Residential Counsellor

Scarborough Health Network • Ottawa, ON

3d • CA$37 - CA$44 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager, Ambulatory & Community Mental Health Programs, the Residential Counsellor provides a range of assistance and supports to residents living with mental illnesses in a supportive housing program.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Social Service Worker diploma or a related field, with active registration in good standing with a recognized regulatory body
• An understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation principles
• A minimum of two years of experience working with the resident population
• Knowledge of the issues faced by adults living with mental health challenges and a marginalized resident group which can include addictions and cognitive impairments
• An understanding of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with residents on goals and priorities.
• Experience in working as part of a team of professionals, and in conducting meetings or facilitating groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and supportive counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the residents in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Excellent crisis intervention and problem-solving skills are required.
• Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records or statistical information.
• Written skills are used in keeping records or updating logs.
• Excellent analytical, time management and organizational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with residents.

Responsibilities

• Building a rapport with each resident and providing coaching or mentoring to enable each in meeting the daily requirements of their housing environment and a healthy lifestyle.
• Directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, maintenance of mental health treatment, cooking, meal planning, cleaning, shopping and budgeting.
• Developing strategies or establishing plans for maintaining these daily activities and other aspects of their recovery plan, for increasing their awareness of safety issues and for ensuring that residents receive adequate support in various aspects of their life.
• Orientation of new residents; participating in intake for the program.
• Supporting and participating in resident meetings, or group activities which promote the wellbeing of the residents and the smooth operation of the residence/program; conducting and facilitating resident group meetings, assisting resident-run initiatives, preparing schedules of house activities.
• Maintaining a general awareness of the activities or whereabouts of residents in the house, identifying issues, communicating or noting incidents for manager as required.
• Maintaining petty cash, collecting rents and intervening in issues pertaining to maintenance or property.
• Providing cleaning or minor house maintenance as required.
• Teaching residents the appropriate fire safety protocols and conducting regular health and safety checks.
• Maintaining a strong support network of social, family, medical and psychiatric community links and resources; providing reminders and occasionally accompanying residents on their medical, psychiatric or other appointments.
• Assisting the resident in navigating the social services and health care systems and liaising with community agencies, hospitals or significant others.
• Providing 24-hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system.
• Promote mental health stability, assist in harm reduction strategies, teaching conflict resolution, crisis management and problem solving on activities related to shared living.
• Mediating issues or conflicts between residents, or between residents and neighbours, following-up on issues to ensure satisfactory resolution.
• Participating in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics such as resident files, activity sheets, reports, etc. In accordance with established procedures.
• Participating actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities, orienting new staff, determining staff schedules.
• Providing other related assistance as required.

Benefits

• Defined Benefit pension plan through the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
• Comprehensive insured benefits package including health and dental benefits
• New Graduate Initiative Enroute Program
• Critical Care Sponsorship Program
• Employee Discount and Incentive Programs
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), along with other comprehensive wellness offerings, including our Spiritual Care team of registered psychotherapists for spiritual, religious or emotional care; mental health supports; and on-site wellness rounding
• Recognition events
• Leadership Development and Learning Programs
• Tuition Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree