Key Duties and Responsibilities
To perform the job successfully the Mental Health Counsellor must be able to perform consistently each essential duty satisfactorily. Other related duties may be assigned.
Creates and supports a safe space, creativity, self-expression, life skills, empowerment, wellness, peer support, and social, recreational, educational, and community activities and projects for youth on the LGBTQ2S spectrum
Provides intake screening, assessment, and treatment planning as part of an interdisciplinary team
Provides individual, family, and group counselling using therapeutic techniques depending on client need
Provides crisis intervention and support to young people and their families
Refers young people and their families to other services, residential programs, and support groups as required
May coordinate and facilitate the LGBTQ2S group programming for young people at Foundry Campbell River
Collaborates and consults with other service providers to provide needed services to young people and families
Maintains related records and statistics, and provides reports to the program manager
Liaises with and/or promotes the interests of clients with other community service providers, professionals, and school personnel. Accompanies clients to meetings and appointments when necessary and appropriate
Participates in regular clinical consultation and supervision
Performs other related duties as required
Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Education and/or Experience
A Master’s Degree in counselling psychology or related human/social service field
A minimum of two years recent related experience which should include:
o Experience working with high-risk young people who struggle with mental health and/or substance use issues in a counselling capacity
o Understanding of mental health, addiction, and other abuse issues, and current treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics
o Demonstrated ability to complete screening and comprehensive assessments for mental health, substance use, suicide, and a range of behavioral risks
o Demonstrated ability to use evidence based intervention strategies for young people presenting with mental health, substance use, and other risks
o Demonstrated understanding of gender-affirming care as well as the challenges that can be experienced by LGBTQ2S young people
o Solid understanding of human services ethics with regard to confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
o Knowledge of harm reduction and trauma informed practice
o Ability to maintain a calm professional approach in crisis situations
o Demonstrated ability to work constructively and cooperatively in a team setting and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
o Knowledge and experience with case recording practices
Other Skills and Abilities
Mental Health Counsellor must:
Demonstrate a cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s socio-economic characteristics.
Have the ability to work with any client that is referred.
Have the ability to work with values and behaviours that are very different from those of the employee.
Have the acceptance of clients’ rights to self-determination and individuality, and must not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, socio-economic status, political affiliations, or national ancestry.
Ensure that personal values and beliefs are not insinuated, promoted, or imposed on the clients.
Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
Have the ability to work in partnership with other team members, including referring authorities.
Have the ability to recognize persons with special needs and make appropriate referrals.
Have basic computer and internet skills.
Other Job Requirements
The counsellor most be able to work flexible hours to accommodate walk in hours of Foundry and weekend work.
Driving is required to attend meetings and to enable contact with clients at home or in the community. The counsellor must have a valid driver's licence and access to safe, reliable transportation, and must obtain appropriate insurance as per Society policy.
Two completed, acceptable criminal record checks, one from the Criminal Records Review and one from the RCMP.
The Mental Health Counsellor will follow the Code of Ethics and the Mission Statement of The John Howard Society of North Island.