Counsellor, Indigenous Outreach

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 Indigenous Outreach Counsellor will increase Algoma Family Service’s ability to respond to the mental health needs of First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) children, youth and families by: collaborating with our Indigenous partners, promoting culturally safe space and practices, creating access pathways between AFS and Indigenous partners, and providing culturally appropriate services.

The Counsellor in this position will provide brief, strengths-based service utilizing both a traditional and western approach.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/REGISTRATION

• Bachelor Degree of Social Work or equivalent minimum requirement
• Current registration and in good standing with regulated professional college (RSW, RP) is required
• Educational focus on Indigenous culture

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• Extensive knowledge of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit culture, traditions and teachings to provide culturally competent services
• Two years’ clinical experience working in children’s mental health or related field preferred
• Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 utilizing both traditional and western approach.
• Thorough knowledge of child, youth and family development (psychological, emotional, physical, social).
• Thorough understanding of the impact of residential schools, inter-generational trauma, and the impact of Colonialism
• Familiar with and utilizes traditional healing practices.
• 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.
• Availability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Ability to provide services in both official languages (English/French) is an asset.
• Ability to communicate in Indigenous language(s) an asset
• Possession of a valid Ontario Class “G” 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.
• Ability to communicate in Indigenous language(s) is an asset.
• Must provide a clean Criminal Records Check.
• Full COVID-19 Vaccination.

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 psychotherapeutic groups

4. 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.

5. To provide a brief clinical intervention service to those clients deemed to be most appropriately serviced through a brief therapy model.

6. 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.

7. Provide individual, family and group services where applicable.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. To be prepared to conduct clinical work outside the formal office environment, that is, within the hospital setting, client homes, schools, medical clinics, etc.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the OPSEU.

Algoma Family Services (AFS) is committed to equity in access to employment and is a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Gender Diverse persons, neurodiverse individuals, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify HR when contacted for an interview.

PLEASE SEND YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO [email protected] QUOTING REFERENCE # CCS-0609-02.