Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor

Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor – Manitoulin

Description

Summary
 
Under the direction and accountability to Noojmowin Teg Health Centre and the Mental Health and Addictions Manager, the Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor is responsible to provide professional clinical assessment, counselling, education, and referral services to Indigenous families throughout Manitoulin Island catchment area; and wholistic health promotion services in the form of education and primary prevention activities.   
 
The Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor will collaborate with health team members, schools, community agencies and the public.  The services will be completed with guidance and in consultation from the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Mental Health & Addictions Manager.
 
a.     General Description of Service Responsibilities
·       Completion of charting and data collection within the Electronic Medical Record utilized by Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
·       Compilation and completion of all reports as required by funders, and other data as developed
·       Adhere to policies and procedures of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
·       Membership with and adherence to guidelines of professional counselling association
·       Abide by traditional protocols and cultural sensitivity of Indigenous practices
·       Reporting to Mental Health & Addiction Manager of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
·       Complete all required leave request documentation (i.e., annual leave, professional development, certified/uncertified sick leave). 
·       Complete mandatory professional development as provided by Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
·       Attend Noojmowin Teg staff meetings, strategic planning, annual general meeting, and other team/group requirements
 
b.     Service Specific Responsibilities
·       Work in collaboration with referring agency to develop and implement treatment plans
·       Conduct intake, assessment, treatment planning and discharge planning with clients
·       Provide counseling to individuals experiencing mental health and addiction related concerns
·       Respond to brief service requests
·       Access clinical consultations from external professionals to enhance clinical service delivery
·       Coordinate and facilitate access to traditional healing and other cultural programming
·       Make referrals to external service providers and programs including treatment centres for alcohol and/or substance abuse
·       Promote optimal health and well-being through health prevention and promotion programming in the community
·       Participate in external partnerships to increase awareness on mental health and addictions issues through collaboration and networking
·       Other duties as assigned
 
Requirements
 
Mandatory
·       Successful completion of Bachelor of Social Work degree or degree in a related field; diploma in health sciences, social sciences or related field with work experience may also be considered
·       Registration with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers or equivalent college
·       Three (3) years’ experience providing counseling
·       Valid class “G” driver’s license and own reliable vehicle
·       Clear drivers’ record
·       Clear vulnerable sector check
 
Preferred
·       Standard Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), AED, and First Aid Training
·       Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
·       Mental Health First Aid
·       Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
·       Experience with charting in Electronic Medical Records
·       Experience working with Indigenous families
 
Knowledge
Knowledge of current mental health issues relevant to First Nations
Knowledge of protocols of First Nations on Manitoulin Island and surrounding areas
Knowledge of mental health services available within the Manitoulin Island and Espanola catchment area
 
Skills
Skilled in a variety of mental health assessments, treatment planning
Skilled in interpersonal relations
Strong time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated analytical and technical skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
 
Abilities
Strong ability to prioritize, plan, organize and schedule
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure
Must be able to work effectively as part of a team or as a leader when required to foster quality service to clients and to promote a good working environment
Ability to develop practices that ensure personal safety
 
Work Conditions
·         Frequent sitting required
·         Frequent interruptions within office setting
·         Exposure to crisis situations
·         Frequent exposure to mental health clients
·         Travel requirements throughout Manitoulin Island and Espanola area
·         Flexed and after-hours work may be required at times