Family Counsellor

POSITION:                           Family COUNSELLOR

HOUR OF WORK:              FULL-TIME, PERMANENT (35 HRS/WEEK)

REPORTS TO:                    WELLNESS DIRECTOR

 POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Wellness Director, the Family Counsellor is responsible for providing comprehensive emotional and psychological health for our children, youth, and families.  You will work closely with community members to address a wide range of challenges and promote resilience, healing, and growth within our community. Various modes of therapy will be utilized including, but not limited to:  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, play and art therapy, music therapy and EMDR.  As a Family Counsellor in our First Nation community, you will be a crucial part of our commitment to the emotional and psychological health of our families.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implement treatment plans for children, youth, and/or families from assessments utilizing a wide variety of interventions and treatment modalities.
• Offer immediate support and crisis intervention to children, youth, and families facing urgent emotional or mental health challenges, collaborating with other community resources when necessary.
• Completes intake, client case notes/records, referral letters and other documentation as required in the format set out by the Tsawout First Nation Wellness Department.
• Interprets client’s assessment results and assesses urgency and risk of harm to self or others, intervenes to reduce risk. Explains assessment results to client and others involved with the client such as family members and other service providers.
• Provides reports and case management notes to assist clients in understanding treatment protocols and/or treatment plans.
• Participates actively in community interagency meetings regarding mental health issues.
• Provides referrals to other agencies or services for further assessment, treatment and/or management.
• Provides community awareness and educational workshops/seminars on mental health/addictions issues.
• Participates in mental health program evaluation, data collection activities and other program design and delivery initiatives; evaluates therapeutic counselling and treatment outcomes to determine the best service for clients.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A graduate degree in counselling M.A/ M.Ed or M.S.W or equivalent;
• Professional counselling or mental health-related certification;
• Minimum of three years of relevant counselling experience in the area of child, youth and family counselling, trauma and mental health is required;
• Minimum one year experience in play and art therapy;
• Knowledge of child/adolescent and adult development, psychological/social/cognitive development;
• Knowledge of family development and traditional and culturally informed family practices;
• Knowledge of Tsawout First Nations cultural protocols/traditional practices is desirable;
• Knowledge of different referral agencies/services available within British Columbia for those individuals who may require in-patient or alternative (i.e., psychiatric) assessment and care;
• Knowledge of relevant legislation related to mental health, child/family services and an understanding of the Duty to Report;
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of the Family Counsellor. Must adhere to the Tsawout First Nation Standards of Conduct as well as his/her professional Code of Ethics;
• May represent Tsawout First Nation externally in a manner that enhances Tsawout First Nation’s credibility and reputation.

OTHER FACTORS

Culture/Language

Respect for and working knowledge of the Tsawout culture is required.

 Personal Attributes

The Family Counsellor maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality

Our Benefits package includes:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance

Preference may be given to qualified individuals of First Nations Ancestry.

Apply now and join our team!