Clinical Counsellor (2024-129-CC)

Employment Type : Full time, Bargaining Unit (2 Vacancies) Work Hours : 37.5 hours / week (Start Date : March 18th) Work Setting : Hybrid Salary : J8 - $62,270.

78 Application Deadline : May 2nd, 2024 by 11 : 59 pm

Program Overview Counselling & Support Services, Community Care

As part of a collaborative project between Michael Garron Hospital and WoodGreen Community Services funded by the Slaight Family Foundation, a new community-based service for youth has been developed.

This initiative will provide outreach services to aid and uplift youth, ages 16-29, with complex mental health and / or substance use concerns in East Toronto.

The program will be designed, named, and intermittently reevaluated with the support of young people with lived experience of mental health and substance use through focus groups and advisory committees.

What You Will Do Direct Client Support :

• Serve as a point of access to connect youth with complex mental health issues to support in the community.
• Perform clinical assessments (psychosocial, psychological, etc. to determine service needs and to formulate recommendations or treatment plans.
• Account for each client’s values, preferences, and circumstances to support the development of client-centered goals / treatment plan.
• Provide therapeutic counseling to clients utilizing a wide range of approaches that best meet the clients’ needs and circumstances (e.

g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.).

• Encourage active communication between clients and / or caregivers and health care providers to optimize client outcomes.
• Establish contact with members of the interprofessional team and community agencies to obtain, provide or exchange information relating to client’s psycho-social functioning and health care so as to provide seamless care and referrals.
• Navigate hospital and community resources (if available) that will assist the interprofessional team with managing clients’ medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial conditions.
• Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
• Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to client needs, considering culture, language, reading level, accessibility, and health literacy.
• Facilitate or lead therapeutic and / or psychosocial support groups as required
• Develop / prepare group materials, including group curriculum, handouts, and supplies.
• Provide clinical support to individual group participants, as appropriate / required.
• Create, maintain, and update appropriate client records, in a timely, efficient manner.

Interprofessional Team Member :

• Collaborate with the care team to improve client care as they transition through the health care system / community services.
• Participate in case conferences and clinical meetings to ensure the coordination of services and a continuum of care.
• Enhance workflow and communication pathways between WoodGreen Community Services and Michael Garron Hospital by identifying barriers to care and working towards creating new care pathways to promote and optimize seamless care for the client.
• Collect and submit data / outcomes for research and evaluation.
• Contribute to the development, improvement, and evaluation of the service when required.

General :

• Ensure the organization’s policies and procedures are carried out.
• Maintain all aspects of confidentiality relating to clients, volunteers, staff, programs, community members and community partners.
• Provide mentorship, training and / or supervision to student placements and volunteers.
• Participate in team and unit meetings regularly and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
• Participate in ongoing training and education.
• Participate in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner and collect statistical data required for the accountability of the program.
• Represent the unit on internal and / or external staff committees as directed by supervisor and program manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Team

• Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) or Psychotherapist (R.P.) in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in child and youth mental health, addictions, and / or social services.
• Demonstrated experience supporting children and youth with mental health and substance use issues from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach is required.

What Will Set You Apart

• Demonstrated ability in supporting youth aged 16-29 who have complex mental health and / or addiction issues, history of trauma, violence / abuse, chronic physical health issues, etc.
• Knowledge of, experience with, and demonstrated ability in providing therapeutic and supportive counseling utilizing various modalities (e.

g. Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, etc.).

• Proven working knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best / promising practice approaches.
• Training in clinical interviewing and evidence-informed interventions with youth is recommended
• Knowledge and experience providing addictions counseling and support.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis response / intervention and commitment to a harm reduction approach
• Demonstrated experience working within an interprofessional setting / with an interprofessional team.
• Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources.
• Solid understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health, including racism, discrimination, and oppression.
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
• Proven ability in providing system navigation and care coordination.
• Superb assessment skills and comfort with standardized assessment tools.
• Strong de-escalation and crisis intervention skills
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Self-directed and independent but also proven experience working effectively as a team member with other community professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility problem-solving and conflict management skills.
• Applied computer skills (MS word, Excel, Internet) and ability to use client information systems.
• Ability to demonstrate an anti-oppression approach to practice and work from a client-centered, anti-racism, harm reduction, trauma informed, and disability justice approach is required
• Excellent oral and written English communication fluency.
• French or other second language(s) is a strong asset.

WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment.

If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at of the accommodation measures required.

Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.