Counsellor, Children's Services - Longlac, ON; Repost CC240921r

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 honour and 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:

up to 3000.00 reimbursed for moving expenses*

Summary

The Counsellor, Children’s Services is a full-time permanent role based on-site, in-person in Longlac, ON . Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor, Children's Services supports children and youth (birth to 17 years of age) living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities and their families/guardians and communities across the District of Thunder Bay. The Counsellor, Children's Services, works as an integral part of a clinical team responsible for providing mental health core services funded by the Ministry, including but not limited to access/intake, assessment, brief service, counselling, crisis response, case management, and family support. Services are delivered one-on-one and through group facilitation and may occur in person, in-community, or virtually. The Counsellor, Children Services reports directly to the assigned 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 both independently and within an interdisciplinary team

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

Working with children and youth who are living with mental health challenges, in addition to families/guardians and community, duties include, but are not limited to:

Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, counselling, and discharge

Collaboratively working with other Agency-assigned staff and committed to limiting service duplication, maintaining continuity of care through coordinated care planning, and achieving clear and consistent communication with clients and/or their families/guardians by actively participating in formal direct interdisciplinary planning meetings and/or indirect team member interdisciplinary planning meetings to enhance collective efforts and avoid redundancy in service delivery.

Providing psycho-education, information and referral.

Through the Access Network and via liaising with the most appropriate physician(s), community agencies, and/or care providers, facilitating the removal of barriers to care and connection to services and ensuring the wrapping around of these services to best meet the holistic needs of the client.

Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support open or closed groups, and/or discussion workshops for children, youth, and families/guardians.

Assessing, intervening, and developing individualized safety plans when imminent risk has been identified.

Ensuring that the protection and rights of children and families/guardians are addressed under applicable legislation, Standards of Practice, and NOSP policies and procedures.

Supporting mental health assessments and actioning psychiatrist recommendations.

Maintaining a client caseload consistent with expectations of the role.

Engaging in ongoing assessment and evaluation of clients’ progress using standardized assessment tools and other evidence-based methodologies.

Document all client engagement and progress in the electronic client clinical record.

Maintain confidentiality and work consistent with ethical guidelines of the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers or applicable College.

Participating in the clinical supervision and performance enhancement process.

Developing personal goals for continued learning and ongoing development and self-evaluation.

Assisting, precepting, and providing support for colleagues, students, and others to enhance and further develop clinical practice.

Administrative

Participate as an active and contributing member of the NOSP team.

Participate in team and agency staff meetings, actively contributing to discussion, planning, and problem-solving.

Participate in agency change initiatives, actively contributing input to support for success.

Participate in research and program evaluation projects within the agency.

Participate in and contribute to agency-wide activities and initiatives (e.g., committees, working groups, agency planning days, etc.).

Familiarize yourself and work in alignment with agency policies and procedures, College Standards, and governing legislation.

Maintain up-to-date documentation within the agency’s electronic client information system, applying College Standards related to clinical documentation.

Actively engage and represent the Agency at educational, career, and other health-care-related community fairs and events, as needed.

Occupational Health and Safety

Follow all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.

Following the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) principles, report any observed health and safety risks to the immediate manager or designate.

Additional duties as required to support the effective operation of the Children Service’s Program and related delivery of services to individuals and families across the District of Thunder Bay.

Qualifications and Requirements THE “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 the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA): Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma, Bachelor of Social Worker (BSW), or Masters of Social Worker (MSW) program or equivalent for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW); Master’s degree central to the practice of psychotherapy or equivalent Bachelor’s level program eligible for registration with College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CPRO); Baccalaureate Nursing (RN) Programs or equivalent (Registered Practical Nurse [RPN]) eligible for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO); Bachelor of Science degree or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or equivalent eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO); Master’s degree in psychology or equivalent eligible for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO); or Medical degree from an accredited Canadian or US medical school or from an acceptable international medical school eligible for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

The ability to actively engage with children, youth, and families while fostering sustainable and meaningful interpersonal professional relationships.

Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed assessments, counselling techniques, and discharge planning tailored specifically for children, youth, and families.

Demonstrated skill in developing goals and plans of care for children, youth, and families based on their individual needs and circumstances, based on the principles of person-centered planning, self-determination, and choice, and providing services reflective of this plan.

Knowledge and hands-on experience in implementing