Hospital Community Outreach Counsellor, CYYA - Surrey, Canada - Fraser Health

Description

Detailed Overview

Reporting clinically to the discipline Clinical Practice Leader and reporting administratively to the Manager or designate, the Outreach Counsellor provides hospital to community-based outreach support services, one-to one counselling, individual and group interventions, implements and assists in mental health and substance use treatment, provides life skills training, coaching, advocacy and support to children and adolescents experiencing mental health, behavioral, and developmental problems and to their caregivers/families, in accordance with an established plan of treatment/care and as a member of the Child, Youth & Young Adult (CYYA) Mental Health & Substance Use Services (MH&SUS) multidisciplinary Transition Team.

Motivates, assists, and instructs clients with the activities of daily living, reports clients' progress and condition, including reactions to medications.

Provides client and family-centered care through a trauma-informed approach and evidence-informed practice to individuals and families. Responsibilities Assesses client behaviour, emotional and mental status through the knowledge of mental health disorders. Performs mental status exams as required and documents pertinent data.

Provides individual and group counselling to children and adolescents, using a variety of strategies or techniques including psycho-education, problem solving, de-escalation techniques, behaviour management, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, activity-based, and other appropriate interventions as required.

Provides support and psycho-education to families as needed.

Shares responsibility amongst the team for distributed workload to manage cases, reports on the condition, behaviour, performance, progress, and care needs of clients and their caregivers/families, formulate recovery plans and goals, crisis intervention, assist with home visits, run groups, and outreach to clients as required, implementing treatment plans and participating in client meetings.

Facilitates client utilization of appropriate community services and rehabilitative programs, including health care services, Ministry of Children and Family Development programs, recreational, educational services and/or referring to other community resources as required to maintain coordination in the service and transition process.

Observes and supports individuals in appropriate medication management, in accordance with the plan of treatment/care and established policies and procedures.

Maintains client records by recording information such as client assessments, charting client information via PARIS and/or other clinical information systems, preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements, documenting for future reference and ensuring that access to and disclosure of information and records are in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

Facilitates client attendance at appointments, programs, and services including escorting or accompanying client to appointments and leisure activities, including driving a vehicle.

Participates in and supervises social and recreational activities as required.

Provides direction to volunteers and assists with orientation of new staff and education experiences of students, as well as sharing expertise with other members of the team, as required.

Maintains relevant data and statistics and provides input to Coordinator and Manager.

Participates in quality improvement/program evaluation/research activities and implementation of evidence-based best practices in providing care to children and adolescents and their families, providing feedback to the supervisor regarding service needs, gaps and suggested solutions and initiatives to assist in the development and maintenance of the service.

Participates actively and collaboratively in team planning, team meetings, case conferences, committees, and/or corporate initiatives through discussions, presentations, advocacy for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support for clients, families and caregivers.

Participates in ongoing education to maintain current and relevant practice, including clinical education, as well as maintaining current knowledge of Federal and Provincial legislation and amendments that impact mental health & substance use client care and service delivery.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Baccalaureate Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work or a Baccalaureate Degree in an equivalent appropriate health related discipline.

One year recent related experience working with children and youth with mental health issues in a multidisciplinary setting. Eligible for registration with applicable professional association or regulatory body. Valid B.C. Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle with appropriate business insurance coverage for work-related purposes.

Skills and Abilities Knowledge of child and adolescent development and the broad range of issues pertaining to their mental health.

Demonstrated ability to work with children and youth with mental health/psychiatric issues. Knowledge of behaviour management strategies and techniques. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation including the B.C. Mental Health Act and the Child, Family and Community Service Act. Ability to work in a high stress environment with strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to work effectively with others. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to organize and prioritize work. Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related word processing and database management software applications. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.