Counsellor I/Counsellor II

Sault Ste. Marie

Social Services, Healthcare

POSTED: 14 months ago

Canadian Mental Health Association, Sault Ste. Marie

14855

October 16, 2023

Full Time , Temporary

Position Title Counsellor I/Counsellor II
Classification A, B
Reports To Program Supervisor
Location Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Position Status Full-Time, Permanent
Salary $31.23-38.03/hour (Bachelors), per Local 684 Collective Agreement
$33.66-40.46/hour (Masters), per Local 684 Collective Agreement

The Counsellor provides therapeutic services to achieve improved symptom management, improved interpersonal relationships and increased capacity to realize goals and participate actively in the community. This is achieved on an individual, couple, and/or group level, using a variety of therapeutic modalities. The Counselling Team provides prevention, assessment, referral and clinical counselling and follow-up services to individuals and family members affected by mental health and substance use disorders. The Counsellor carries out these responsibilities in
accordance with the mission, vision and values of CMHA Algoma, relevant legislation and regulations and organizational policies, to promote the delivery of efficient and high-quality services.

The Counselling program includes four distinct components and incumbents may work in one or more area(s):
- Mental Health Counselling: Provides client-centered individual counselling to address the specific issues and concerns directly related to the symptoms of a serious mental illness and/or concurrent disorder
- Substance Use Counselling: Provides client-centered individual counselling to address the specific issues and concerns directly related to the symptoms and behaviours of a substance related disorder
- General Counselling: Provides brief, solution focused psychotherapy services to adults on an individual, couple or group basis
- Family Counselling: Provides counselling for family members and friends of individuals affected by serious mental illness and/or addictions

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Service Engagement, Assessment, Service Delivery, Community Relations and Advocacy, General Organizational Responsibilities

Education, Certification & Experience
- MSW or master's level in a related field (Counsellor I), or BSW (Counsellor II)
- Current registration with OCSWSSW or a regulated body under the Regulated Health Professions Act is mandatory
- Certification in ASIST, CPI and First Aid/CPR (or willing to obtain on own within 3 months)
- Minimum three-year experience in a Counselling setting with experience in the fields of mental health and addictions with an emphasis in community-based services
- Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods and professional skills
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of community resources and organizations and substance use issues, including harm-reduction based interventions
- Experience working with people struggling with mental health and/or addiction problems
- Experience practicing from a harm reduction philosophy
- Experience in conducting bio-psychosocial assessments and utilizing therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Experience in single sessions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to work in partnership with clients
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the mental health and addictions services
- Extensive knowledge of standardized screening and assessment tools
- Extensive knowledge of community services, supports and resources
- Ability to apply Recovery principles and empowerment-orientated philosophies and practices in work with clients
- Demonstrated ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationship with clients
- Ability to demonstrate diplomacy and negotiation skills in client and system advocacy
- Ability to make sound clinical judgments and to effectively communicate that to others
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse client groups with varying levels of comprehension and language capability and to establish and maintain a wide range of contacts with health care professionals and community organizations
- Ability to deal with demanding interpersonal situations and respond with good judgment and understanding
- Effective written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate information effectively through a variety of means including meetings, reports, letters and presentations
- Ability and flexibility to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrate ability to analyze and make independent decisions
- Ability to think critically, and be innovative to create/modify strategy or intervention technique to suit the individual needs of clients
- Ability and flexibility to work independently on a range of tasks within specified time frames and deadlines
- Excellent computer skills and competency in software applications used by the agency
- Demonstrated ability to engage in reasonable self-care strategies that incorporate balancing work/life responsibilities
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to develop therapeutic plans
- Abilities including brief solution focused, strength based, anti-oppressive practice

- Acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check upon hire and to be maintained throughout employment
- Ability to provide effective client services in English and French, is preferred
- Ability to remain stationary for prolong periods
- Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle