Counsellor, Children's Services

Counsellor, Children’s Services – Longlac CC2024-07

Children Team · Longlac, Ontario

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 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!

Summary

The Counsellor, Children’s Services is a full-time permanent role based on-site in Longlac, ON. Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor 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 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 reports directly to the assigned Clinical Services Manager.

Salary range:

$62,864.99 – $70,265.87 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.

• 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 following accrual of flex time
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives
• Financial assistance with relocation is available

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
• 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 Duties:

• Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, counselling, and discharge
• Collaboratively working with other Agency-assigned staff to limit service duplication and maintain continuity of care.
• Providing psycho-education, information, and referral.
• Facilitating the removal of barriers to care and connection to services.
• Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support groups for children, youth, and families/guardians.
• Assessing, intervening, and developing individualized safety plans.
• Ensuring the protection and rights of children and families/guardians are addressed under applicable legislation.
• 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.
• Documenting all client engagement and progress in the electronic client clinical record.
• Maintaining confidentiality and working consistent with ethical guidelines.
• Participating in clinical supervision and performance enhancement process.
• Developing personal goals for continued learning and ongoing development.
• Assisting and providing support for colleagues and students.

Administrative Duties:

• Participate as an active and contributing member of the NOSP team.
• Participate in team and agency staff meetings.
• Participate in agency change initiatives.
• Participate in research and program evaluation projects.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation within the agency’s electronic client information system.
• Engage and represent the Agency at community events.

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety.
• Report any observed health and safety risks.

Additional duties as required to support the effective operation of the Children Service’s Program.

Qualifications and Requirements

THE “MUST HAVES”

• Education that grants eligibility for regulated membership in one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act.
• The ability to actively engage with children, youth, and families.
• Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based assessments and counselling techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in developing goals and plans of care.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing clinical interventions.
• Sound knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario.
• Knowledge of clinically sound documentation standards.
• Sound clinical acumen.
• Understanding of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Ability to effectively organize and multi-task.
• Commitment to valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community.
• Clear understanding of systemic racism and oppression impacts.
• Advanced skills in oral and written communication.
• Working knowledge of technology and clinical databases.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s Licence and the ability to travel across the District of Thunder Bay.
• This position may require flexible work hours.

North of Superior Counselling Programs is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation requests will be considered throughout the hiring process.

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