Life Skills Counsellor

The Life Skills Counsellor - Supported Independent Living will work with the individual requiring support to live in the community safely and successfully with a good quality of life. They will act as a positive role model, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnosis, to grow and develop their emotional aptitude and rational decision-making skills as well as foster and develop basic life skills. The support will be provided both in the home of the individual and in the community, to foster their independence, build skills and confidence.

An ability to support individuals in a consistent manner to build and expand their skills in areas such as maintaining a clean home, meal preparation, laundry, and completing errands such as shopping and attending appointments with community supports is required. Resourcefulness and knowledge of the community to help connect with people and services (particularly around education and employment) as well as Indigenous activities (i.e. traditional teachings, fishing, hiking, exercising, and computers) is required.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Possess a completed post secondary education in the Human Services field and/or an appropriate combination of education/experience/training
- Effective assessment/observation skills
- Analytical ability and sound decision-making ability
- Effective teaching strategies, including using positive support strategies
- A knowledge of how to access and use community resources
- Knowledge and experience supporting youth/young adults with both developmental disabilities and mental health diagnosis, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and behavioural challenges.
- Additionally, experience working with the Justice System is considered a strong asset
- Effective oral and written communication skills and demonstrated computer skills
- Effective respectful interpersonal and advocacy skills
- Ability to respond effectively in crisis/emergency situations
- A strong belief in the individual having a fundamental right to make decisions
- An attitude that respects the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality
- Ability to administer medications safely
- Current certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention & First Aid, including CPR training
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education/learning in the field of developmental disabilities
- Ability to work flexible hours
- A current police records check (vulnerable sector) is a requirement, upon a conditional offer of employment

Applicants are required to have a demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the agency purpose, mission and values. OPTIONS NORTHWEST is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, on request throughout the interview and employment process, and if accommodation is required, we will work with applicants to reasonably meet their needs.

**Human Resources**

**OPTIONS NORTHWEST**

**95 North Cumberland street**

**Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4M1**

**PHONE: (807) 344-4994**

We wish to thank all applicants who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Job Type**: Casual

Pay: From $30.23 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Every Weekend
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Weekends as needed

**Education**:

- DCS / DEC (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Mental Health / Dual Diagnosis: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-03-07