Cmhc, High Support Counsellor

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Reporting to the program manager, the Community Mental Health Counsellor will be responsible for supporting individuals experiencing complex and co-occurring mental health challenges who live in independent apartment units and require a high level of service on a daily basis.

Their main goal is to promote independence, support life skills development, community integration, mental health recovery, and overall wellness.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Assist clients in developing and maintaining life and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
- Administer standardized assessments and screening tools (i.e. OCAN, Columbia SSS)
- Provide individualized goal assessments and follow through with supportive counselling
- Identify risk factors to decrease harm by establishing and implementing recovery and crisis plans
- Support and provide behavioral interventions
- Assist in developing empowerment skills to combat stigma through self-advocacy
- Work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to carry out mental health recovery and support
- Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Adherence to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
- Follow organizational Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures, and safe use of Personal Protective Equipment at all times
- Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Social Services work or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience supporting individuals with mental health challenges or equivalent
- Individual and group counselling skills
- Community mental health case management and housing support experience an asset
- Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention skills
- Experience with forensic and housing systems
- Knowledge of psychiatric symptomology and medication
- Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
- A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
- Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Training in ASIST and CPI

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- Hours are generally Monday-Sunday rotating between 8:30am-4:30pm and 8:00am-8:30pm shifts. Requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet client service needs.
- Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
- Vehicle travel to sites, meetings, appointments

**Ship Values**
- Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

**COVID-19 Considerations**
- As part of SHIP’s commitment to health and safety, it is a condition of employment that you be fully vaccinated (2 doses, including 14 days since your second dose) against COVID-19 or have an exemption pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

**Application Instructions**

**Why Work For Us?**

**Our Vision**
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

**Our Mission**
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

**Our Culture**
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen, we know what it means, and why it matters.

**Our Commitment**
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

- Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
- Comprehensive Health Plans
- Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
- 12 Paid Health & Wellness Days
- 10 Paid Vacation Days
- 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
- Generous Parental and Family Leave
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Travel All