capacity to realize goals and participate actively in the community. This is achieved on an individual, couple, and / or group level, using a variety of therapeutic modalities. The Counselling Team provides prevention, assessment, referral and clinical counselling and follow-up services to individuals and family members affected by mental health and substance use disorders. The Counsellor carries out these responsibilities in accordance with the mission, vision and values of CMHA Algoma, relevant legislation and regulations and organizational policies, to promote the delivery of efficient and high-quality services.
The Counselling program includes four distinct components and incumbents may work in one or more area(s) :
- Mental Health Counselling : Provides client-centered individual counselling to address the specific issues and concerns directly related to the symptoms of a serious mental illness and / or concurrent disorder
- Substance Use Counselling : Provides client-centered individual counselling to address the specific issues and concerns directly related to the symptoms and behaviours of a substance related disorder
- General Counselling : Provides brief, solution focused psychotherapy services to adults on an individual, couple or group basis
- Family Counselling : Provides counselling for family members and friends of individuals affected by serious mental illness and / or addictions
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Service Engagement, Assessment, Service Delivery, Community Relations and Advocacy, General Organizational Responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Certification & Experience
MSW or master’s level in a related field (Counsellor I), or BSW (Counsellor II)Current registration with OCSWSSW or a regulated body under the Regulated Health Professions Act is mandatoryCertification in ASIST, CPI and First Aid / CPR (or willing to obtain on own within 3 months)Minimum three-year experience in a Counselling setting with experience in the fields of mental health and addictions with an emphasis in community-based servicesComprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods and professional skillsAbility to demonstrate knowledge of community resources and organizations and substance use issues, including harm-reduction based interventionsExperience working with people struggling with mental health and / or addiction problemsExperience practicing from a harm reduction philosophyExperience in conducting bio-psychosocial assessments and utilizing therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Experience in single sessionsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work in partnership with clientsExtensive knowledge and understanding of the mental health and addictions servicesExtensive knowledge of standardized screening and assessment toolsExtensive knowledge of community services, supports and resourcesAbility to apply Recovery principles and empowerment-orientated philosophies and practices in work with clientsDemonstrated ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationship with clientsAbility to demonstrate diplomacy and negotiation skills in client and system advocacyAbility to make sound clinical judgments and to effectively communicate that to othersExcellent organizational and time management skillsExcellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse client groups with varying levels of comprehension and language capability and to establish and maintain a wide range of contacts with health care professionals and community organizationsAbility to deal with demanding interpersonal situations and respond with good judgment and understandingEffective written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate information effectively through a variety of means including meetings, reports, letters and presentationsAbility and flexibility to work independently and as part of a teamDemonstrate ability to analyze and make independent decisionsAbility to think critically, and be innovative to create / modify strategy or intervention technique to suit the individual needs of clientsAbility and flexibility to work independently on a range of tasks within specified time frames and deadlinesExcellent computer skills and competency in software applications used by the agencyDemonstrated ability to engage in reasonable self-care strategies that incorporate balancing work / life responsibilitiesExcellent problem-solving and decision-making skillsAbility to develop therapeutic plansAbilities including brief solution focused, strength based, anti-oppressive practiceOther
Acceptable Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check upon hire and to be maintained throughout employmentAbility to provide effective client services in English and French, is preferredAbility to remain stationary for prolong periodsValid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicleHOW TO APPLY