Vocational Counsellor

**Job description**

**Vocational Counsellor Lifestreams Learning - Full time Temporary**

**Job Summary**:LifeStreams Learning is an innovative program at the Garth Homer Society that provides individually tailored learning strategies, social development, and job placement opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The LifeStreams Learning Vocational Counsellor will support individuals to identify, pursue, and achieve their goals. They will also contribute to the ongoing development and vision of LifeStreams Learning as a unique and dynamic learning program.

**Hours of Work**:35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

**Location**:Based out of 4464 Markham Street, Victoria BC.

**Reports To**: Maria Marquez, LifeStreams Learning Program Leader

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- In collaboration with the LifeStreams Program Leader and the Director, Learning and Employment Services, and other staff, plan and facilitate community-based activities that provide opportunities for the individual to acquire the life skills necessary to further independence, increase opportunities for social interaction, increase their presence in community, and work towards employment.
- As required facilitate the development of behaviour management skills and strategies.
- Engage in the Discovery process to assess individual needs, interests and skills related to ongoing learning and meaningful involvement in the community. This process may include interviews with the client, family members, support professionals and others.
- Documents assessment/Discovery and updates as required.
- Ensure that client actively participates in the planning process of his/her individualized service.
- Identify individualized goals, provide training and support, and evaluate client performance and progress.
- Locate volunteer placements and activities that are beneficial and an appropriate match to the client’s profile.
- Maintain complete and organized documentation on the activities of the person served, progress made on goals, and all other documentation required by the service.
- Maintain positive relationships and communication with all stakeholders
- Perform other duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Required Education, Training and Experience**:

- A diploma in a related human/social service field or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- One year recent experience in the provision of vocational/employment skill development for adults with DD
- Experience and knowledge in the area of behaviour management and/or Crisis Intervention including Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training

**Required Job Skills and Abilities**:

- Demonstrated working knowledge of supports specific to individuals with DD
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to establish positive rapport with all stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to provide non-aversive behaviour management support
- Demonstrated working knowledge of/ or training in current trends and best practices related to community-based employment preferred
- Demonstrated ability to assess, teach using adaptive methods with an end
- goal of employment/volunteer placement
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with employers and community stakeholders
- Good time and general management skills
- Demonstrated teamwork skills
- Written communication skills, especially with regard to reporting
- Computer literacy

**Additional Information**:

- Direct program delivery activities require the ability to work well independently and occasionally under pressure while managing multiple concurrent tasks including managing emergency situations.
- Willing to use personal vehicle daily for work purposes (mileage compensated)
- Union position with BCGEU under Community Living Services Collective Agreement.
- Unlimited access to building fitness facilities.
- Partially paid onsite parking.

Applications should be submitted to: Mikaela Masiuk, Manager, Learning & Employment Services.

This position requires Union membership.

**Wage rate**: See Wage Grid for Vocational Counsellor in Appendix A of the collective agreement (Step 1 - $23.10 /hour).

GHS is committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing equitable opportunities for minorities including: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and LGBTQIA2S+ applicants.

**Salary**: From $23.10 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Protocols observed such as masks, social distancing, PHO vaccine mandate.

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Are you available to work Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm?
- Do you currently have a diploma in a relat