Counsellor, First Responder Support, Crisis and Access

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services•London, ON

2d•CA$30 - CA$37•Onsite

About The Position

We believe when individuals in our community experience an urgent mental health or addictions crisis, they deserve a response that is person-centred and supportive, while focusing on personal dignity and wellbeing. As a clinical counsellor for First Responder Support you will provide specialized mental health services to individuals currently employed in First Responder programs within London-Middlesex County, including London Police Services, London Fire Department, and Middlesex-London Paramedic services. As a clinical counsellor you will support the psychological needs of individuals through prevention and early intervention support, crisis response, and individualized treatment planning. In this position you will also work collaboratively with the leadership team and community partners to coordinate training opportunities for first responders; develop internal training programs for CMHA employees; and provide clinical support to first responder peer support teams. Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

Requirements

College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant field of study e.g. social work, psychology, occupational therapy or a related discipline (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
Currently registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (as an RSW, SSW), the College of Nurses of Ontario, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience providing crisis intervention and postvention, counselling, and support to individuals who have experienced trauma and mental illness
Demonstrated knowledge of first responder culture, including police, fire, paramedic, and dispatch environments
Experience in system navigation, case management, and family support
Strong knowledge of the biopsychosocial impact of trauma, specifically as it relates to first responders
Extensive knowledge of community resources
Working knowledge of a variety of treatment, intervention, and support strategies
Ability to assess level of risk (e.g., suicidality, violence)
Valid Driver’s License
Access to vehicle to carry out job duties
Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

Nice To Haves

First Aid & CPR, WHMIS Training
ASSIST Certificate
Experience providing psychological support to first responders
Experience coordinating and developing educational and training programs, both virtual and in-person
Experience utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities (e.g, CBT) to treat trauma and promote psychological healing and wellness
Strong active listening and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of Psycho-social Rehabilitation
Ability to develop short- and long-term treatment plans in conjunction with the individual
Planning and organizational abilities
Ability to Advocate and coordinate service access
Strong active listening and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively
Ability to build relationships
Crisis management/intervention skills
Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux languages officielles du Canada

Responsibilities

Complete mental health and addiction assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response to identify: the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning, risk factors related to safety of client and others, opportunities for de-escalation and stabilization
Establish a therapeutic relationship, including appropriate boundaries, to maximize the benefits of engagement with the individual
Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service as needed
Provide short-term/brief individual counselling as needed
Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services and supports
Advocate as necessary to facilitate access to services and support with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation
Engage emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required
Assess barriers to healthy and safe community living (e.g. treatment options, finances, etc.)
Provide non-judgmental support and conduct assessments while delivering care that is respectful and sensitive to individual differences, including culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs, and values
Support the individual in developing skills for self-advocacy to learn new behaviours and develop coping skills fostering healthy interdependence through limit setting.
Provide health teaching and psychoeducation regarding mental health, substance use and addiction, coping techniques and strategies (e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene) to enhance overall well-being.
To represent CMHA TVAMHS and respective community partners professionally and positively in the community
Provide short-term, psychotherapeutic intervention to assist individuals in gaining insight and improving coping skills within the framework of the crisis model.
Perform in a calm, competent and efficient manner in an emergency situation acknowledging the individual’s need for privacy and dignity.
Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce and remove risk factors related to substance use
Refer individuals for additional assessments as is determined to be necessary and/or appropriate
Assist individuals in identifying and connecting with personal, natural, and professional support to promote overall well-being
Provide follow-up support and/or check ins to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service as appropriate
Facilitate debriefing sessions for individuals and groups
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and its place within the mental health and addiction care system
Assist in building positive working relationships across the service system, including first responder programs, CMHA TVAMHS, and local hospitals
When appropriate, act as liaison with professional supports and care providers who are involved with the individual to facilitate a coordinated approach to service provision
Participate in public education and advocacy to promote first responder mental health awareness and reduction of stigma
Provide clinical consultation and support to first responder peer support teams
Develop and facilitate internal education and training for CMHA TVAMHS employees
Coordinate training programs for first responder members and peer support teams