Mental Health Counsellor in Hamilton, Ontario at Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre

Position Summary

The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor, provides counselling/therapy and other therapeutic functions and participates in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs and services for individuals, families and the community. As a member of the multidisciplinary, inter-professional team, the Mental Health and Wellness provides case management, crisis intervention and individual and group-work services to Hamilton Urban Core clients.

The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor will provide responsive services and care to clients from the community. Provide support to those who are dealing with mental illness and/or co-morbid addiction. When necessary, provides consultation and referrals to other providers serving this population. The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor will deliver care within the model of care that recognizes the lived experience of individuals who have faced

Accountability:

The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor is accountable to the team and reports to the Community Health Programs Manager with the overall accountability is to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide psychosocial assessments by gaining an understanding of health risks based on the Social Determinants of Health framework
• Perform intake assessments and engage participants in active planning processes/assessments geared at promoting their holistic well-being
• Ensure comprehensive treatment for clients by providing information, counseling/therapy and when necessary, referring them to other community health Centre professionals and/or act as a client advocate
• Provide crisis intervention and/or specialized treatment to complex cases
• Develop and deliver programs and organize groups for identified priority populations
• Ensure appropriate treatment is delivered by maintaining client records and assessment notes and correspondence within the safeguard of confidentiality
• Engage with clients to develop a trusting, supportive and sustained long-term relationship
• Utilize a strengths-based approach, provide support, encouragement, information, and feedback that enable clients and family members to realize their goals
• Work within an anti-racism, anti-oppression, culturally sensitive, language appropriate framework
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Link clients and family members to supports and services that will promote their well-being, enhance their ability to meet their mental health needs and which aid in the exhibition of adaptive behaviors that address problematic substance
• Assist clients (and families) in identifying and advocating for their civil and legal rights
• Act as resource person to Hamilton Urban Core CHC staff by compiling information on community resources and facilitate access to those resources by liaising with community groups, and other health/social service agencies
• Develop and maintain a flexible work schedule that accommodates the needs of the community and the Community Health Promotion Team and as approved by your manager. Ability to work flexible hours including evening and weekends
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time

Other:

• Participate in staff meetings and on interdisciplinary teams as may be required
• Develop and maintain a flexible work schedule that accommodates the needs of the community and the Black Health Team and as approved by the manager

Performance Targets:

The approximate number of clients served will be 5 to 7 per day based on an average 7.5-hour workday for a 1.0 full-time Health and Wellness position. The average appointment length will be 50 minutes with the exception of instances where a cultural interpreter is engaged or when advocacy and/or procedures require more time.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work or counseling/therapy from a recognized university
• Undergraduate degree/diploma and 3 years related experience working with people who have serious and persistent mental illness or an Ontario Certificate of Qualification as a Mental Health Worker (MHW) or equivalent training and experience.
• Has proof of registration and be in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Proven skills in psychosocial assessment, counseling/therapy, crisis intervention, case management and referrals
• Demonstrated skills and experience in working with clients marginalized
• Knowledge of community resources for marginalized individuals, families and communities in substance abuse treatment is essential
• A deep fundamental and comprehensive knowledge of the unique challenges, communities across the social determinants of health face
• Ability to work with clients to develop and enhance their identity, culture and sense of belongingness to their community through knowledge and understanding of health, social service and community development agencies
• A commitment to interdisciplinary team approach to coordination of health and social services
• Proficiency in current assessment, counseling/therapy and psychosocial counseling techniques for working with individuals, groups and communities
• Demonstrated skills and experience in the assessment and treatment of substance abuse and/or mental health treatment inclusive of individual and group counseling
• Fluency in French, is a significant asset

Benefits: