Clinical Counsellor (2025-201-CC)

Competition: (2025-201-CC): Clinical Counsellor (2025-201-CC)
Employment Type: Contract salary 12 months, Bargaining Unit (1 Vacancy)
Work Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Work Setting: Hybrid - Opportunity to work remotely after orientation & training period
Salary: J7 - $69,414.13
Application Deadline: April 07, 2025, by 11:59 pm

Program Overview – Counselling & Support Services
The Clinical Counsellor is a member of the Community Care Unit (CCU) and reports to the Supervisor, Counselling & Support Services. Working within an anti-oppressive, anti-racism, trauma-informed, harm reduction, disability justice, and mental health recovery framework, the incumbent is responsible for providing assessment; therapeutic counseling in a variety of client-centered modalities; telephone, virtual and in person clinical consultation, assessment for acute/crisis needs; and referral and connection to appropriate services and supports. This position requires superior clinical skills; comprehensive knowledge of mental health and substance use services and programs; and excellent organizational and administrative skills.

What You Will Do

• Direct Client Support:
• Perform clinical assessments (psychosocial, psychological, etc. to determine service needs and to formulate recommendations or treatment plans.
• Account for each client’s values, preferences, and circumstances to support the development of client-centered goals/treatment plan.
• Provide therapeutic counseling to clients utilizing a wide range of approaches that best meet the clients’ needs and circumstances (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.).
• Encourage active communication between clients and/or caregivers and health care providers to optimize client outcomes.
• Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
• Provide case management services to both short-term and long-term clients, through the development and implementation of a care plan to address their priority and emerging needs.  
• Participate in case conferences and clinical meetings in order to ensure the coordination of services and a continuum of care, as well as maintaining relationships with partner organizations 
• Support engagement work as needed across OHT initiative working groups and steering committees 
• Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to client needs, considering culture, language, reading level, accessibility, and health literacy.
• Facilitate or lead therapeutic and/or psychosocial support groups as required
• Develop/prepare group materials, including group curriculum, handouts, and supplies.
• Provide clinical support to individual group participants, as appropriate/required.
• Create, maintain, and update appropriate client records, in a timely, efficient manner.

• Ensure the organization’s policies and procedures are carried out.
• Maintain all aspects of confidentiality relating to clients, volunteers, staff, programs, community members and community partners.
• Provide mentorship, training and/or supervision to student placements and volunteers.
• Participate in team and unit meetings regularly and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
• Participate in ongoing training and education.
• Participate in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner and collect statistical data required for the accountability of the program.
• Represent the unit on internal and/or external staff committees as directed by supervisor and program manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Team

• Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or graduate degree in a relevant field.  Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) or Psychotherapist (R.P.) in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in mental health, addictions, and/or social services.  Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with mental health and substance use issues from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach is required
• Demonstrated ability in supporting individuals who have complex mental health and/or addiction issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, chronic physical health issues, etc.
• Knowledge of, experience with, and demonstrated ability in providing therapeutic and supportive counseling utilizing various modalities (e.g. Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, etc.).
• Proven working knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best / promising practice approaches.
• Training in clinical interviewing and evidence-informed interventions is recommended

What Will Set You Apart

• Knowledge and experience providing addictions counseling and support.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis response/intervention and commitment to a harm reduction approach
• Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources.
• Solid understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health, including racism, discrimination, and oppression.
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
• Proven ability in providing system navigation and care coordination.
• Superb assessment skills and comfort with standardized assessment tools.
• Strong de-escalation and crisis intervention skills
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Self-directed and independent but also proven experience working effectively as a team member with other community professionals. 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility problem-solving and conflict management skills.
• Applied computer skills (MS word, Excel, Internet) and ability to use client information systems.
• Ability to demonstrate an anti-oppression approach to practice and work from a client-centered, anti-racism, harm reduction, trauma informed, and disability justice approach is required
• Excellent oral and written English communication fluency.
• French or other second language(s) is a strong asset