The Community Counsellor will conduct client assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and psychoeducational programming. Key duties also involve case coordination, facilitating access to community resources, maintaining clinical documentation, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a therapeutic field and demonstrate experience in crisis intervention, case management, and group facilitation, ideally with knowledge of Internal Family Systems and Attachment-based theory. A willingness to work towards RCC designation and agreement with the organization's faith-based mission are also required.
postgraduate degreeTime ManagementCrisis InterventionClient AssessmentEmotional IntelligenceClinical DocumentationOutreachTreatment PlanningGroup CounsellingTrauma-Informed CareInterdisciplinary CollaborationCase CoordinationMedication ManagementMental Health SupportIndividual CounsellingTherapeutic ServicesProgram Support
Job description
The Opportunity
A community counsellor provides accessible mental health support, crisis intervention, and therapeutic services to individuals or groups, often within non-profit, social service, or healthcare agencies. They assess client needs, develop treatment plans, provide therapy, and facilitate access to community resources, aiming to improve client well-being and social functioning in a variety of settings and avenues. We are looking for counsellors who are adaptable and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Community Counsellor to join our team. In this role, you will provide accessible mental health and crisis support to individuals and groups within a community-based setting. This position is ideal for a clinician who is adaptable, collaborative, and committed to improving client well-being and social functioning in a variety of settings.
This position is temporary, full-time (37.5 hours per week for 1 year) contract. The starting salary wage for this position is $33.52 - $40.38.
Who We Are
Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care.
We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021.
We provide competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements.
In addition our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled para-medical expenses.
A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team.
If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.
Main
Duties and Responsibilities
Assessment & Treatment Planning: Conduct client assessments, gather case histories, and develop and implement individualized treatment or recovery plans in collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team and program manager
Therapeutic Support: Provide individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, behavioural support, and psychoeducational programming.
Benefits
Extended dental and medical
Pooled para-medical expenses
Case Coordination & Outreach: Triage and manage referrals collaboratively within the team; monitor client progress; coordinate care within a multidisciplinary team; facilitate client access to community resources and services.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including intake, progress, and discharge reports.
Medication & Daily Living Support: Support clients with medication management in alignment with care plans and organizational policies; assist with appointments, programming, and recreational activities as required.
Collaboration & Team Participation: Work closely with interdisciplinary partners (e.g., social workers, police, healthcare providers); contribute to case conferences, team planning, and program initiatives.
Leadership & Program Support: Provide direction to volunteers, support student placements and new staff orientation, maintain relevant data and statistics, and contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement (see www.ugm.ca) and Statement of Faith.
Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Master’s degree in a therapeutic field (eg: Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or any related discipline). Experience working within an A&D recovery program would be an asset.
RCC designation is preferred but not required. Willingness to work towards RCC is required.
Supplemental certifications (eg: Trauma level 1 and 2) are highly beneficial.
Knowledge of alcohol & drug and mental health disorders and the ability to assess concurrent disorders would be an asset.
Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, case management, group facilitation, knowledge and practice of Internal Family Systems, Attachment based theory.
Strong clinical judgment, documentation skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
A client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to care
Other combinations of lived and worked experience may be considered.
Experience in residential work is preferred.
Experience working in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community (Low-income/First Nations) experience would be an asset.
Excellent time management and administrative skills.
Strong Emotional Intelligence skills, such as interpersonal sensitivity and tact, influence, good judgment.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, ethically, regarding sensitive matters regarding the organization and its clientele and to deal with highly sensitive material and situations.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with tact, diplomacy and good judgment. Ability to de-escalate tense situations which could erupt in aggressiveness or violence.
Good English skills (verbal, reading and writing).
Accurate record keeping.
Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).
Complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Course.
Technical Competency—Trauma-Informed Care (Level 3): Help identify negative events that have impacted the client’s functioning, and develop interventions that emphasize safety, choice, and personal control.
Health and Safety Qualifications for Program/Shelter Staff
Solid understanding of health and safety protocols specific to program/shelter environments, including infection control, personal hygiene standards, and safe handling of potential hazards.
Previous experience working in environments with vulnerable or high-needs populations, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for residents.
Completed, or willing to complete, relevant health and safety training, including nonviolent crisis intervention: handling mental health crises and de-escalation, first aid, naloxone, suicide prevention or specialized safety courses.
Working Conditions
• Work Location
Work is generally performed indoors within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.
Physical Requirements
Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking or reaching for up to 50% of the time. Employee is required to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard for up to 60% of the time. The employee is required to see, talk and hear.
Work Conditions
Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.
Hours of Work
This position works a rotation of day and evening shifts. Some weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.
Hazards
Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working occasionally in unhealthy conditions, including exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.
Other
Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check.
