Wellbeing Counsellor

Summary

Position Title: Wellbeing Counsellor
Organization Structure: Reports to the Program Manager
Job classification: Counsellor
Job Status: Full Time contract until March 2024
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Mississauga hotels
Wages: $26.93/hr for 35 hrs per week

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Scope

Responsible for delivering crisis and mental health counselling that provides guidance and support to clients who are facing challenges and dealing with various problems, crises/stress of adjusting to life in Canada or due to high needs and situations. The Counsellor provides short term support and service planning to clients and effectively link these clients to the appropriate mainstream services, as applicable, including referring them to support groups, professional or clinical counselling services and peer networks. Familiarity with other services and resources in the community to work together with other organizations to provide accurate information and support is a requirement. Also, provides education to individuals and groups in the community with a focus on high-risk populations to promote mental health awareness and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Provides counselling and support services to individuals and families experiencing crisis/stress, including conducting assessments, individual, family, or group counselling session and making referrals to appropriate professionals.
 Conducts assessment to identify clients’ needs and situations.
 Develops a plan of support and goals that is client centred and tailored to their needs.
 Provides supportive counselling that supports clients in coping well with stress, substance abuse, family violence, grief, crisis intervention, trauma, and other issues.
 Develops effective relationships with clients and help them build support systems.
 Organizes and leads support groups as needs arise, with a focus on women, seniors, and youth.
 Facilitates special groups on topics like parenting, adaptation to social changes, and migration stress.
 Facilitates referrals to appropriate internal and external resources.
 Develops partnership and collaborates with health and community support system in the area to enhance the delivery of the service.
 Works as a member of the team to ensure that the program operates efficiently and effectively.
 Maintains close collaborative working relationships with other service professionals and institutions to facilitate comprehensive care for clients.
 Using client-centered approach, advocates on behalf of clients in association with their community support network.
 Provides accurate and timely reporting for supervisor outcomes and program activities.
 Participates in community outreach to promote program services.
 Attends professional development workshops as required.
 Actively participates in the professional development initiatives aimed at continuous growth and improvement in wellbeing counselling practice.
 Submits monthly statistical and narrative reports as required to monitor program impact.
 Must meet targets set by Programs Manager, ensuring the program achieves its objectives.
 Performs other related duties as required to support the program.
 Stay updated on current research, best practices, and emerging trends in crisis counseling through continuous learning and professional development, integrating new knowledge and techniques into counseling strategies to enhance the quality of services provided.

Competencies

Adaptability
Changes behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.
Communications
Using a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communication, to exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis.
Initiative
Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plan ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.
Service
Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of clients, co-workers, managers, or community members, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology or Social Work from an accredited educational institution
• 3-5 years’ experience working with case management, mental health counselling, addictions and crisis intervention
• Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) an asset
• Knowledge of major mental illnesses including; signs/symptoms, medication management addictions and other issues
• Knowledge of case management including, local resources and access to services
• Excellent assessment skills
• Knowledge of settlement and adaptability issues
• Knowledge of sexual and domestic violence issues
• Knowledge of all relevant legislation, policies and practices
• Ability to engage and build rapport with clients from various cultural and social-economic backgrounds.
• Strong client advocacy skills
• Ability to assist in complex client live circumstances and maintain healthy boundaries
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively within a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Create a safe, comfortable environment for clients
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality and attendance
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Strong time management skills
• Fluency in a second language is a definite asset

Other requirements
A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when offer is made)