Trauma Clinical Counsellor, Indigenous Health

Fraser Health•Chilliwack, BC

About The Position

The Trauma Clinical Counsellor, Indigenous Health supports care coordination and system navigation across local and regional substance use services, with an emphasis on reducing barriers for clients to re-enter the system of care and facilitating timely treatment and rapid re-engagement of clients where appropriate and feasible. As a member of the Intensive Case Management (ICM) Team, this position provides focused support to clients who identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit and their support systems. The Counsellor uses an Indigenous lens to provide client and family-centered care, using a trauma-informed approach and evidence-informed practice, to Indigenous individuals and families who use alcohol and substances. Working from a place of cultural safety and humility, provides initial screening, client assessment, treatment recommendations and care plans. The Counsellor also determines referral needs and provides clinical intervention and follow-up support by offering therapy services including group, individual and family therapy. Collaborates regarding complex situations, provides group education, liaises with Indigenous community resources for specialized services when possible, maintains respect for client dignity and maximizes client self-determination and independence in provision of services. Participates in local committees and internal and external case conferences, and develops presentations and training to clients, families and caregivers. Participates in the development of standardized documents, procedures and process, and contributes to data collection and analysis. Participates in quality improvement activities, follows clinical best practices, and respects cultural protocols. May be required to work at more than one location.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in an applicable social or health sciences program such as Counselling Psychology or Social Work.
Two (2) years' recent related experience working with clients and families with, or affected by, mental illness and substance use disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Knowledge of Indigenous health approaches, protocol and cultural matters.
Eligible for registration with relevant/applicable professional association.
Valid B.C. Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposes.
Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction, trauma and resiliency informed practice, recovery-oriented approach; concurrent disorders; addictions and addictions counselling.
Ability to deliver services to Indigenous populations using an Indigenous lens.
Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of relevant Acts such as Mental Health Act, Freedom of Information Act, Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, pertinent regulations, policies and procedures, and other statutory duties.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultural practices, including awareness of traditional healing practices such as drumming, singing, brushing off and smudging.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultural beliefs around mental health and substance use and their cultural beliefs of what is needed to heal.
Comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and professional practice guidelines for the treatment of various disorders.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories of clinical counselling/social work as applied to Indigenous populations.
Understanding of how Indigenous culture is the basis of development of individuals and communities.
Understanding the harmful effects of colonialism, assimilation attempts, residential schools and the child welfare system on First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
Demonstrated ability in utilizing mental health and addictions standardized tools for client assessments.
Demonstrated ability to develop meaningful relationships with health professionals, counsellors, traditional healers, knowledge keepers and Elders.
In-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners to inform the referral process, with particular application to Indigenous communities.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and partner with Indigenous communities.
Ability to work effectively with individuals, groups, and interdisciplinary professionals through understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, organize, implement, evaluate and problem-solve, and organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
Ability to effectively develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, education, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups and consultation to clients, families and health care professionals.
Demonstrated therapeutic skills in the areas of clinical intervention, individual and group therapy with adults with various mental health disorders including concurrent disorders.
Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related word processing, database management software applications, and use of technology to facilitate virtual health services.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

Performs initial client screening of referrals of individuals with a focus on those who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit from other health care providers/agencies, family members, physicians and other sources to determine appropriate treatment based on client needs, urgency of request and best practices.
Assesses client needs by gathering client information/history via phone interviews or other methods; seeking additional background information to perform initial assessment of client mental health status and risk to themselves or others and to determine priority of care, client eligibility, availability of resources, and service priorities; collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to determine best approach to care, assessing the need for emergent crisis intervention, and to facilitate virtual health connections.
Provides first level intervention and support until formal treatment or further assessment can be conducted, such as short term brief interventions, follow-up, monitoring, and evaluating treatment outcomes.
Develops linkages with other facilities and Indigenous community resources, and advocates on behalf of the client and others to improve access, integration and coordination of MHSU services, by way of establishing, maintaining and enhancing relationships/communication with community physicians, consulting psychiatrists, colleagues, community mental health services, acute hospitals, community services agencies, and other health care professionals.
Facilitates client connection to Indigenous community services and rehabilitative programs through methods such as considering the client’s motivation and their stage in the treatment process, researching available services, liaising with service and program providers, providing clinical impressions and consultation to colleagues, and/or referring to other community resources as required.
Provides education and support to Indigenous-identified clients and their families using an Indigenous lens. Explores identified problems that may have resulted in substance use and mental health symptoms, identifies goals, expectations, and support resources; assists with understanding of mental health and substance use matters, the interaction of both, and the recovery process; suggests positive behaviour modifications; examines motivations for change; and, teaches relapse prevention strategies based on harm-reduction and motivational interviewing models.
Maintains client records by recording information such as client assessments, charting client information via PARIS and/or other clinical information systems, preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements, documenting for future reference, contributing to program reporting needs and ensuring that access to and disclosure of information and records are in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
Shares knowledge and clinical expertise with other members of the team such as provision of services within the context of a trauma-informed, Indigenous health care perspective.
Promotes quality improvement through recommendations on policies, processes and procedures that streamline and provide for more efficient and effective client/family centred practices; develops and evaluates clinical protocols, identifies service needs and provides input and recommendations to the Clinical Coordinator and Manager.
Participates actively and collaboratively in team planning and team meetings, and participates in committees, working groups and/or corporate initiatives especially as it relates to improving the care of individuals who identify as Indigenous through discussions, presenting relevant material, acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support for clients, families and caregivers.
Maintains current knowledge of Indigenous mental health and substance use disorders practice through methods such as reviewing literature and research, consulting with clinical and community experts within the field, evaluating clinical practice and participating in professional development activities, and/or case conferences in order to improve care through new practices.
Performs other related duties as assigned.