Clinical Counsellor

at  Encompass Support Services Society

Encompass Support Services Society is an accredited, non-profit agency that provides a wide range of programs and support services in Langley and Aldergrove for over 25 years. We help to build strong, sustainable communities by offering inclusive, accessible services tailored to meet the changing needs of the individuals and community we serve.
At Encompass, we are committed to a journey towards cultural humility and safety; for the well-being of those we serve and those, we work along-side. We gratefully acknowledge that the programs, services and offices of Encompass are on the unceded, sovereign Indigenous lands of the Coast Salish People. This includes the territories of Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. We also acknowledge the diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who make Langley their home.
Our purpose is to strengthen the health and vitality of community by identifying and responding to community needs, collaborating to enhance the lives of those we serve, while cultivating effective and sustainable partnerships.
Our vision is to empower individuals, to connect people, and to enrich lives. We value Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community.
Our programs and supports are designed to build new skills, to foster healthy, productive lifestyles and to improve access to services within our community. Services are low-barrier, all-inclusive and at no cost to participants. Annually, we provide services to over 2500 individuals and families.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking someone who wants to make a difference and has a passion for supporting young people who have experienced difficulties with coping, or who are working to manage mental health or substance use concerns. A good fit for our agency is a self-directed, engaging and empathetic Clinical Counsellor who has clear knowledge, experience and understanding of mental wellness as it relates to the experience of a young person or their caregiver. We are looking for someone who can function independently yet also interface well with our Clinical Lead/Coordinator who oversees the program.
Foundry is removing barriers and increasing access to health and wellness services for young people aged 12–24 and their caregivers through a network of youth-friendly centers across British Columbia and online. By offering integrated mental health care, substance use services, primary and sexual health care, youth and family peer support and social services, Foundry makes it easier for young people to find support in their communities. Online resources and first-of-its-kind virtual care further broaden Foundry’s reach.
The Clinical Counsellor participates as a member of the Foundry Langley team. The Clinical Counsellor supports the service model through providing services to youth aged 12-24 and their family members. Interventions may be provided on a 1:1 basis, to families, and to groups. As the Clinical Counsellor supports Walk-In Counselling, the counsellor will work with a variety of presenting concerns, utilize a variety of modalities including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and will benefit from being concurrent disorders capable. The Clinical Counsellor will also support the youth and families accessing Foundry Langley by providing assessment and treatment with short-term counselling, for a variety of issues and with a focus on mild to moderate mental health concerns.
JOB POSTING: 2024-0200 Clinical Counsellor – Foundry Langley
DATE: October 29, 2024
POSITION: Permanent, Part-Time
HOURS OF WORK: 22.5 Hours per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
SALARY RANGE: CSSEA Grid 16P: $46.25 – $52.68 Hourly (depending on experience and qualifications)

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education and Knowledge

• Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Social Work or a related field.

1. Training and Experience

• Two (2) years recent related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Specialization in mental health and substance use treatment through basic training, continuing education or clinical experience.
• Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based services and related provincial and community support service systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant formal counselling modalities, including CBT, DBT, MI, EFFT, SFBT, demonstrated knowledge of assessment tools and techniques, and ability to implement these strategies and modalities.

1. Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish rapport and maintain therapeutic relationships with young people and family members, including youth with complex needs;
• Empathic and compassionate, with good listening skills and creative thinking;
• Demonstrated ability to observe and recognize changes in youth and communicate those changes to others on the care team;
• Proficient in comprehensive screening and assessment practices using established standardized measures and approaches;
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills, including being well-versed in risk assessment and safety planning for youth as part of counselling services;
• High degree of self-awareness and capacity to apply appropriate boundaries and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to maintain professional integrity and confidentiality;
• Ability to promote positive change and independence;
• Self-starter with a positive attitude and able to advocate for self and others;
• Broad knowledge of social, mental health and substance use services available in the community;
• Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing minority groups including 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous youth and young adults;
• Knowledge and respect of the diversity of the BC population;
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills, ability to gather and process information to support the organization and its team;
• Well-developed communication skills, ability to speak, listen and write clearly, thoroughly and professionally;
• Proficient teaching skills
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, accountability, reliability and punctuality;
• Ability to work independently and show initiative, as well as be part of an interdisciplinary team; and
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings;
• Basic computer skills: experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

1. Other Information

• Must possess a valid BC class 5 Driver’s license, have a reliable vehicle, business insurance and drivers abstract review (mileage paid for work use);
• Police Information Check;
• Current First Aid certification required;
• Current registration or eligibility for registration with a professional counselling/social work body in BC;
• Evidence of training in Telehealth;

At Encompass Support Services Society, we have prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles in our programs and services and in fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and belonging. We encourage applications from persons with historical and/or current barriers to equity, who will work respectfully within our inclusive organization and diverse community.

1. Provides comprehensive, single session and short-term clinical counselling to youth and their family members with a variety of presenting concerns, utilizing a variety of clinical modalities (such as SFBT, CBT, DBT, MI, EFFT);
2. Supports youth who present to the Centre requesting counselling, with a primary focus on supporting mild to moderate mental health and substance use concerns. Concurrent capabilities will therefore be important;
3. Interviews clients to gather case history information. Assesses social, psychological, emotional and/ behavioral issues affecting clients. Identifies core areas of concern to be addressed by clinical counselling or other support (e.g., primary care; peer support);
4. Supports the youth and family with short-term counselling and/or refers to other resources when more appropriate. Provides case management through the service navigation process to ensure youth/families don’t have to take on this work and to ensure seamless access to services;
5. Identifies, assesses and monitors client’s needs in conjunction with caregivers and/or other service providers;
6. Provides individual, family, as well as group therapy and education groups;
7. Develops and implements treatment plans and interventions;
8. Provides consultation to those working with client cases (social workers, probation officers, other organization staff, and professionals) and to the broader community;
9. Works collaboratively with Centre staff, community and hospital-based teams to build relationships between youth, families and systems to enhance the awareness of youth and family needs;
10. Supports specialized services/programs with clinical counselling services, as required, including supporting a gender-affirming care clinic;
11. May participate in staff training sessions, public education forums, seminars and conferences relevant to specific program areas. May engage in prevention activities by networking, consultation, public relations as required;
12. Provides required reports on client’s behavior and progress. Maintains clinical records indicating the nature and duration of treatment, meeting agency and accreditation requirements;
13. Maintains waitlist, monthly reporting and statistical requirements as needed;