Counsellor, Birth to Six

Position:          Counsellor, Birth To Six                    Reference #:   CCS-1102-01

Hourly Rate:    $29.11 – $35.99                                  Reports to       Clinical Supervisor / Manager

Location:         Sault Ste. Marie/School-Based           Status:             Temporary Full Time

Posting Date:  November 8, 2022                            Closing Date:  November 15, 2022 at 4:30 pm

JOB SUMMARY:

Using a strength-based, solution-focused, and family-centered approach within the context of anti-oppressive practice, the Counsellor in partnership with the family and other service providers will assess and treat children and youth who are experiencing social and emotional challenges, as well as, any behavioural difficulties impacting the mental and physical health of the family.   The Counsellor will facilitate psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational groups as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/REGISTRATION

  • Master Social Work or MA Counselling preferred
  • Bachelor of Social Work or BA with registration required
  • Current registration and in good standing with a regulated professional college (RSW, RP) is required.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

  • Two years’ clinical experience working in a related field preferred
  • Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in provision of mental health services to infants and young children with special needs and their families.
  • Competency in area of clinical work with infants and young children with special needs (medical, developmental, social/ emotional/ behavioural, environmental) and their families.
  • Significant experience and demonstrated ability in provision of community-based clinical support services to infants and young children and their families.
  • Knowledge and experience with developmental and mental health screening/ assessment tools and processes used with infants and young children and their families.
  • Skill in a variety of cognitive-based, post-crisis intervention, solution-focused and brief therapy techniques with children, youth and families.
  • Skill in evidence-informed clinical interventions for children, youth and families.
  • Ability to work effectively with children, youth and families in a therapeutic goal-oriented way.
  • Thorough knowledge of child, youth and family development (psychological, emotional, physical, social).
  • High level of maturity and interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrated leadership qualities with competence in making and implementing decisions.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and negotiate effectively within an interdisciplinary team, across the agency, with collateral agencies/professionals including the medical community at both a front-line and systems level.
  • Thorough knowledge of mental health resources.
  • Ability to write clear, concise reports.
  • Proficiency with computers and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, Access, and data MIS.
  • Possession of a valid Ontario Driver’s, License ability to travel within the district of Algoma and use of a personal vehicle.
  • Availability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends.
  • Ability to provide services in both official languages (English/French) is an asset.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. To maintain and secure confidential client information in the execution of professional responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with required legislation, and AFS policies and procedures.
  2. To possess a working knowledge of required legislation governing practice, specifically the Psychotherapy Act; also to fulfill the professional “Duty to Report” any suspected child abuse as required under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
  3. To work as an AFS interdisciplinary team member to provide:
    • Counselling services to children, youth, and families
    • Short-term assessment and stabilization services including post-crisis intake, assessment, intervention, and referral services to: children, youth and their families who have been referred by the Sault Area Hospital Crisis Service and require crisis follow-up;
    • Intake, assessment, intervention, and referral services to children and youth admitted to the Sault Area Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Program (CAP) and their families;
    • Brief Narrative Therapy through Walk-in Counselling Service (scheduled hours after 4:30 p.m. on a voluntary basis) and Single Therapy Sessions
    • Therapeutic and psycho-educational groups
  1. To develop and maintain a clinical treatment plan with the child/youth and family, in collaboration with service providers and the medical community, as appropriate.
  2. To provide a brief clinical intervention service to those clients deemed to be most appropriately serviced through a brief therapy model.
  3. To work in cooperation with all clinical staff assigned to ensure client information is shared, and the clinical treatment plan is coordinated and supported in a timely and efficient manner.
  4. Provide individual, family and group services where applicable.
  5. To provide referrals and appropriate transitional support to other services and programs within AFS or in the community as required on a case-by-case basis.
  6. To demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of community resources, especially in the area of child, youth, and family services, including health and medical services, and a willingness to liaise with local service providers and other key resources.
  7. To accurately and promptly maintain client file documentation according to agency policy and procedure and to prepare and distribute documentation for case review or complex case discussion by an internal and/or interagency team if certain prescribed conditions exist and as appropriate.
  8. To be prepared to conduct clinical work outside the formal office environment, that is, within the hospital setting, client homes, schools, medical clinics, etc.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: OTHER

  1. To participate in annual service planning as appropriate, also in program evaluation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  2. To assist in the development of community mental health through active participation and leadership in establishing and supporting community networks, self-help groups, community planning, etc.
  3. To interpret the AFS services system to clients, collateral agency representatives, and the community at large.
  4. To take initiative for professional development on a personal and team level.
  5. To assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Manager.

 

PLEASE SEND YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME QUOTING FILE CCS-1102-01 TO HUMAN RESOURCES at: hr@algomafamilyservices.org

Algoma Family Services (AFS) is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve.   AFS encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify HR when contacted for an interview.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by OPSEU.

 

Skip to content