Job Description

The Counselling, and Support Services team provides support for people with mental health and/or substance use issues, including concurrent disorders and dual diagnosis within an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction, disability rights, and mental health recovery frameworks.
The Clinical Counsellor provides assessment, case management, clinical and supportive counseling, service coordination, crisis intervention, advocacy, and outreach within the CSS team as well as other partner tables. The incumbent is further responsible for supporting DE-OHT Stepped Care, MGH Child and Youth Anxiety Clinic, HATM and Gerstein Crisis Centre by working with clients for short-term therapy.
What You Will Do
Direct Client Service:

• Serve as a point of access to connect primary care providers to appropriate supports related to mental health and addictions.
• Establish contact with members of the interprofessional team and community agencies to obtain, provide or exchange information relating to clients psycho-social functioning and health care so as to provide seamless referrals.
• Navigate hospital and community resources (if available) that will assist primary care providers with managing clients medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial conditions.
• Perform clinical assessments (psychosocial, psychological, and geriatric) to determine service needs and to formulate recommendations or treatment plans.
• Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to client needs taking into consideration culture, language, reading level, accessibility, and health literacy.
• Account for each clients values, preferences, and circumstances to support the development of client-centered goals.
• Provide system navigation, service/care co-ordination, short-term and long-term planning and follow-up support.
• Provide short-term therapeutic counseling to clients utilizing a wide range of approaches that best meet the clients needs and circumstances.
• Encourage active communication between clients and/or caregivers and health care providers to optimize client outcomes.
• Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
• Create, maintain, and update appropriate client records, in a timely, efficient manner.

SCOPE Team Member:

• Collaborate with the care team to improve client care as they transition through the health care system / community services.
• Enhance workflow and communication pathways between primary care and community agencies by identifying barriers to care and working towards creating new care pathways to promote and optimize seamless care for the client.
• Collect and submit data / outcomes for research and evaluation.
• Contribute to the development, improvement, and evaluation of the service when required.

General Program:

• Ensure the organizations policies and procedures are carried out.
• Maintain all aspects of confidentiality relating to clients, volunteers, staff, programs, community members and community partners.
• Provide mentorship, training and/or supervision to student placements and volunteers.
• Participate in team and unit meetings regularly and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
• Participate in ongoing training and education.
• Participate in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with manager.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner and collect statistical data required for the accountability of the program.
• Represent the unit on internal/external staff committees as directed.

What You Bring to the Team

• Masters of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or post graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or an equivalent.
• 3+ years of related experience in mental health, addictions, and/or social work.
• Experience supporting individuals with significant mental health and substance use issues from a harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach.

What Will Set You Apart

• Demonstrated commitment to principles of social justice, anti-oppression, anti-racism, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to support individuals who have mental health and/or addiction issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, chronic physical health issues, etc.
• Experience providing therapeutic and supportive counseling.
• Experience supporting children, youth, adults, seniors, and caregivers.
• Knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best-practice approaches.
• Training in clinical interviewing and evidence-informed interventions with children and youth.
• Knowledge and experience providing addictions counseling and support.
• Experience in crisis response/intervention and commitment to a harm reduction approach.
• Experience working within an interprofessional setting/with an interprofessional team.
• Understanding of mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources.
• Understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health, including racism, discrimination, and oppression.
• Knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
• Ability in providing system navigation and care coordination.
• Superb assessment skills and comfort with standardized assessment tools.
• Strong de-escalation, Conflict Resolution, and crisis intervention skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Self-directed and independent, experience in working effectively as a team member in collaboration with other community professionals.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, ad problem-solving and skills.
• Applied computer skills (MS word, Excel, Internet) and ability to use client information systems.
• Training and experience using TREAT, Pirouette and ConnectingOntario is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written English communication fluency.
• French or other second language(s) is a strong asset.

WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
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