Adult Counsellor - Ontario, Canada - Nosp

Description

About Us

Are you seeking exceptional experience working to improve mental health and social well-being in rural communities utilizing a generalist approach? Look no further than North of Superior Counselling Programs (NOSP)

At NOSP, we are a non-profit multi-service agency dedicated to working together to optimize health and well-being throughout the lifespan. We strive to provide equitable, accessible, and client-driven services that make a real difference in the District of Thunder Bay.

Our services include on-site individual and group-based counselling and/or case management for mental health and addictions, school-based counselling, parental support, and access to specialized services like assessment and referrals for live-in treatment programs.

But that's not all We also provide supportive roles in formal on-site and virtual psychiatry and psychology diagnosis and assessments. Plus, we offer housing case management with rental supplement support programs. Through our incredibly dedicated volunteers, we provide enrichment and social engagement (EASE) to Adults (18 plus) with a physical disability or older adults (55 plus).

At NOSP, we believe in a generalist approach to care. We aim to collaborate with other service providers to deliver responsive wrap-around, whole-health care through person-centric goal planning. Through clear systems of care and innovative approaches, we strive to provide positive mental health outcomes for young people, adults, and families across the diverse communities of the District of Thunder Bay.

Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Visit our website at . 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

Summary

The Counsellor, Adult Services is a full-time permanent role based on-site, in-person in .

Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor, Adult Services provides mental health and addiction counselling services for individuals and families across the District of Thunder Bay. The Counsellor, Adult Services works as an integral part of the clinical team responsible for providing mental health and addiction services funded by the Ministry, including but not limited to intake, assessment, counselling, crisis response, case management, brief service, family support, and psycho-education. Services are delivered both one-on-one and through group facilitation and may occur in person, in-community, or virtually. The Counsellor, Adult Services reports directly to the assigned Clinical Services Manager (CSM).

Salary range:

$ 62, $ 70, per annum*

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 honor 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 traveling across the district
• Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives
• Financial assistance with relocation is available

Benefits of working and living in rural communities

1. Peaceful and serene environment: Rural communities often provide a tranquil and peaceful setting, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. This environment can promote a sense of calmness and tranquility, allowing you to enjoy a slower pace of life and connect with nature.
2. Strong sense of community: Rural communities tend to have tight-knit communities where people support and rely on each other. This sense of community can foster a robust social network and a feeling of belonging. You may have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with community members and develop a sense of camaraderie.
3. Lower cost of living: Living in rural areas often has a lower cost of living than in urban centers. Housing, groceries, and other daily expenses may be more affordable, allowing you to save money or have a higher quality of life with the same income.
4. Work-life balance: Rural communities often offer a better work-life balance. With less traffic and shorter commutes, you can spend more time with family and friends or engage in activities you enjoy. The slower pace of life can contribute to reduced stress levels and a greater focus on personal well-being.
5. Opportunities for outdoor activities: Northern Ontario is known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Living in a rural community provides easy access to hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing. These activities can promote physical and mental well-being, allowing you to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
6. Personal growth and self-reliance: Living in a rural community requires self-reliance and adaptability. You may have to learn new skills, take on different responsibilities, and become more resourceful. This can lead to personal growth, increased resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.
7. Enhanced quality of life: Many individuals find that living in rural communities offers a higher quality of life. The close-knit community, natural beauty, and slower pace can contribute to greater fulfillment, happiness, and overall well-being.

While lifestyle working in rural remote communities has its advantages, it's important to consider potential challenges such as limited amenities, distance from urban centers, and possible feelings of isolation. However, rural living can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those who appreciate the unique benefits.

Core Competencies

• Recovery-focused and person-centered orientation
• Effective planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Mindful and self-reflective
• Critical thinking skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Excellent communication skills
• Resourceful
• Sound decision-making skills
• Accountable and dependable
• Networking and relationship-building skills
• Creative and innovative
• Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

Working with individuals 18 years and older who are living with mental health challenges, substance use health needs, addiction, problem gambling, and/or other concurrent disorders, duties include, but are not limited to:

• Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, counselling, and discharge planning.
• 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, referral, and case management support.
• Assessing, intervening, and developing individualized safety plans when imminent risk has been identified.
• Supporting individuals in their psychiatric 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.
• Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support open or closed groups and/or discussion workshops in adult services.
• Document all client engagement, case management activities, and progress in the electronic client clinical record.
• Liaising with the most appropriate physician(s), community agencies, and/or care providers, facilitating the removal of barriers to care and ensuring the wrapping around of services to best meet the holistic needs of the client.
• 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.

Administrative

• Participate as an active and contributing member of the NOSP team.
• Participate in team and agency staff meetings, actively contributing to discussion, planning, and problem-solving.
• Participate in agency change initiatives, actively contributing input to support for success.
• Participate in research and program evaluation projects within the agency.
• Participate in and contribute to agency-wide activities and initiatives (e.g., committees, working groups, agency planning days, etc.).
• Familiarize yourself and work in alignment with agency policies and procedures, College Standards, and governing legislation.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation within the agency's electronic client information system, applying College Standards related to clinical documentation.
• Actively engage and represent the Agency at educational, career, and other health-care-related community fairs and events, as needed.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
• Following the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) principles, report any observed health and safety risks to the immediate manager or designate.

Additional duties as required to support the effective operation of the Adult Service Program and related delivery of services to individuals and families across the District of Thunder Bay.

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 clients and/or their care partners while fostering sustainable and meaningful interpersonal professional relationships.
• Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed assessments, counselling techniques, and discharge planning tailored to individuals accessing service.
• Demonstrated skill in developing individual goals and plans of care based on needs and circumstances, incorporating 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 individuals accessing service. Specialized focus on understanding social determinants of health, trauma, mental health, substance use health, and family systems in providing one-on-one counselling support and facilitating group sessions.
• 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 multitask 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 and 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.

Qualifications and Requirements THE 'NICE TO HAVES'

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Membership in a Regulated Profession, in good standing, from one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA).
• A preference of three (3) years of experience in a mental health and/or developmental services agency providing clinical interventions for children, youth, and families.
• Knowledge of the range of community health and social services across the District of Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario and how to access them.
• Familiarity with evidence-based therapy approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy [CBT], Solution-focused therapy [SFT], Dialectical Behavioural Therapy [DBT], Mindfulness, etc.).
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is considered an asset.
• Ability to speak French is considered an asset.

Before starting with us

As our work puts us in direct contact with vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before the commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with North of Superior Counselling; however, the Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated to decide on suitability for employment about the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

North of Superior Counselling Programs is an equal-opportunity employer. We benefit from the diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. North of Superior Counselling Programs participates in the Government of Canada's 50-30 Challenge. This program challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal, and/or Indigenous Peoples to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and North of Superior Counselling Programs' policies, accommodation requests will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.