Counsellor, serving male clientele

The Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor

Reports To: the Director Human Services

Wages : $35 to $45 per hour

Hours: : 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri, though given the nature of the position, time and hours may vary.

All Applicants MUST provide proof of 2 Covid Vaccinations

JOB SUMMARY

The Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor works within a multi-disciplinary team to provide prevention, assessment, referral, clinical counselling and follow-up services to individuals and family members affected by mental health and substance use issues. This position serves a primarily male clientele, some family or group counselling.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

• Provide mental health and addiction counselling and support to individuals, families and groups in the community
• Respond to inquiries concerning available programs and services
• Provide mental health counselling regarding the cause, symptoms and prevention strategies of various mental health diagnoses
• Provide counselling regarding the use and effects of alcohol and drugs
• Prepare needs and risk assessments
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues
• Provide outreach counselling in the community
• Accept and make referrals to outside agencies
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals
• Utilize the Electronic Management Record system to document all client encounters in a timely manner
• Coordinate and facilitate educational workshops on mental health and addiction related topics
• Prepare funding proposals for mental health and addiction programs and initiatives, as requested

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Communication Coordinator to develop promotional materials and information for health promotion initiatives
• Attend and sit on community and organizational committees
• Assist individuals to identify their need for treatment programs
• Liaise with treatment programs
• Assist clients to meet all requirements
• Access funding for treatment programs
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs
• Complete treatment centre referrals
• Arrange transportation for clients to and from treatment centres
• Develop and facilitate mental health and addiction-related group counselling programs,
• Other related duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Registered Professional Counsellor in good standing with the Reregistering authority .
• Drug and Alcohol Additions Counsellor certification and in good standing .

Knowledge / experience

• Knowledge / experience working with people struggling with mental health and/or addiction problems
• Practice from a harm reduction philosophy
• Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods and professional skills
• Knowledge of community resources, treatment centres, social service networks and organizations
• Working knowledge of computer software (email, internet) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook), and Electronic Management Record systems Skills
• Advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse client groups with varying levels of comprehension and language capability, Nłeʔkepmx Fluency a plus
• Effective listening, observation and facilitation skills to effectively assess clients and
• Strong collaboration skills to manage service delivery in conjunction with case managers, clients, their family members/caregivers/SDMs and other health care professionals
• Ability to deal with demanding interpersonal situations and respond with good judgment and understanding
• Ability to communicate information effectively through a variety of means including meetings, reports, letters and presentations
• Advanced oral and written communication skills in English to establish and maintain a wide range of contacts with health care professionals and community organizations.
• -Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, and integrate cultural teachings into counselling practices.
• Experience in cultural safety practices and reconciliation frameworks is considered an asset.
• Certification or extensive training in trauma-informed care, such as Trauma-Informed Practice for Front-Line Workers or similar, is preferred.
• Proficiency in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as CBT, MI, and DBT.

Other Requirements

• Valid BC driver’s license and use of own vehicle. (A sgared company vehicle is also available)
• Must provide a Criminal Records Check with vulnerable sector screening

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

The Counsellor will be required to move throughout the community and beyond, so

must be comfortable driving and walking in all weather. The Mental Health Worker must be

able to prioritize situations and manage time, and may find that they are needed at irregular hours

causing fatigue and stress. They may experience stress and stress related symptoms due to

interacting with clients in crisis and may be exposed to illness and

unsanitary conditions so must take care to protect their own health.

The Counsellor may also have to manage physically threatening clients and be prepared to be responsible for their own safety, and the safety of others.

Environmental Conditions

The Counsellor may find their office to be busy with both scheduled and unscheduled

clients. They must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations,

including crisis situations. They may experience isolation because members of the community may not

always agree with the decisions they make, and the commitment to confidentiality may not allow

a response.

Apply on this site or to

HR@LNIB.net

Position will remain open until filled by a qualified candidate