Mental Health Counsellors - Full Time & Part-Time

Together, we do amazing things every day.

Imagine a supportive employer, a career that fits your lifestyle, and many learning opportunities. With the Hamilton Family Health Team, you can have all of that, and more. We work hard to create an innovative and diverse workplace that values the contributions of our employees. No matter what your role, working with us is about making a difference – every day!

Position Overview:

The Mental Health Counsellor delivers a wide range of mental health services in the family physician’s office in accordance with HFHT policies and professional practice standards. These services include health promotion, illness prevention, assessment, treatment/management, education, care navigation and advocacy. The mental health counsellor provides services to individuals, couples and families, and works with the family physician and other members of the health care team to provide comprehensive care.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conducts a comprehensive assessment of individuals of all ages, couples and families referred by the family physician or other members of the health care team
• Provides evidence-based treatment/management of mental health problems
• Implements current best practice guidelines
• Monitors client goals and outcomes through ongoing assessment and documentation of treatment progress
• Responds to client telephone calls and provides telephone advice, where appropriate
• Consults with other members of the health care team involved in the care of clients
• Monitors and manages referrals from the family physician and other team members to ensure timely access to services
• Co-ordinates referrals and facilitates access to other health care providers and community programs and services, as appropriate
• Liaises and consults with community programs and services, as required
• Assists clients and their families in navigating the health care and/or social services system
• Acts as an advocate for clients and their families
• Involves clients in decisions about their own health including goal setting and treatment planning
• Aims to tailor services to the individual client or client group (including cultural sensitivity)
• Provides education to clients and families related to health promotion and the prevention of mental health problems
• Helps clients and families identify and appropriately use accurate, up-to- date mental health resources
• Promotes client self-management, development of registries and other components of chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM)
• Maintains clear, concise, accurate and timely documentation of clients’ care including appropriate use of electronic medical records
• Actively participates in program evaluation
• Completes documentation related to clients’ mental health (reports, forms, etc.)
• Participates in continuing education activities to maintain and enhance competence
• Performs other job functions as assigned by the Clinical Manager

Qualifications and Skills:

• MSW, RN, BScN, CPMHN(C) or equivalent
• College/professional association membership
• Experience working with children and youth, families and with women experiencing perinatal mental health challenges
• Excellent clinical skills and minimum 3 years’ experience assessing and managing mental health problems commonly seen in primary care
• Formal training and experience in evidence-based treatments such as IPT and CBT
• Ability to complete risk assessment and to deal with clients (and their families) in crisis
• Group experience an asset
• Knowledge of principles of chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) an asset
• Case management/care navigation skills
• Knowledge of community resources an asset
• Knowledge of current mental health and privacy legislation
• Strong oral and written interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision
• Ability to work effectively with all members of the health care team
• Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a fast-paced work environment
• Commitment to ongoing professional development including self- assessment/reflective practice and participation in learning activities
• General understanding of commonly used psychotropic medications and their side effects and interactions
• Understanding of the HFHT mandate, policies and programs
• Basic knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Knowledge of electronic medical record (EMR) systems an asset

Summary

Classification: Union

Employee Class: Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Date Available: ASAP

Salary: $78,855.54

Application Instructions

Interested applicants please submit résumé and cover letter as one document using naming convention Last name, First name_Position and preference for either full or part-time via email: [email protected]

Note

If successful in receiving a job offer with the Hamilton Family Health Team, new hires may be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to start date as a condition of their employment. If successful candidates are unable to get their COVID-19 vaccination as a result of a medical exemption, they may be required to submit supporting documentation to establish that they are exempt from this requirement.

The HFHT is committed to building a respectful, caring, equitable, and inclusive workplace where staff reflect the diversity of the communities that we serve. As such, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals including all equity-deserving groups. In addition, we are committed to accessibility and creating a barrier free hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005). Accommodation is available upon request at any point in the selection process by notifying the recruitment staff.