Crisis Counsellor

The **Crisis Counsellor** will respond to the mental health needs of children, youth, and families who are in crisis. The Crisis Counsellor will conduct risk assessments with clients in various settings and provide short term intervention to help clients become effective at managing current and future crises. In addition, the Crisis Counsellor will help the client strengthen their informal and formal networks of support.

Please note this is a **full-time contract** **position, **working **35 hours weekly,** with a **planned** **end date of September 11, 2024**.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Respond to crisis calls either by phone or in person, or through mobile community outreach as required.
- Assume on call responsibilities as per the schedule (includes some overnight).
- Act as the primary counsellor/case coordinator for a designated number of youth and/or their families, and establish, implement, monitor, and report on the client’s progress towards therapeutic goals/plan of care.
- Advocate for clients through ongoing liaising with the family and other community agencies. This role may also include non-client related liaison with other community agencies, as requested by the supervisor.
- Act as a role model for clients, facilitating their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth and development.
- Provide referral and discharge planning for clients.
- Lead an innovative “real time” intake registration process with families.
- Utilize an assessment tool to support decision making for the level of care that families require (i.e. referral, education, walk-in treatment, or crisis planning).
- Assess the strengths and needs of the family.
- Provide support during the course of the service and act as a guide for families throughout the entire process.
- Communicate significant information and developments to other staff members.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the overall program.
- Supervise and evaluate students and volunteers, as directed by their supervisor.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly statistics and year-end reports.
- Complete all administrative tasks in a timely fashion, as required for both client and organizational purposes.
- Operationalize client safety through adhering to established policies and guidelines that ensure consistency in the delivery of quality and safe care, and by identifying and reporting any client safety incidents.
- Work flexibly with the Crisis team at different ROCK locations across Halton Region.
- Abide by the specific requirements of Section 28 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as any further health and safety responsibilities outlined in the agency's policy and procedure documents.
- Other duties as may reasonably be assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**_ Education_**:

- Graduate from a recognized university Honours program (Bachelor of Social Work preferred) or a community college program in the school of Child and Youth Work, relating to the specific population to be served.

**_ Experience_**:

- Experienced in the field of children's mental health.
- Relevant training in brief collaborative, competency-based approaches, such as narrative and solution focused approaches, attachment theory, and systemic family therapy.
- It would be considered a valuable asset if the applicant has practice or training in _one or more of the following skill areas_:
- Group treatment OR facilitating parent skills training.
- CBT or DBT.
- Suicide prevention and early intervention skills (i.e., ASIST).
- Awareness of the Halton community and ROCK programs is an asset.

**_ Skills_**:

- Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
- Sound decision making, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong case management skills.
- The ability to speak a second language is an asset.

**_ Additional Requirements_**:

- Ability to work flexible hours, as needed.
- Access to reliable transportation in alignment with program needs.
- Proficient in the use of technology and in working from a virtual environment, as required of the position. MAC OS operating systems experience preferred.
- A current (within three months) criminal reference check with vulnerable sector search.

**_ Why work at ROCK?_**
- We are the lead agency for providing mental health services to children, youth, and families in Halton.
- We are an accredited organization through Accreditation Canada with exemplary standings.
- Opportunity to work with a dynamic and collaborative team composed of dedicated individuals who are focused on achieving the mission and vision of the agency.
- Various opportunities to attend company events such as communities of practice, workshops and webinars, virtual yoga sessions, social connecting events, etc.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- ROCK is committed to fostering a positive and progressive workforce reflecting the community we serve and promoting diversity at all levels in a dynamic and inclusi