Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor - Manitoulin Island

Summary

Under the direction of the Mental Health and Addictions Program Manager, the Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor is responsible for providing withdrawal management and concurrent disorder support to individuals throughout the Manitoulin Island district. Services provided will include professional clinical assessment, counselling, case management and treatment aftercare wholistic health promotion services in the form of education and primary prevention activities.

a. Service Specific Responsibilities

· Work in collaboration with referring agency to develop and implement treatment plans

· Conduct intake, assessment, treatment planning and discharge planning with clients

· Provide counseling to individuals experiencing addiction or concurrent disorder concerns

· Make referrals to external service providers and programs including treatment centres for alcohol and/or substance abuse

· Respond to brief service requests

· Coordinate and facilitate access to traditional healing and other cultural programming

· Promote optimal health and well-being through health prevention and promotion programming in the community

· Participate in external partnerships to increase awareness on mental health and addictions issues through collaboration and networking

· Other duties as assigned

b. General Description of Service Responsibilities

· Completion of charting and data collection within the Electronic Medical Record utilized by Noojmowin Teg Health Centre

· Compilation and completion of all reports as required by funders, and other data as developed

· Adhere to policies and procedures of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre

· Membership with and adherence to guidelines of regulatory college

· Abide by traditional protocols and cultural sensitivity of Anishnabek practices

· Complete all required leave request documentation (i.e., annual leave, professional development, certified/uncertified sick leave).

· Complete mandatory professional development as provided by Noojmowin Teg Health Centre

· Attend Noojmowin Teg staff meetings, strategic planning, annual general meeting, and other team/group requirements

Requirements

Mandatory

· Successful completion of Bachelor of Social Work degree or degree in a related field; diploma in health sciences, social sciences or related field with work experience may also be considered

· Registration with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers or equivalent regulatory college

· Three (3) years’ experience providing counseling

· Valid class “G” driver’s license and own reliable vehicle

· Clear drivers’ record

· Clear vulnerable sector check

Preferred

· Standard Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), AED, and First Aid Training

· Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

· Mental Health First Aid

· Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training

· Experience with charting in Electronic Medical Records

· Experience working with Indigenous families

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current mental health issues relevant to First Nations
• Knowledge of protocols of First Nations on Manitoulin Island and surrounding areas
• Knowledge of mental health services available within the Manitoulin Island and Espanola catchment area

Skills

• Skilled in a variety of mental health assessments, treatment planning
• Skilled in interpersonal relations
• Strong time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical and technical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Abilities

• Strong ability to prioritize, plan, organize and schedule
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure
• Must be able to work effectively as part of a team or as a leader when required to foster quality service to clients and to promote a good working environment
• Ability to develop practices that ensure personal safety

Work Conditions

· Frequent sitting required

· Frequent interruptions within office setting

· Exposure to crisis situations

· Frequent exposure to mental health clients

· Travel requirements throughout Manitoulin Island and Espanola area

· Flexed and after-hours work may be required at times