Mental Health Counsellor

**internal/external posting**

job title: Mental Health Counsellor

job ID #: CHCBI MHC 23-0421

department: Community Health and Capacity Building Initiative

reports to: Manager, Manager - Community Health

salary range: CS4 $31.96 - $39.65 per hour

status: Full-Time, 2 years contract with possibility of extension

hours: 37.5 hours per week

**Who we are**:
Sherbourne is a leading provider of quality health care and transformative support to people who face social, economic, and other systemic barriers. Our mission is to be a dynamic provider of integrated health services, community programs and capacity-building initiatives that enable people and diverse communities to achieve wellness.

Sherbourne provides innovative health care and social services to the diverse urban population of southeast Toronto. While our doors are open to everyone, we focus on people who are homeless or under-housed; 2SLGBTQ, and newcomers to Canada. We are funded by the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health Toronto, Ministry of Community, children and Social Services, City of Toronto and many generous companies, groups and individuals.

**Working at Sherbourne**

At Sherbourne Health, we care about our staff and recognize that our biggest strength is our people. We have a solid commitment to life-long learning which is demonstrated through our professional development program. We invest in collective work and staff training to improve client care. We supplement this by creating a low-barrier work environment built on equity and respect, while working together in caring, cohesive teams and providing opportunities for advancement.

**we believe in work-life balance and offer**:

- A competitive salary.
- Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
- Four weeks of vacation per year (to start).
- Four personal days per year.
- An extended healthcare and dental package.
- Life insurance.
- An employee assistance plan.
- A generous professional development plan: up to $1300 to be used towards learning activities.
- Six fully paid professional development days per year - related to position/responsibilities.

**about the role**:
The Mental Health Counselor will work with newcomers to Canada, including vulnerable sub-populations. They will provide timely, short-term therapy, counseling including crisis counseling, and case management support. The role will include both one-on-one and group work.

Duties include: Assessment and support services to newcomer individuals, couples or families. Develops, implements, and evaluates short term treatment plans. Provide culturally competent support. Assist clients to access community support. Conducts outreach and community engagement. Collaborates with partners and other stakeholders in order to provide mental health services in spaces that newcomers access.

**day to day responsibilities**:
**Direct Service**:

- Provides holistic assessment and support services to individuals presenting with mental/ emotional health or substance use issues.
- Ensures that appropriate treatment plans are developed, implemented, and evaluated in collaboration with clients.
- Monitors client progress adjusting plans as necessary, links to and coordinates required services while coordinating client care.
- Offers counseling or therapy services within a 25-session service model directly or makes referrals to a more suitable service outside Sherbourne
- Assists clients to access community supports, housing, welfare, legal or other social or health services and advocates on their behalf where needed.
- Active member of a multidisciplinary team:

- Participates in regular client conferences;
- Engages in discussion of possible resolutions to client care issues;
- Discusses initiatives and improvements to increase the quality of service provided to clients.
- Works with clients and community groups to diminish social isolation and promote participation in community networks and activities.
- Provides clients with opportunities to evaluate their progress and make choices regarding treatment/healing alternatives.
- Develops, delivers and evaluates groups or workshops in partnership with other staff or other community organizations.
- Assists clients to access community supports, housing, welfare, legal or other social or health services and advocates on their behalf where needed.
- Completes forms, reports, and statistics as required by professional guidelines and Sherbourne policies.
- Communicates effectively with other team members/caregivers to ensure optimum care within the boundaries of confidentiality and appropriate disclosure.
- Acts as a resource to staff regarding mental health issues and participates with the multidisciplinary team in care planning.
- Participates actively in the training of students from all disciplines.

**Professional, Community and Program Development, Education and Research**
- Identifies gaps in services or problems in service delivery and works with team members, other orga