Job Description

Do you have a passion for working with youth? Are you interested in supporting youth while using a theoretical approach to achieve stability and wellness? If so, this position may be for you!


The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary's most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.

Job Overview:

Mental Health Clinicians (MHCs) can be found across the Alex in Housing, Youth Health Clinic, Community Health Clinic and RAAM clinics. The MHC offers evidence-based therapies to individuals and groups, facilitates skills and process to groups, and works closely with an interdisciplinary health and social team. While carrying a case load and completing required assessments, evaluation instruments, and other documentation, MHCs seek to resolve clients' issues and support their move to independence or to other community support where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide evidence-based therapies within the session guidelines. Move clients off caseloads within session guidelines and be receptive to taking new clients onto caseload. Provide four to five therapeutic encounters with clients daily as a minimum expectation. Offer culturally sensitive services. Complete required documentation with excellence, in accordance with agency policy and procedures, and be respective of professional college requirements. Conduct assessments as appropriate and contribute to individualized service plans. Use evidence-based treatments in the areas of mental health and substance abuse to address participant needs (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behaviour therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused therapy (SFT), etc.). Work from a harm reduction, trauma informed, and recovery-based approaches, grounded on a client's readiness for change. Work collaboratively with clients, families, and community partners to assist clients in achieving treatment and recovery goals. Facilitate group programming for clients, using principles of psychoeducation, CBT, and other evidence-based models, when appropriate. Provide access to clients with same-day therapy, when required, appropriate, and applicable to The Alex program. Assist in data collection, and entry, as directed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

Master's degree in psychology, Social Work, or a related field. An active registration with a professional discipline in Alberta. Social Workers must be authorized to perform psychosocial interventions. Minimum two years of experience as a Mental Health Clinician. Awareness of FOIP, HIA, and HIPA and doctrines such as the Mature Minor. Knowledge around working with suicidal individuals and how to handle such situations appropriately while considering confidentiality and client safety. Specialized training in evidenced-based therapies is an asset (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectal behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, etc.). Experience in single session therapy is an asset. Ability to set goals and work with clients within appropriate timelines and refer to other agencies/programs if needed. Awareness of the importance of evidence-based treatments and flexibility to practice from different perspectives. Experience working with vulnerable populations with significant mental health and substance use issues. Awareness of increased complexities in providing therapy virtually. Understanding of harm reduction and trauma informed care. Exceptional communication, organization, advocacy, teaching, and rapport-building skills. Commitment to contributing positively to team culture. Ability to work in high-stress situations with clear and open communication. Openness to a wide scope of practice with commitment to innovation and flexibility. Strong initiative in times of limited supervision. Awareness of the value that research and evaluation brings to therapy. First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) - Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire. A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required. Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is preferred.

Work Environment and Hours:

The Alex Youth Health Clinic: 2840-2 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta. 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week) Standard hours are 10:00 to 6:00pm (YHC), Monday to Friday; some flexibility in schedule may be available. Continuous extended periods of sitting, with some standing and walking (sometimes up or down stairwells). Occasional physical action requires the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (up to 20 lbs.).

Benefits:

Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:

3-weeks' vacation Medical and Dental Coverage Health / Wellness Spending Accounts RRSP and/or Student Loan Repayment Program (up to 5% match) Personal Days Floating Holiday Sick/Wellness Days Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) Professional Development

How to apply:

If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people's lives, please visit our career centre: Jobs at The Alex | The Alex.


This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will make every effort to accommodate candidate's schedules and needs in all parts of the hiring process.


The Alex is committed to embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity across the organization. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover letters.


In accordance with our strategic priorities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who self-identify as racializedor Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).
The term "racialized" is used here instead of the more outdated and inaccurate terms "racial minority, "visible minority", "person of colour", or "non-White".

For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca