Relief Counsellors

I.
In collaboration with patients, families (as defined by the patient), and staff across disciplines and departments
the residential counsellor provides quality support to individuals living with the effects of brain injury and close
intensive supervision in a residential setting. In partnership with the patient and family and, considering the
patient’s environment, the on-call residential counselor is responsible for assisting in the coordination of
residential services and providing professional treatment and care to residents. In addition, this position is
responsible for providing a range of residential counseling and skills training services to clients and their
families, tracking and reporting on resident’s treatment progress and providing peer leadership.
Pertaining to the activities provided to Service Recipients (SRs) with acquired brain injury who are living in a
supportive housing setting or own residence and require assisted living services, accessible on a 24-hour basis.
The services may include, but not limited to, homemaking, personal support and attendant/ personal hygiene
services. This service may also include the core components of independence training service and SR specific
behavioural management programs developed and/or supervised by the professional service funded through
the Psychological services. The supportive housing setting is a location where organization may be responsible
for providing services to a number of SRs who live in their own units and housing is not a component of the
service. Organizations providing these services will ensure their staff in various locations are onsite and/or
accessible on a 24-hour basis.
Actively support the philosophy, goals and objectives of Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC)
Program, the education and programmatic activities that promote and implement PFCC behaviors, and
the coordination of opportunities for patients and families to contribute to the mission, vision, and values of
VCBIS.
II. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
1. Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or human services related fields.
2. Prior experience working with individuals living with the effects of brain injury an asset or at least two
years work experience providing mental health or social service.
III. REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES
1. Values working in a multicultural/diverse environment
2. Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with a broad variety of people, including team
members, management and other professionals
3. Ability to work effectively with a team-oriented environment
4. Computer experience and adequate typing ability
5. Ability to provide visual and auditory supervision of residents
6. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality
7. Demonstrates group leadership and organizational skills
8. Regularly attend scheduled shifts, be punctual for scheduled shifts and meetings and be in a condition
suitable for assuming responsibilities of the position
9. Effectively monitor safety and demonstrate group management skills and effectively deescalate
potentially chaotic or volatile situations
10. Exercises tact, discretion, and judgment in working with a variety of people
11. Stays calm and emotionally available in an environment serving individuals with a mild to severe brain
injury
12. Openness to feedback and supervision
IV. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Standard First Aid/CPR certification is required within the first six months of employment; maintain a
current standard First Aid/CPR certification afterward.
2. Must pass a criminal reference check
3. Requires driving an agency vehicle, a valid driver’s license, personal auto liability insurance, and a
driving record permitting coverage under agency auto liability policy.
V. SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direct supervision of the Program Manager
VI. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides a nurturing environment and close, intensive supervision and safety for individuals living with the
effect of a brain injury in the residential program
i. Assures resident’s basic needs are met including meals, exercise, hygiene and sleep
ii. Teaches healthy living skills and conducts recreational and social activities enhancing skill acquisition
and fun
iii. Monitors activities and whereabouts of residents
iv. Maintains a physically safe environment
v. Administers medication in an accurate and timely manner
vi. Assures that residents’ daily schedule is followed
vii. Assures attendance at medical, dental, counseling or other social service appointments including
transportation as needed
viii. Serves as liaison with other agencies, support programs, family members, professionals and significant
others as needed
2. Utilizes behavior management techniques appropriately with residents
i. Feedback is clear, specific, timely and respectful
ii. Effectively communicates behavior choices to residents, outlining the positive and negative
co