Counsellor, Child and Family Services

Scope and Summary

of Primary Responsibilities

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, this position works with children and their families who are living with vision loss, and / or multi-handicaps, to assist in achieving their highest level of independence.

The counsellor will act as a liaison between the children and the educational and community services. They will provide support to parents and primary care givers in their role as advocates, both within VLRC and in the Community.

II. Essential Functions

This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-disciplinary direct service program within a matrix reporting structure.

The position entails, but is not limited to the following :

General Responsibilities :

• Develops individual intervention programs to assist children with vision loss in developing motor, visual, cognitive, self-care, social, literacy and sensory abilities in accordance with goals.
• Evaluates individual’s progress to revise service plans and implements programs that address individual and family needs.
• Provides counselling for families and children in areas of crisis intervention related to vision loss and determines appropriate internal and external services.
• Provides information to parents and caregivers for helping to overcome barriers to inclusion and enhance advocacy skills.
• Conducts initial assessment and registration of new individuals and their families in order to Prepares case histories and clinical reports, and maintains up-to-date client file reports;

completes all service tracking in a timely manner.

• Participates in case conferences at schools, health units, government and other agencies as appropriate.
• Remains current on agency policies and community resources and provides information as applicable.
• Provides educational and awareness in areas of vision loss via in-services, workshops, etc. for families, professionals, students, and others as requested.
• Prepares and provides reports to divisional office regarding programs and activities of the department when required.

Relationships

• Liaise between families, medical, educational and service agencies whenever necessary.
• Builds relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Promotes an understanding and awareness of loss of vision related concerns through consultation, public education and in-service training.
• Participates in meetings and other activities as required.

Problem Solving / Time Frame of Impact

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and organization skills
• Holds strong resourceful, adaptive and self-motivating aptitude
• Provides timely delivery of appropriate services for development of a program plan
• Ability to creatively and quickly problem solve to respond to unique individual needs
• Participates in service evaluation and program planning processes as needed to maintain and improve service outcomes

Decision Autonomy

• The position has latitude in making decisions about individual assessments, counselling, crisis intervention and program planning.
• Utilizes judgement when determining what services the individual requires and referrals to other community partners.
• This position works with private and confidential material.

Leadership

• Takes initiative to keep abreast of new adaptive technologies and trends, as well as current medical research and procedures.
• Provides leadership to individuals and families by educating, advocating and promoting awareness on loss of vision.
• Empathetic towards clients and their families and have a strong sense of personal and professional commitment towards counselling, rehabilitation and leadership.
• Ability to initiate action to service individuals and coordinate efforts to provide teamwork.
• Provides leadership in training and coaching volunteers, students and staff when required.
• Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Knowledge of educational, medical and disabled rights issues.
• Knowledge of childhood growth and development and awareness of specific issues regarding vision loss.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrates maturity and sensitivity, as well as possessing emotional and social stability when dealing with the needs of persons experiencing vision loss
• Must be organized, self motivated, flexible and adaptable.
• Enjoys meeting new challenges

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy or related certificate / degree.
• 1-2 years of direct experience working with children with vision loss and / or combined loss in hearing and sight, and / or multiple disabilities and their families would be an asset.
• Must hold current First Aid and CPR Certificates.

Work Environment

• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Travel will be required.

Benefits