Details:
Summary
Provide assessment, counselling, referral, and follow up services to children and youth with
complex challenges associated with mental health. The Child, Youth, and Family Counsellor will
establish supportive and trusting relationships that reduce risk, promote positive choices for a
healthier lifestyle, and support children and youth’s connection, stability, and attachment to
family and community.
This program is part of an integrated service delivery model using ongoing collaboration with
the Child and Youth Mental Health Team, Ministry of Children and Family Development
(MCFD), and other community resources as needed.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
To perform the job successfully, the counsellor must be able to perform both the general and
specific duties in a consistent and satisfactory manner. Other duties may be assigned.
Conducts assessment and treatment planning which will address the presenting needs of
children, youth, and families referred to the program.
Provides individual, family, and group counselling using therapeutic techniques drawn from
theoretical frameworks such as family systems, solution-focused, narrative, motivational
interviewing, client directed outcome informed, or other best or promising practice.
Establishes and maintains coordinated working relationships with other human service
providers and caregivers.
Provides crisis intervention and support to children, youth, and their families when
required.
Refers youth and their families as necessary to other services, residential programs, support
groups, etc. Efforts are made to reduce or eliminate barriers for clients needing to use a
resource. Provides follow-up and support in these situations when required.
Maintains client records and provides statistics and reports as required.
Participates in regular clinical consultation and supervision.
Qualifications & Experience:
Qualifications
The requirements listed below detail the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform
the essential duties of the job.
Education and/or Experience
A bachelor’s degree in social work or in a related human services field, with specialized training
or experience in the area of mental health. Two (2) years’ experience which should include:
Experience working with high-risk children/youth with mental health issues in a
counselling or other helping capacity.
Experience in planning and leading educational, counselling, or support groups.
Experience in working with, and extensive knowledge of, mental health issues.
Remaining up to date in professional knowledge and practice.
Counselling Skills
Demonstrated ability to use counselling techniques and approaches.
Knowledge and experience with brief and comprehensive assessment, counselling, and
treatment approaches.
Knowledge and experience in maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries,
and following a professional code of ethics.
Case Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to work constructively and cooperatively in a team setting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge and experience in integrated case management practices that involve
families, community, MCFD, and other systems in case planning with youth.
Knowledge and experience with case recording practice.
Knowledge and experience with referral, screening, and case conferencing practices.
Knowledge of community resources for youth and families.
Ability to utilize clinical consultation and supervision to enhance and meet required
standards of practice.
Group Facilitation Skills
Demonstrated ability to plan, lead, and evaluate groups.
Knowledge and experience with group education, skill building, counselling, and
support techniques.
Other Skills & Abilities
Counsellor must:
Demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s
cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
Have the ability to form a mutually respectful partnership with persons served, and their
families, in which they are helped to gain skills and confidence to address any issues and
problems they face.
Have the ability to accept the differences they will find among their clients.
Accept 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.
Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
Have the ability to work respectfully and in partnership with other team members, including
referring authorities.
Have the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner, and to
intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.
Recognize the value of a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.
Counsellor must have the ability to recognize persons with special needs, and make
appropriate referrals.
Have basic computer and Internet skills.
Please see PDF for all the details