Title: Mental Health Counsellor

Reports to: Martha Coderre

Position Type: Contract, Part-Time (0.2 FTE – 7 hours/week)

Salary: $36.68 - $43.15/hour

Vacancy Status: Existing Vacancy

Location: Weller Clinic

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services, the Mental Health Counsellor works with individuals, couples and families. The Social Worker performs needs and risk assessments taking into consideration family dynamics, the impact of trauma, social work theories and best practices. They work as part of the interdisciplinary collaborative team to support clients and to address issues in the community that affect mental health through individual and group counseling, case management, and case conferencing. The Mental Health Counsellor will participate in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs and services for clients.

Key Responsibilities

Client Care

Completes social histories and assessments to identify social/emotional problems and needs; formulate and implement counseling and interventions which promote optimum social functioning. Therapy provided may be individuals, couples, families or groups, and may include occasional home visits.
Provide referral services to clients and families so they may obtain services from community resources. This includes facilitation activities such as providing information, referral, and advocacy, and ensuring successful connection/access, as appropriate.
Liaise and consult with social and health services in the community as necessary. Provides consultation to other members of the circle of care on the psychosocial aspects of clients' functioning.
Provide emergency/crisis support and/or referrals as needed.
Maintain case records, using an electronic medical records system that will provide information to assist other practitioners in continuing client care.
Participate in other duties as assigned relevant to the position.

Education

Engage in health promotion and education activities including the development of resource materials, forms and handouts as needed.
Facilitate and/or co-facilitate group programs and community education presentations.
Provide education/training and clinical consultation within an interdisciplinary team. Particularly with respect to best practice guidelines.

Administration

Complete appropriate and up to date chart documentation in the Electronic Health Records for both individual and group encounters.
Support Quality Improvement initiatives.
Receive and track referrals and self-referrals from clients; maintain schedule and wait list.
Monitor and adjust workflow to ensure program targets are met.
Participate in chart reviews and case conferences.
Identify areas where development of protocols and procedures are needed to improve client services or to promote more effective staff functioning.
Participate in team meetings and other administrative tasks relevant to the job

Organizational Responsibilities

Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws
Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion
Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures
Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs
Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required

Basic Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, Occupational Therapy or Counselling Psychology with experience in Psychotherapy or relevant master’s degree from a recognized university.
A good standing, active registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.
At least three years recent experience in the health/social services field and community-based service delivery and demonstrated ability to exercise individual professional judgment.
Demonstrated experience with brief solution focused counselling and single session therapy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Understanding of ACEs and trauma informed care approach.
Knowledge of transgender care.
Demonstrated ability to work with clients on an individual, couple, family and/ or group settings.
Excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to being a “team player” within an interdisciplinary collaborative health care team setting.
Strong organizational skills and good attention to detail.

Other Requirements

French language is an asset
Experience working in rural areas, with Indigenous health issues, and seniors are assets.
Experience working with clients with a history of trauma preferred.
Experience with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness preferred.
Valid Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance as this is a requirement under KCHC’s insurance provider (HIROC)
Access to a vehicle as this position requires travel to various locations within the Lennox and Addington area
Ability to work outside normal business hours if required
Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check
Up to date immunizations

As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.

At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive.

We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC. Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.

KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.

Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4 www.KCHC.ca