Child and Youth Counsellor III, Safe Haven - Housing Services

at  Lutherwood

STARLING COMMUNITY SERVICES IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE EXPERIENCES MENTAL WELLNESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is committed to embedding anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices, and perspectives into the fabric of our organization. We have implemented mandatory antiracism training, we are actively building safe spaces to host brave conversations for learning, and we are fostering a culture of belonging for all, but especially BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, historically and presently marginalized individuals and communities.

YOUR TALENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

Diploma or degree in child and youth work or related discipline plus at least one-year successful experience as a Child and Youth Counsellor II, or a minimum of five years relevant education and special experience or skills. Working knowledge of relevant government legislation and provincial standards (i.e. CFSA, YCJA, Education Act, Licensing Provisions, etc.) Ability to: communicate openly and honestly with youth, staff and Supervisor; work under the physical and emotional stress in the role; make decisions; give and take direction; implement changes in programming at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Committed to helping youth within an interdisciplinary team using individual and small group therapy processes where indicated. Ability to relate to youth with warmth and understanding and setting consistent appropriate limits. Alignment with the Agency’s commitment to anti racism, anti-oppression and equity. Passionate, aware, and willing to continue to learn about antiracism, anti-oppression and equity. Ability and experience in integrating theoretical knowledge and practice skills in individual, small groups, life space and milieu therapy processes, as well as the ability to lead activity groups. Required to hold a “G” class license. First Aid Certificate, CPR, CIT, and WHMIS.

Coordination Role:

• Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor/Manager, orients and trains new staff, student placements, and volunteers.
• Assists with the development and monitoring of an effective pool of causal relief staff.
• Assists with the development and monitoring of staff schedules and shift coordination.
• Integrates and monitors volunteers within the overall treatment and academic program.
• Assists in creating a work climate conducive to effective treatment, and encourages innovation, creativity, learning and safety.
• Participates in program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Is responsible for working with the team to ensure that all associated tasks are being completed.
• Ensures that the outcomes of the team meet the required standards and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Provides day-to-day guidance to team members to ensure that timelines are met.
• Provides in-put to the Program Supervisor/Manager into annual performance appraisals of team members but does not write nor conduct performance coaching meetings.
• Participates in a variety of meetings including team meetings, liaison meetings, case conferences, plans of care, family meetings, treatment planning, and program reviews, ensuring continuity and effectiveness of service.

Client Service:

• Performs primary/secondary worker and treatment plan coordinator functions, for assigned cases.
• Participates in case review meetings for assigned cases.
• Supervises, monitors, supports, and counsels clients throughout all components of the program.
• Assesses, develops and implements goals and objectives for the group program, establishing norms and structures that provide a safe and growth-focused environment.
• Assesses, develops, and implements goals and objectives with individual clients, ensuring continuity and integration of care.
• Assimilates clients’ individual plans of care into the group program, coordinating the individual and group goals.
• Counsels clients in individual and group settings, including on life skills, social skills, housing and specific issues as they arise.
• Responds to client crisis situations utilizing crisis intervention techniques (CIT), and from a anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens in understanding the trauma and history of the client..
• Participates with clients in special program events.
• Liaises with client, family, police, educational staff and other agencies ensuring communication, continuity and support.
• Participates with members of the clients’ multidisciplinary team, and Agency leadership in coordinating and implementing programs.
• Participates in developing, implementing and evaluating client plan of actions and contracts.
• Supports clients to attend off-site appointments and activities in the community.
• Administers medication and attends to clients’ medical needs.
• Acts as a positive role model for clients.
• Plans and implements the group and individual programs.
• Participates in designing, delivering and evaluating the overall program.
• Participates in assessing, developing, and implementing assessment plans and support in the home and community.
• Provides back up support to Mobile Crisis Worker as required.
• Responds to crisis calls, gathering all relevant information, and determines the appropriateness of all referrals as per existing protocols.
• Evaluates the severity of the crisis situations and determines whether a response is warranted or if phone support and referral onto other services is sufficient.
• Completes various screening tools, e.g. HEADS ED, YAP or Suicide Risk Assessment seen as appropriate in determining the next course of action.
• Develops a crisis management service plan in a proactive manner, utilizing family strengths and resources augmented with community resources.

Administration:

• Oversees and monitors group budgets, applying to Leadership for other financial needs.
• Collects information, records and maintains client files, updates client and shift data, and completes discharge reports.
• Oversees and monitors safety, general repair, maintenance, and cleanliness in the facility, reporting deficiencies to the Program Supervisor or Maintenance Department.
• Monitors the security of the facility.
• Responsible for HIFIS database.
• Coordinates respite program.

Leadership:

• Promotes and supports the Agency’s Mission and Vision by being positive and supportive to all staff.
• Demonstrates behaviour consistent with the Agency’s Leadership Values.
• Supports employees using a strength-based and solution focused approach.
• Responsible for maintaining a high level of employee engagement and promoting a healthy organizational work culture.
• Builds on employee strengths and relationships to inspire, motivate and support staff.
• Provides operational leadership to ensure service outcomes are achieved.