Community Mental Health Counselor

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist clients with activities of daily living, support services, and conflict resolution.
• Assist clients in understanding and learning about their illness, symptoms, and medications
• Provide practical hands-on work, when necessary, to demonstrate skill and assist in client development.
• Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
• Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to maintain independency in the community.
• Complete full assessments of client referrals and determine eligibility by following SHIPs guidelines for intake and assessments.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
• Provide individualized goal assessment, supportive counselling, and crisis planning as appropriate
• Coordinate services and advocacy as required
• Occasional handling of numerous animals and general upkeep of the facilities which may include cleaning, feeding, watering, and general upkeep of animal enclosures and equipment.
• Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
• Provide crisis prevention and intervention as necessary

Key Attributes:

• Ability to be comfortable in a rural setting which may include interaction with large animals
• Able to work respectfully with different cultures and differing perspectives
• Ability to work comfortably alone (for some of their shifts).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to communicate with a highly diverse range of individuals of varying levels of education, professions, and personal life experiences from a broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery
• A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage is required.
• Experience or training with Mental Health assessment and treatment
• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Health Services, Social Services, or equivalent
• Valid certification in CPI, CPR, First Aid, and ASIST
• Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
• 3+ years’ experience with Mental Health Crisis Management and/or Schizophrenia
• Familiarity with large animals and horticulture is an asset.
• Individual and group counselling skills
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Experience working with clients with mental illness while collaborating with partners and other community resources.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hours of work are typically from Monday to Friday at 3:30 Pm to 12:00 am but may vary depending on client needs.
• Frequent sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires the ability to handle light and moderate weight objects including farming equipment and other supplies.
• Candidates will be required to work alone for some of their shifts.
• Average amount of physical effort is required.