Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Clinical Counsellor Role Overview:

The Clinical Counsellor is responsible for facilitating groups and providing individual therapy sessions for guests in Lookout’s Sober Living program who are recovering from mental illness and substance use. The Sober Living program is abstinence-based. The Counsellor will also provide information and support to staff to assist them in better supporting the guests in the program. For example, if a guest was struggling with depression and was working on coping strategies in 1:1 therapy sessions, the counsellor would advise staff on how to appropriately support the client’s use of those strategies between sessions, and would help staff to understand the unique elements of the guest’s mental health condition.

Responsibilities include:

• Provides counselling, relapse prevention, and recovery support.
• Assesses clients' needs and consults with clients and others (families, physicians, and other referral sources), when appropriate, to ensure the development of a comprehensive recovery plan.
• Motivates and assists clients in developing and reaching treatment goals
• Documents cases for case conferencing and case management
• Facilitates client utilization of community services and rehabilitative programs
• Initiates and participates in individual professional development; maintains current knowledge and skills in relation to addiction, dual diagnosis, relationship and family issues
• Participates in quality assurance activities in collaboration with management.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in clinical counselling, counselling psychology or a similar field
• Eligible for registration as a Clinical Counsellor in the province of British Columbia
• Two (2) years of experience working with addictions, substance abuse, post-traumatic disorder, and/or mood disorders
• Strong collaborative approach to delivering and developing programs and services
• Strong documentation, coaching and human relations skills
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention skills training is an asset.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Comprehensive therapeutic and counselling skills
• Ability to work with clients with concurrent mental health and substance use problems
• Ability to develop substance use and mental health assessments to inform treating planning
• Ability to apply psychological knowledge and models to assessments and documentation
• Understanding of the counsellor’s own experiences and values in relation to the counselling role, and the counsellor’s role in client resistance
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional conduct
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients while carrying out required clinical functions
• Ability to work independently and develop effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, interest groups and related service providers
• Ability to participate and contribute as a team member
• Ability to organize work, and to set and adjust priorities in relation to identified risk factors
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP).
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position
• Broad knowledge of bio-psycho-social issues that may occur in response to changing mental health and alcohol and/or other drug needs.
• Broad knowledge of mental health and substance abuse disorders and their interaction
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, colleagues, referral sources, medical personnel, and community agency personnel
• Ability to establish priorities, analyze and problem solve in pressure situations.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, internet and e-mail software.

Additional Information

This is a contract position. The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements. Successful candidates will be required to obtain BC Ministry Criminal Record Clearance for the vulnerable sector.

Contact Information

Please submit resume and cover letter to: nicole.j@mdabc.net

Application will be accepted until: December 06, 2022 at 5:00 pm

*Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please.

Employer Profile

Lookout Housing and Health Society is a charitable organization and social safety net that provides housing and a range of support services to adults with low or no income, who have few, if any, housing or support options. The Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC) is a branch of Lookout which provides treatment, support, education and hope of recovery for people living with a mental health diagnosis. For more information about MDABC, please visit our website at: www.mdabc.net