Residential Counsellor

**Job description**

**ABOUT US**

**Metro Community Housing Association** is a non-profit, community-based agency that provides support to persons living with mental illness. MCHA operates residential settings throughout Halifax and Dartmouth under the umbrella of Department of Community Services and has grown to 15 locations following the opening of our newest home in 2021.

Established in 1974, MCHA manages small option homes, group homes, complex care homes, a community transition house, and residential care facility. We also offer supported apartment services to those participants living independently.

**WHY MCHA**

We hire and support amazing humans. MCHA promotes an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of diversity. Our agency offers a rewarding career in the human services field, where employees can develop meaningful relationships with participants and make a positive impact in their daily lives.

Our front-line staff partner with participants to encourage community engagement, enhance personal development, and provide both emotional and physical support in various home settings. We meet people where they’re at and strive to create safe spaces where participants can receive equitable treatment while building their autonomy. If you are someone who is patient, resilient, and has a positive attitude, you might be the right fit for our team.

**POSITION OVERVIEW**

We are hiring Residential Counsellors to join our Supported Apartment Services (SAS) team. These positions will primarily have shifts scheduled during the weekday office hours, although some flexibility to work outside of this schedule is needed.

The RCs in SAS provide support to participants of our Independent Living Services program. Reporting to the SAS Supervisor, responsibilities include travel to personal residences through Halifax and Dartmouth, Central Office, and transporting participants as needed. RC’s in SAS perform regular home visits, work one on one with clients, and have independence on how their day is organized. Staff provide informal counselling and support, assist with daily living activities, and coordinate community access/resources. This position requires use of your personal vehicle, and the ability to transport participants.

The rate of pay for these unionized RC positions is $20.32/hour. We have a casual dress code, Collective Agreement benefits, and mileage is reimbursed at the current provincial government rate. Currently, there is an additional compensation bonus related to the number of kms driven. Also, our casual Staff are currently eligible to receive a $25.00 incentive bonus for each shift worked.

**Areas of Responsibility**:

- Provide regular home visits, community access, and visits to external resources
- Encourage and assist with maintaining cleanliness of participant’s home
- Advocate with landlords on behalf of participants and assist with relocation as needed
- Assist with the coordination of meal planning/preparation and grocery shopping
- Work with participants to identify their goals and develop a support plan
- Issue payments and other monetary items to participants and assist with budgeting
- Encourages clients to take their medications and provide informal counselling
- Assist in developing daily living skills by individual instruction
- Provide participants with personal care supports as required
- Develops a positive rapport with clients and respond appropriately in times of crisis
- Support family involvement when appropriate
- Maintain participant files and complete documentation related to participants

**Qualifications**:

- Completed post-secondary education in human services or related field **OR** 2 years equivalent experience in an RRW level position
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, online training)
- Completion of core competencies preferred
- Work, volunteer, or lived experience in a care position/support capacity as asset
- Understanding of mental health disorders and symptoms an asset

**Other Requirements**:

- Union membership (CUPE Local 2305)
- Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current safety inspection, and 6A endorsement or 2,000,000 liability insurance coverage
- Must be willing to take clients in their vehicle
- Must be willing to use company provided cell phone and credit card
- Able to physically perform routine household tasks including basic household cleaning, grocery shopping and laundry
- Must be willing to partake in emergency pager rotation, as needed

**Personal Attributes**:

- Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills
- Effective time management of multiple tasks and priorities
- Demonstrates initiative and appropriate decision making in response to client needs including times of crisis
- Flexible and adaptable to change
- Motivated to provide excellent client care and support
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Maintains professionalism and confidenti