Clinical Support Worker-Full Time-Temporary

Position Summary
The Clinical Support Worker provides assessment, consultation and counseling to clients and their families utilizing family, individual and group approaches. The position is responsible to provide consultation to the staff and foster parents, including treatment planning and crisis management on a case by case basis. This is a bargaining unit position.
 
Major Duties

• Provides counseling services (individual and group) to clients and their families
• Provides case consultation including assisting direct care staff and foster parents to understand and intervene effectively
• Participates in the multi-disciplinary approach in the development and implementation of individual treatment plans
• Interprets and conveys assessments, reports, CAFAS, and integrates findings into the development of treatment plans
• Maintains current knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, strength-based and evidence based clinical practices and promotes their integration into WAYS services.
• Informs and assists clients and families to access supportive community services
• Assists in making outside referrals as necessary
• Assists youth and families in effective advocacy
• Provides follow up to case conference recommendations, which may include making written special requests, liaises with other community services and professionals
• Provides written information /reports including case notes for the client file
• Attends staff meetings and agency training as required
• Be aware of client’s background and attend to the ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, health and special needs
• Engage actively in program evaluation

• MSW or equivalent masters degree

• Two years experience providing clinical services in a Children’s Mental Health setting
• Experience providing individual, family and group counseling and interventions
• Experience working with high risk, high needs adolescents
• Experience working in collaboration with the child welfare system and legislation

• 455 Hours in the position will be required to become fully familiar with the role

• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or  be  a Registered Psychotherapist or other Regulated Health Professional authorized under the Psychotherapy Act of 2007 to engage in the controlled act of Psychotherapy.
• Current Certificate in First Aid / CPR
• Valid class G Driver’s Licence with reliable vehicle
• All mandatory training as specified by agency policy

• Comfortable working  in various environments (group and foster homes) while respecting the uniqueness of each environment
• Ability  to prioritize needs and skilled at remaining flexible and responsive to client crisis situations
• Ability to work within a multi disciplinary team environment and in collaboration with community professionals
• Able to negotiate cooperation for the continuity of care for clients
• Skills in presenting professional development information, research and treatment interventions to various audiences
• Ability to deliver service in French is an asset

• Good verbal and written skills to communicate information to clients, families, co-workers and community services.
• Able to translate clinical information into straight forward, practical recommendations for intervention, and the ability to communicate these to direct care staff / foster parents
• Communicate and author accurate and concise reports, forms and charts for development and implementation of treatment plans.

• Knowledge of children and youth service delivery system and relevant legislation
• Knowledge and understanding of CAFAS and BCFPI
• Knowledge and experience related to child physical /sexual abuse, sex offending behavior, anger management, trauma, addictions, depression, self harm
• Sound clinical judgment to assess situations of client risk
• Sound problem solving skills to develop creative, evolving plans for clients and their families.

• Proficient in the use of computer software applications.
• Operates a motor vehicle

• Understands and interprets the needs of each client assigned.
• Motivates the client, the family and community services to best serve the client’s needs.
• Relates well with all level of staff, both internal and external to the agency.
• Relates with sensitivity to clients and families.
• Skills include tact, diplomacy, persuasion and patience.
• Have the competency to work with clients of diverse backgrounds regardless of their gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, religious beliefs and socioeconomic class.

• All workplace sites are smoke free
• The possibility of risk of injury, communicable or infectious diseases and the disagreeableness of handling body fluids exists.

• There are often conflicting needs and demands which need to be balanced.
• Irrational and threatening client behaviour and proximity to distress are an integral part of this job.         

• Full time status is based on 35 hours a week.
• Evening and weekend work when required.

• Primarily a home office with access to meeting space in agency sites
• Laptop computer and office supplies will be provided