Counsellor, Children's Services - Longlac, ON; Repost CC202407r

Benefits:

• Competitive and comprehensive employer-paid health and dental benefits, along with paid sick time
• The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• 12 paid days off to observe statutory holidays, including a holiday shutdown during the winter break
• 4 weeks’ vacation with 3 Family Care Days and 3 Floater Days pro-rated for the first year of employment

Other Benefits:

• Expense claim reimbursement for mileage and meals when travelling across the district
• Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives

Recruitment Incentive:

• Recruitment allowance of $1500
• Accommodation allowance of $500.00 monthly for three months
• Upon successful completion of probation, access to an agency-paid training incentive of up to $1000 to be used within six months of employment, aligned to the job-specific role

Summary:

The Counsellor, Children’s Services is a full-time permanent on-site role in Longlac, ON. Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor, Children’s Services supports children and youth (birth to 17 years) living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities and their families/guardians and communities across the District of Thunder Bay. The Counsellor works as part of a clinical team responsible for providing mental health core services funded by the Ministry, including access/intake, assessment, brief service, counselling, crisis response, case management, and family support. Services are delivered one-on-one and in groups, in person, in-community, or virtually. The Counsellor reports to the Clinical Services Manager.

Core Competencies

• Recovery-focused and person-centered orientation
• Effective planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Mindful and self-reflective
• Critical thinking skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Excellent communication skills
• Resourceful
• Sound decision-making skills
• Accountable and dependable
• Networking and relationship-building skills
• Creative and innovative
• Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

• Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, counselling, and discharge
• Collaboratively working with other agency staff to limit service duplication, maintain continuity of care through coordinated care planning, and communicate clearly with clients and families; participate in direct and indirect interdisciplinary planning meetings
• Providing psycho-education, information, and referral
• Facilitating access to services and removal of barriers to care, ensuring wrap-around of services to meet holistic client needs
• Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support groups or workshops for children, youth, and families/guardians
• Assessing, intervening, and developing individualized safety plans when imminent risk is identified
• Ensuring protection and rights of children and families are addressed under applicable legislation and policies
• Supporting mental health assessments and acting on psychiatrist recommendations
• Maintaining a client caseload and engaging in ongoing assessment and evaluation using standardized tools
• Documenting all client engagement and progress in the electronic client clinical record
• Maintaining confidentiality and complying with ethical guidelines
• Participating in clinical supervision and performance enhancement
• Developing personal goals for continued learning and development
• Assisting, precepting, and supporting colleagues, students, and others to enhance clinical practice

Administrative

• Participate as an active and contributing member of the NOSP team
• Participate in team and agency meetings, contributing to discussions, planning, and problem-solving
• Contribute to agency change initiatives and support success
• Participate in research and program evaluation projects
• Contribute to agency-wide activities and initiatives (e.g., committees, working groups, planning days)
• Familiarize yourself with agency policies and procedures and governing legislation
• Maintain up-to-date documentation within the agency’s electronic client information system
• Represent the Agency at educational, career, and health-care-related community events as needed

Occupational Health and Safety

• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others
• Report health and safety risks according to the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)

Additional duties as required to support the effective operation of the Children’s Services Program

Qualifications and Requirements Must Haves

• Education that grants eligibility or qualifying status at the time of application and a commitment to obtain regulated membership from one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and RHPA: SSW diploma, BSW, MSW, or equivalent for OCWSW registration; Master’s degree central to psychotherapy; RN, RPN (CNO); BSc/MSc in Occupational Therapy (COTO); MSc in Psychology (CPO); OR MD eligible for CPSO
• Ability to engage with children, youth, and families and foster meaningful relationships
• Knowledge of evidence-based assessments, counselling, and discharge planning for children, youth, and families
• Ability to develop goals and plans of care based on person-centered principles
• Knowledge and experience with clinical interventions for children, youth, and families; understanding social determinants of health, development, mental health, substance use health, and family systems
• Knowledge of the Ontario child protection system and relevant legislation
• Knowledge of clinical documentation standards and sound clinical acumen
• Understanding of PHIPA and privacy practices in rural contexts
• Ability to organize and multi-task with minimal supervision and work in a team
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and anti-oppressive practice
• Understanding of Indigenous intergenerational trauma and culturally relevant approaches
• Anti-racist/anti-oppressive service delivery across the lifespan
• Awareness of power dynamics and readiness to address imbalances in service delivery
• Clear understanding of scope of practice within regulatory requirements
• Advanced oral and written communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and clinical databases/platforms
• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence and ability to travel across Thunder Bay District
• Flexible work hours as needed

Qualifications and Requirements Nice to Haves

Preference given to candidates with:

• Regulated profession membership in good standing
• Three years of experience in mental health/developmental services providing clinical interventions for children and families
• Knowledge of local community health and social services
• Familiarity with evidence-based therapies (CBT, SFT, DBT, Mindfulness)
• ASIST considered an asset
• French language ability considered an asset

Before starting

Before commencement, candidates must complete or obtain:

• Vulnerable Sector police check
• Police check reviewed for suitability for duties

Equal opportunity statement and accessibility:

North of Superior Counselling Programs is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and participate in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge to improve access for equity-deserving groups. Accommodation requests will be considered during the hiring process.

About Us:

NOSP is a non-profit multi-service agency focused on improving mental health and social well-being in rural communities. Our services include on-site and virtual counselling, case management, school-based counselling, parental support, and access to specialized services such as assessment and referrals for live-in treatment programs. We offer recruitment into on-site and virtual psychiatry and psychology support, housing case management with rental supplements, and community engagement programs.

Benefits of living in rural communities:

1. Peaceful environment
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lower cost of living
4. Better work-life balance
5. Outdoor recreation opportunities
6. Personal growth and self-reliance
7. Enhanced quality of life

Note: Rural living may involve limited amenities and longer travel times. This can be rewarding for the right candidate.

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