Counsellor, Children's Services- Schreiber - 18 Month Contract (January 28, 2028)

Benefits:

• Competitive and comprehensive employer-paid health and dental benefits, along with paid sick time
• The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• 12 paid days off to honour and observe statutory holidays, including a holiday shutdown during the winter break
• Option of 8% salary earned or pro-rated holidays earned (4-weeks' vacation* with 3 Family Care Days and 3 Floater Days pro-rated for the first year of employment)

Other Benefits:

• Expense claim reimbursement for mileage and meals when travelling across the district
• Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives

Recruitment Incentive:

• Relocation allowance of $1500

Summary:

The Counsellor, Children's Services is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), temporary contract up to January 2028 on-site, in-person in Schreiber, ON. Working within a Recovery Framework, the Counsellor, Children's Services supports children and youth (birth to 17 years of age) living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities and their families/guardians and communities across the District of Thunder Bay.

The Counsellor, Children's Services works as an integral part of a clinical team responsible for providing mental health core services funded by the Ministry, including but not limited to access/intake, assessment, brief service, counselling, crisis response, case management, and family support. Services are delivered one-on-one and through group facilitation and may occur in person, in-community, or virtually. The Counsellor, Children Services reports directly to the assigned Clinical Services Manager.

Core Competencies:

• Recovery-focused and person-centered orientation
• Effective planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Mindful and self-reflective
• Critical thinking skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Excellent communication skills
• Resourceful
• Sound decision-making skills
• Accountable and dependable
• Networking and relationship-building skills
• Creative and innovative
• Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical:

• Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, counselling, and discharge
• Collaboratively working with other Agency-assigned staff to limit service duplication, maintain continuity of care, and achieve clear and consistent communication with clients and/or their families/guardians
• Providing psycho-education, information, and referral
• Facilitating the removal of barriers to care and connection to services through the Access Network and liaising with physicians, community agencies, and/or care providers
• Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support groups and/or discussion workshops for children, youth, and families/guardians
• Assessing, intervening, and developing individualized safety plans when imminent risk has been identified
• Ensuring the protection and rights of children and families/guardians under applicable legislation, Standards of Practice, and NOSP policies and procedures
• Supporting mental health assessments and actioning psychiatrist recommendations
• Maintaining a client caseload consistent with expectations of the role
• Engaging in ongoing assessment and evaluation of clients' progress using standardized assessment tools and evidence-based methodologies
• Documenting all client engagement and progress in the electronic client clinical record
• Maintaining confidentiality and working consistent with ethical guidelines of the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers or applicable College
• Participating in clinical supervision and performance enhancement processes
• Developing personal goals for continued learning and ongoing development
• Assisting, precepting, and providing support for colleagues, students, and others to enhance clinical practice

Administrative:

• Participating as an active and contributing member of the NOSP team
• Participating in team and agency staff meetings
• Contributing to agency change initiatives
• Participating in research and program evaluation projects
• Contributing to agency-wide activities and initiatives (e.g., committees, working groups, agency planning days)
• Familiarizing yourself and working in alignment with agency policies and procedures, College Standards, and governing legislation
• Maintaining up-to-date documentation within the agency's electronic client information system
• Representing the Agency at educational, career, and other health-care-related community fairs and events

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Following all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others
• Reporting any observed health and safety risks to the immediate manager or designate
• Performing additional duties as required to support the effective operation of the Children Service's Program

Qualifications and Requirements:

The "Must Haves":

• Education that grants eligibility or qualifying status, at the time of application, and a commitment to obtain regulated membership from one of the six colleges governed by the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA)
• The ability to actively engage with children, youth, and families while fostering sustainable and meaningful interpersonal professional relationships
• Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed assessments, counselling techniques, and discharge planning tailored specifically for children, youth, and families
• Demonstrated skill in developing goals and plans of care for children, youth, and families based on their individual needs and circumstances
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in implementing clinical interventions for children, youth, and families
• Sound knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario and relevant legislation
• Knowledge of and experience with clinically sound documentation standards
• Sound clinical acumen
• An understanding of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)
• Ability to effectively organize and multi-task several competing priorities
• Awareness and commitment to valuing the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• An understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community
• Clear understanding of how systemic racism and oppression have adversely affected the social determinants of health for BIPOC communities
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of an imbalance of power and privilege may occur
• Clear understanding of the scope of practice as it relates to the position
• Advanced skills in oral and written communication
• Working knowledge and excellent application of technology
• A valid Ontario Driver's Licence
• Ability to travel across the District of Thunder Bay and/or out-of-district communities
• Flexible work hours contingent upon client needs

The "Nice to Haves":

• Membership in a Regulated Profession, in good standing
• Three (3) years of experience in a mental health and/or developmental services agency
• Knowledge of the range of community health and social services across the District of Thunder Bay
• Familiarity with evidence-based therapy approaches (e.g., CBT, SFT, DBT, Mindfulness)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• The ability to speak French

Before Starting With Us:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with North of Superior Counselling

About Us:

Are you seeking exceptional experience working to improve mental health and social well-being in rural communities utilizing a generalist approach? Look no further than North of Superior Counselling Programs (NOSP)!

At NOSP, we are a non-profit multi-service agency dedicated to working together to optimize health and well-being throughout the lifespan. We strive to provide equitable, accessible, and client-driven services that make a real difference in the District of Thunder Bay.

Our services include on-site individual and group-based counselling and/or case management for mental health and addictions, school-based counselling, parental support, and access to specialized services like assessment and referrals for live-in treatment programs. We also provide supportive roles in formal on-site and virtual psychiatry and psychology diagnosis and assessments. Additionally, we offer housing case management with rental supplement support programs. Through our dedicated volunteers, we provide enrichment and social engagement (EASE) to adults (18+) with physical disabilities or older adults (55+).

At NOSP, we believe in a generalist approach to care. We aim to collaborate with other service providers to deliver responsive wrap-around, whole-health care through person-centric goal planning. Through clear systems of care and innovative approaches, we strive to provide positive mental health outcomes for young people, adults, and families across the diverse communities of the District of Thunder Bay.

Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Visit our website at http://www.nosp.on.ca. Discover how NOSP is making a difference, and join our team in improving mental health and social well-being in Northern Ontario's rural communities!

Benefits of Working and Living in Rural Communities:

Peaceful and serene environment.