Mental Health Couselor

Our client is seeking a Mental Health Counselor for a 12 month contract to be a part of the Family Intervention and Reunification Management initiative. This initiative is designed to combat youth homelessness within the Black African and Caribbean communities through culturally sensitive counseling and support services aimed at preventing youth homelessness.

Our program promotes mental health and emotional well-being through individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, and wellness sessions. This program is rooted in anti-oppressive and Afrocentric frameworks, addressing systemic barriers and prioritizing culturally relevant care.

Key Responsibilities

1. Individual Counseling:
   Use evidence-informed and person-centered approaches that align with anti-oppressive and trauma-informed principles.
2. Group Facilitation:
   Plan and deliver group counseling sessions that foster connection, emotional support, and personal growth.
   Facilitate group workshops on wellness topics such as stress management, coping strategies, and self-care.
3. Psychoeducation and Wellness Programming:
   Design and deliver psychoeducational sessions that address mental health literacy, emotional regulation, and other key wellness topics.
   Offer wellness sessions that promote mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and holistic approaches to well-being.
4. Program Contribution:
   Participate in program evaluation and improvement initiatives to ensure services meet the needs of clients effectively.
5. Crisis Support:
   Provide immediate counseling and emotional support to clients in crisis situations, ensuring stabilization and referrals when necessary.
6. Record Keeping and Compliance:
   Maintain accurate and confidential client records, session notes, and program documentation in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
7. Professional Development and Team Engagement:
   Attend training and workshops to remain current with best practices in trauma-informed care, Afrocentric approaches, and culturally responsive counseling.

Qualifications

1. A master's degree in social work, Psychotherapy, Psychology, Counseling, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
2. Registration (or eligibility for registration) with a regulated health professional body, such as:
   • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
   • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
   • Or another recognized regulatory body.
3. Minimum 2 years of experience providing individual and group counseling, preferably with youth populations.
4. Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive frameworks, and Afrocentric practices in mental health.
5. Experience delivering wellness programming and psychoeducational workshops.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

1. Lived experience or deep understanding of Black, African, and/or Caribbean cultures.
2. Familiarity with the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC youth.
3. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
4. Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of youth and the HERO program.