Community Counsellor

Position Overview:

The Community Counsellor provides counselling services to residents of Parkland County and Spruce Grove with a focus single sessions counselling support. The role will provide limited coverage supports for the navigation staff. The Community Counsellor is responsible for providing a strength-based, attachment aware, trauma informed approach in the provision of short-term, client-centered, counselling services. This position collaborates with partners to identify gaps in service, share resource information and address community needs. Supervision for this position is the Manager, Individual and Family Support Services.

Responsibilities:

Counselling Services

• Provide confidential intake services for residents who are seeking counselling to determine eligibility of service
• Provide trauma-informed, client centered counselling sessions for individuals aged 14 and up within the scope of practice of the therapist
• Ensure that consent is obtained for counselling session
• Identify clients who are at risk, who require additional interventions and supports and ensure that supports and referrals are made to support the resident
• Provide 50 minute or 100 minute counselling sessions that are trauma informed, client centered and utilize evidence based modalities
• Provide referrals to clients who require community-based navigation supports
• Provide single session counselling service to residents of Spruce Grove and Parkland County
• Use bio-psycho-social assessments to determine area of focus for the session, as well as client identified goals
• Use SMART goals to frame the session and provide guidance to resident for next steps
• Use of assessment tools, such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5 etc.

Coverage Support - Client Support and Navigation Services

• Provide trauma informed, culturally sensitive support, advocacy and coordination of services with clients experiencing a variety of complex social issues
• Complete bio-psycho-social assessments to determine what resources and supports are needed
• Collaborate with clients to develop a comprehensive, client-centered service plan, lead by the client
• Provide ongoing support for clients to complete their self-identified service plan
• Provide mentorship and coaching with clients to self advocate, negotiate and access supports, including medical, social, mental health, financial and housing
• Provide services through mobile/outreach means in partnership with various community agencies throughout the Tri-Region

Community and Partner Relations

• Build relationships with community agencies and organizations in the area of mental wellness
• Work collaboratively to develop effective program evaluation and reporting for Counselling Services program including; developing program logic models and accompanying outcome measurements; data collection tools and evaluation practices including mechanisms for continuous improvement.
• Inform and support social planning initiatives and strategies by acting as a Subject Matter Expert in areas of mental health including: attachment, trauma, evidence based practices
• Provide group workshops on the topic of mental health and mental wellness
Professional Accountability and Organization Administration
• Maintain accurate outcome measures from the work completed with clients and the community for municipal and provincial reporting
• Retain client information in accordance with department standards, provincial standards, and professionals licensing college and Corporate Classification Policies.
• Maintain active licensing with the professional licensing college, including the requirement for ongoing professional development

Qualifications:

• Graduate Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling (Preferred)
• Full registration with a licensing body/college and in good standing
• Registration with various insurance providers- AB Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, etc. and/or the ability to meet the criteria for these insurance companies reimbursement of client related counselling expenses
• (4) years to (6) years of related experience in clinical counselling
• Direct experience working with the vulnerable population and Indigenous individuals
• Direct experience working in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting skills/family work