Counsellor

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Vancouver, BC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Requirements

Minimum of two (2) years of community college in a counselling field.
Member in good standing with a Canadian counselling certification body, holding a designation such as ICADC, RCC, RPC, RSW, MSW or equivalent.
Criminal Record Review Program clearance to work with vulnerable adults
Ability to receive enhanced federal reliability status to work with federal correctional clients
Current Certification or willingness to obtain certification in: First Aid/CPR
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (or equivalent)
Mental Health First Aid
Naloxone Training/Overdose Response
Documentation confirming compliance with the Province’s immunization and tuberculosis control program, per Residential Care Regulations
Proof of COVID vaccination, as required by the current version of the “Hospital and Community (Health Care And Other Services) Covid-19 Vaccination Status Information And Preventive Measures” Provincial Health Order
At least one year of experience in recovery-focused substance use/addiction treatment services, including facilitation and group therapy
At least one year of experience in a direct service (frontline) role serving women/female-identifying clients
Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based, trauma-informed practices in addictions treatment, the principles of recovery, and motivational interviewing
Demonstrated ability to provide care that acknowledges diverse social, psychological, and cultural needs
Demonstrated ability to provide culturally safe care
Clear understanding of the needs, strengths, challenges, and opportunities for women and marginalized genders in the DTES, including substance use, mental health, homelessness, and gender-based violence
Demonstrated ability to provide a healthy, safe, non-judgmental space for clients accessing social services and/or residential care, particularly in programs serving women/female-identifying clients
Demonstrated comfort and skill working with diverse populations
Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution skills
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in writing and verbally in English
Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility
Strategic thinking and planning, creative and collaborative problem solving
Clear, consistent, and values-oriented decision-making
Strong skills in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and client database systems
Attentive listening skills and observation of body language, continuously monitoring the environment, multitasking, and reading
Continuously sitting, occasional packing and lifting (no more than 20lbs without assistance) of client property/personal effects.
Close attention when interviewing clients, and frequent documentation on a computer.

Nice To Haves

Completion of Indigenous Cultural Safety Training is an asset
Experience in a community care licensed facility is an asset
Lived experience is an asset
Experience with CAMS (Case Administration Management System) or other client database is an asset

Responsibilities

Ensure that clients are seen in a timely manner & monitor client’s participation in the program and hold them accountable to program requirements as well as principles of recovery.
Ensure that the client becomes acclimatized to their new environment, is aware of all rules and gains confidence in the staff.
Develop outcome-oriented treatment plans with individual clients to direct them towards a continuum of care that covers both mental health and substance use disorder.
Ensure that confidentiality of all information regarding clients is maintained.
Have knowledge of the “Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”
Ensure that assistance is given to the client in accessing any outside resources (MHR, EI, clergy, support groups, Community Advocate etc.).
Ensure that passes are given in accordance with established guidelines
In rotation with other staff, dispense medications to clients as per policy.
Ensure that clients are aware of the client grievance procedure available to them.
Participate in the yearly client focused events: Client Christmas Party (usually early December) and summer baseball tournament(s).
In collaboration with the Intake Counsellor / Caseworker, assists clients/residents in establishing goals, monitoring progress, and prepares discharge plan
Upon unplanned discharges, pack clients room as per policy.
Ensure that infractions of the rules are dealt with and reported to the Treatment Program Manager.
Participates in routine intake processes and decisions, following standard procedures
Liaises with referral sources and other external agencies as needed (e.g. welfare, police, parole, urgent situations)
Ensure program participants’ movements are restricted to their department and approved areas only.
Engage with clients in a trauma informed, ethical and collaborative way
Responsible for client relations through psychoeducational and process groups, weekly individual counselling as well as a minimum of 7.5 hours of group counselling
Conduct group sessions 1-2x a day in accordance with the program manual and monthly schedule.
Provides weekly individual recovery focused counselling for clients throughout their stay, ensuring a minimum of one session per client per week. All sessions are to be documented.
Be available on a daily basis for unscheduled meetings/sessions with clients.
Ensure that an individual needs assessment and exit plan is developed prior to leaving.
Provide assistance including but not limited to finding housing resources and referrals.
Ensure that group activities, classes, and lectures are prepared and given in a manner acceptable to the Treatment Program Manager, and in accordance with the program manual and the monthly schedule.
Ensure that class discussion, support groups, etc. are conducted as per monthly schedule.
Ensure that client attendance is monitored for all classroom activities.
The Counsellor 3 designation may only be qualified for clinical therapy as needed.
Understands program limitations, and refers clients to appropriate internal and external resources for counselling needs outside the scope of the Women’s Treatment program
Maintains all documentation to industry best practices and TSA standards
Must complete assessment documentation and maintain each client’s personal file as per Harbour Light Policy.
Maintain client interaction and session notes in provided, secure database; notes include but are not limited to behavioral concerns, weekend/late passes, medication changes
Maintain clients program file as per Harbour Light policy.
Create CRF progress reports as per policy.
Maintains statistical information as required.
Assists with creating and maintaining other internal and external reporting requirements as required.
Ensure that clients have access to spiritual input and counselling if desired and as a part of the rehabilitation process.
Support the Executive Director to ensure the global mission of the Harbour Light maintains its focus as “the place of new beginnings”.
Maintains respectful & ethical relationships with clients and colleagues, in accordance with TSA policies and professional standards
Participate in clinical supervision meetings, as an individual and member of the team
Attends in-service and staff development programs as approved by Executive Director/Director, Operations & Residential Services.
Attendance is compulsory at all General Staff Meetings, Case Review, and devotional/reflections services during normal working hours etc. as scheduled.
Maintains a current knowledge of and complies with all facility policies and procedures. This would include, but is not exclusive to, The Salvation Army Standards & Review procedures.
Works closely with and co-operates in a courteous, respectful manner with other staff, volunteers, visitors & clients.
Ensure that information, even of a confidential nature, is passed on to the Treatment Program Manager, Director of Residential Programs, or Executive Director if it might endanger or seriously affect another person or the safety of the building.
Ensure that all legitimate requests to assist by colleagues is considered and acted upon.
Ensure that requests to Counsellors by individuals or outside agencies for information or presentation on Harbour Light are communicated to the Treatment Program Manager, Director of Residential Programs, or Executive Director.