Vocational Counsellor

Vocational Counsellor

3 Permanent full time positions, 1 temporary full time position, and 1 fixed-term full time position (end date April, 2023).

**Program /Team: OPTIONS** **Independent learning**

**Summary**:Promote and ensure the skill development of individuals with developmental disabilities. Services are provided in community-based settings. Complete learning assessments and provide client with education and/or skills training that will further independence, inclusion in community and address potential barriers to employment. Support clients in continued learning.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**:
1. Assess the safety, emotional, social, environmental needs of the client. Recognize, assess and respond to potential and emerging needs for crisis intervention and stabilization in communitysettings.

2. Plan and facilitate community-based activities that provide opportunities for the client to acquire the life skills necessary to further independence, increase opportunities for social interaction, increase their presence in community. As required facilitate the development of behaviour management skills and strategies.

3. Engage in the Discovery process to assess client 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. Provide client with education/training/support leading to learning.

4. 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.

5. Locate volunteer placements that are an appropriate match to the client’s profile. Match volunteer placements to the client’s interests and abilities. As required, identify, access and make referral to generic community resources for educational and skill development, recreation opportunities and vocational/employment skill development as required by the individual client.

6. Maintain complete and organized documentation on the activities of the person served, progress made on goals and all other documentation required by the service.

7. Foster positive working relationships with all stakeholders. Maintain effective communication with stakeholders including caregivers, family members, GHS program staff, CLBC and applicable community-based resources.

8. May act as an advocate for the individual including attending meetings with the person served.

9. Ensure that health and safety standards are maintained.

10.Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

**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 employment and/or education services field
- 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 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
- Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning
- Computer literacy

**Additional Information**:

- 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.

*This position is open to all qualified individuals regardless of their gender identity.

*This position requires Union membership.

**Wage rate**:$23.10/hour Starting wage

**Reports to**:Carla Lingard, Team Coordinator, Options Independent Learning Program

**Program /Team**:OPTIONS Independent Learning

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

**Location**:Based out of the Garth Homer Society 4464 Markham Street location.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months

**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

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends

COVID-19 considerations:
We observe