Child and Youth Counsellor

Under the direction and accountability to Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Mental Health and Addictions Manager, the Child and Youth Counsellor is responsible to provide: clinical assessment, treatment planning counselling, education and, when necessary, referral services to aboriginal children and youth up to the age of 23 throughout Manitoulin Island and Espanola catchment area, wholistic health promotion services in the form of educational and primary prevention activities, and therapeutic support for families in collaboration with Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services.

The Child and Youth Counsellor will collaborate with all providers involved in the client’s care and service circle. Consultation and guidance will be sought from the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Mental Health and Addictions Manager.

**Job Duties**:
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 by the program
- Adherence to policies and procedures of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
- Membership with and adherence to guidelines of professional counselling association
- Adherence to traditional protocols and cultural sensitivity to First Nation where services are provided
- Complete all required leave request documentation (i.e., annual leave, professional development etc.)
- Complete relevant professional development as provided by Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, strategic planning, annual general meeting, and other team/group meetings

Service Specific Responsibilities
- Work in collaboration with Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services to develop and implement treatment plans
- Conduct intake, assessment, treatment planning, counselling, and discharge planning with clients and collaborate with appropriate resources at each stage
- Respond to brief service requests
- Access clinical consultations from external professionals to enhance clinical service delivery
- Coordinate and facilitate access to traditional healing and other cultural programming
- Make referrals to external service providers and programs including treatment centres, as needed
- Promote optimal health and well-being through health prevention and promotion programming in the communities
- Participate in external partnerships to increase awareness on mental health and addictions issues through collaboration and networking**Requirements**:
**Mandatory**
- Successful completion of Bachelor of Social Work degree, or related degree
- Registration with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers or other regulatory college
- Three (3) years’ experience providing clinical service to children & youth
- 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 aboriginal 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 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

**Abilities**
- Strong ability to prioritize, plan, organize and schedule
- Ability to work with mínimal 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 surrounding area
- Frequent flexed and after-hours work

**Job Type**: Contract