MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST – FAMILY HEALTH TEAM (FHT) – FULL-TIME, PERMANENT – BARRIE, ON

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch seeks a Mental Health Therapist, who, in accordance with the agency’s policies, standards, and guidelines, works collaboratively with the Physicians/Specialists on the team to identify, and facilitate improved primary medical care for those experiencing mental illness, addiction, serious mental health problems, and/or severe situational stress. They facilitate referrals to the formal mental health system.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counselling or Psychology.
· All applicants must be registered as a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario.
· Minimum five (5) years related experience, including the provision of client intakes or assessments, brief or short-term counselling to individuals & couples, suicide risk assessment & treatment, psycho-educational group development & facilitation, and crisis counselling.
· Experience in evidence-based psychotherapies (e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy etc).
· Experience in mental health and/or addictions (community-based setting preferred).
· Must have a reliable source of transportation.
· Fluency in French or another second language would be an asset.
· Legally entitled to work in Canada.

· Provide individual counselling, group facilitation, and group development and facilitation.
· Conduct client assessments and prepare plans for intervention or for further assessment by the consulting psychiatrist.
· Adhere to common practices and standards for assessments, timely documentation best practice therapy modalities, etc.
· Provide service to clients referred by Physicians and Nurse Practitioners prioritizing those with a serious mental illness and/or high risk or urgent needs.
· If psychiatric assessments are needed, request a referral from the referring Physician and, if appropriate, join the Psychiatrist in the assessment process.
· Share intervention/assessment results with referring Physicians in a timely manner.
· Implement goal-oriented, time-limited, treatment & psycho educational strategies, including such modalities as cognitive behavioural therapy, short-term solution-focused therapy, family counselling, and psycho-education groups.
· Facilitate referrals to other services (including specialized and intensive services) in the formal mental health system.
· Facilitate connections between primary care practices and the formal mental health system.
· Discuss cases with referring Physicians as required.
· Consult with program Psychiatrists as required.