The Counsellor, Children’s Services is a full-time permanent role based on-site, in-person in Geraldton, ON. Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor, Children's Services supports children and youth (birth to 17 years of age) living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities and their families/guardians and communities across the District of Thunder Bay. The Counsellor, Children's Services, works as an integral part of a clinical team responsible for providing mental health core services funded by the Ministry, including but not limited to access/intake, assessment, brief service, counselling, crisis response, case management, and family support. Services are delivered one-on-one and through group facilitation and may occur in person, in-community, or virtually. The Counsellor, Children Services reports directly to the assigned Clinical Services Manager.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical;
Working with children and youth who are living with mental health challenges, in addition to families/guardians and community, duties include, but are not limited to:
• Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, counselling, and discharge
• Collaboratively working with other Agency-assigned staff and committed to limiting service duplication, maintaining continuity of care through coordinated care planning, and achieving clear and consistent communication with clients and/or their families/guardians by actively participating in formal direct interdisciplinary planning meetings and/or indirect team member interdisciplinary planning meetings to enhance collective efforts and avoid redundancy in service delivery.
• Providing psycho-education, information and referral.
• Through the Access Network and via liaising with the most appropriate physician(s), community agencies, and/or care providers, facilitating the removal of barriers to care and connection to services and ensuring the wrapping around of these services to best meet the holistic needs of the client.
• Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support open or closed groups, and/or discussion workshops for children, youth, and families/guardians.
• Assessing, intervening, and developing individualized safety plans when imminent risk has been identified.
• Ensuring that the protection and rights of children and families/guardians are addressed under applicable legislation, Standards of Practice, and NOSP policies and procedures.
• Supporting mental health assessments and actioning psychiatrist recommendations.
• Maintaining a client caseload consistent with expectations of the role.
• Engaging in ongoing assessment and evaluation of clients’ progress using standardized assessment tools and other evidence-based methodologies.
• Document all client engagement and progress in the electronic client clinical record.
• Maintain confidentiality and work consistent with ethical guidelines of the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers or applicable College.
• Participating in the clinical supervision and performance enhancement process.
• Developing personal goals for continued learning and ongoing development and self- evaluation.
• Assisting, precepting, and providing support for colleagues, students, and others to enhance and further develop clinical practice.
Qualifications and Requirements THE “MUST HAVES”
• Education that grants eligibility or qualifying status, at the time of application, and a commitment to obtain regulated membership from one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA): Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma, Bachelor of Social Worker (BSW), or Masters of Social Worker (MSW) program or equivalent for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW); Master’s degree central to the practice of psychotherapy or equivalent Bachelor’s level program eligible for registration with College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CPRO); Baccalaureate Nursing (RN) Programs or equivalent (Registered Practical Nurse [RPN]) eligible for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO); Bachelor of Science degree or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or equivalent eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO); Master’s degree in psychology or equivalent eligible for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO); or Medical degree from an accredited Canadian or US medical school or from an acceptable international medical school eligible for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
• The ability to actively engage with children, youth, and families while fostering sustainable and meaningful interpersonal professional relationships.
• Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed assessments, counselling techniques, and discharge planning tailored specifically for children, youth, and families.
• Demonstrated skill in developing goals and plans of care for children, youth, and families based on their individual needs and circumstances, based on the principles of person- centered planning, self-determination, and choice, and providing services reflective of this plan.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in implementing clinical interventions for children, youth, and families. Specialized focus on understanding social determinants of health, developmental stages, mental health, substance use health, and family systems in providing one-on-one counselling support and facilitating group sessions.
• Sound knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario and relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of and experience with clinically sound documentation standards.
• Sound clinical acumen.
• An understanding of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the ability to effectively apply privacy practices within the rural living context.
• Ability to effectively organize and multi-task several competing priorities at any given time with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, with minimal supervision.
• Awareness and commitment to valuing the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community and a sound understanding of culturally relevant approaches in service delivery.
• Clear understanding of how systemic racism and oppression have adversely affected the social determinants of health for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour) communities with a demonstrated ability to apply an anti-oppressive/anti-racist perspective in service delivery throughout the lifespan.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of an imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts for service users.
• Clear understanding of the scope of practice as it relates to the position and in keeping with the applicable Regulatory College and performance of duties within this scope.
• Advanced skills in oral and written communication.
• Working knowledge and excellent application of technology, with experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook and confidence in utilizing other clinical databases and/or platforms (e.g., EMHware, DATIS, CATALYST, Time tracking software, etc.).
• A valid Ontario Driver's Licence is required. The use of a privately owned vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage are also required.
• Ability to travel across the District of Thunder Bay and/or out-of-district communities, as required.
• This position may require flexible work hours, contingent upon client needs.
* potential salary increases may include a sliding scale based on the hire date anniversary and a 1.5% increase effective April 1, 2025, as per the Collective Agreement.
Benefits:
• Competitive and comprehensive employer-paid health and dental benefits, along with paid sick time
• The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• 12 paid days off to honour and observe statutory holidays, including a holiday shutdown during the winter break
• 4-weeks’ vacation* with 3 Family Care Days and 3 Floater Days pro-rated for the first year of employment
*vacation entitlement increases based on the number of years of employment.
Other Benefits:
• Expense claim reimbursement for mileage and meals when travelling across the district
• Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives
Recruitment Incentive:
• Recruitment allowance of $1500
• Accommodation allowance of $500.00 monthly for (3) months
• Upon successful completion of probation, the employee will have access to an agency-paid training incentive of their choice, within the alignment of their job-specific role, of up to
$1000.00 to be used within (6) months of employment.
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Visit our website at http://www.nosp.on.ca. Discover how NOSP is making a difference, and join our team in improving mental health and social well-being in Northern Ontario's rural communities!
