WAYS Mental Health Support
 
Complex Special Needs Practitioner Profile 
The Complex Special Needs Practitioner needs to:

• Recognize the “emotional mind” of the client and have the ability to assist the client to become grounded
• Be comfortable with repetitive teaching (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Trauma Informed Approach)
• Display ability of knowing how to “play” and “engage” with youth . Enjoy participating in physical activity, i.e. swimming, bike riding, lifting weights, etc.
• Be a detailed orientated person, who is a self-starter and can work/plan independent of others. Have the ability to change interactions or activities in order to respond to spontaneous mood swings and behavioral changes. Put client’s needs first, routine, day schedule, emotional regulation. 
• Have the ability to quickly identify rapid changes in body language, breathing, repetitive physical movement and emergence of ticks to avoid impending crisis  
• Be able to learn about and appropriately  implement; sensory breaks, body mapping,  foam rolling, and other specific physical techniques to bring about  and maintain emotional stability

 
Job Description and Specifications                                                                                                                          
Job Title                     Residential Counsellor 
Reporting To            Program Supervisor
 
Position Summary
The residential counsellor is responsible, within the residence, for providing counselling, care and support to residents on a daily basis.  The residential counsellor functions within a staff team, as well as with other professionals from community agencies.  Full time and part time residential counsellors are responsible for carrying a primary caseload. 
 
Major Duties

• Carries primary worker responsibilities with an active caseload. This includes the preparation and implementation of Plans of Care. Maintain regular communication with school personnel and other professionals to remain updated on progress, attendance, etc.
• Plans, implements and maintains specific treatment plans for each resident; observes and manages the behaviour of residents; responds to the emotional and physical needs of residents in the program
• Act as a shift coordinator to ensure staff completion of shift routines/goals.  This includes, but is not limited to, security checks, inventory supplies, shift report, arranging for replacement staff.
• Provides therapeutic counselling, which could include cognitive restructuring to individual resident, parents and family members
• Records and administers medication and first aid and manages crisis
• Identify and manage group dynamics and promote a positive peer milieu
• Maintains resident files and provides information/reports for the clinical file.  Completes daily notes, Plan of Care reports, discharge reports and all other reports according to the policies and procedures of Western Area Youth Services.
• Promote understanding of service from admission through discharge
• Attends regular staff meetings, staff training and committee work, as required.; participates in a team approach
• Be a positive role model
• Be aware of resident’s background and attend to the ethnic, cultural, religious, sexual orientation, health and special needs
• Plans and implements recreational activities
• Provide each resident with instruction and/or role modelling in life skills on an individual and/or group basis; i.e. cooking, laundry, cleaning, budgeting.  Ensure all residents receive all necessary medical and dental care. 
• Conduct effective searches
• Use care and caution when transporting residents
• Performs housekeeping and cooking duties
• Be responsive to the other team members
• Participate in performance feedback in the identification of strengths and weaknesses
• Be aware of and responsible for one’s own stress level and its effect on others and the program
• Engage actively in program evaluation
• Be actively involved in the care and maintenance of the residence, furnishings and property
• Will record expenses assigned to petty cash and submit receipts
• Ensure the smooth operation of the residence in accordance with safety, fire and operational procedures, including security
• Will supervise student placements

 Because of the changing nature of work and the work to be done, the responsibilities and duties may be altered from time to time.
 
Education

• Community College Diploma in child and youth work or equivalent specialization or a university degree in social science

 
Experience

• Preference of one year working in a residential setting

 Orientation

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

 Licences / Certificates / Training

• Current Certificate in First Aid / CPR
• Current PMAB training
• Valid class G Driver’s Licence
• All mandatory training as specified by agency policy

 
Skills / Ability / Knowledge
Communication

• Good verbal and written skills to communicate information to residents, families, co-workers and community services.  Verbal communication skills necessary to convey information, participation in or lead group discussions and influence team members in group decision making.  Residents often require persuasion to change behaviour.
• Ability to deliver services in French is an asset

 
Problem Solving

• Has sound knowledge of problem solving skills to develop creative, evolving plans for residents and their families
• Understands and solves problems which can simultaneously involve many systems

 
Manual / Technical Skills

• Proficient in the use of computer hardware and software applications
• Operates a motor vehicle, kitchen equipment and appliances

 
Human Relations

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

 
Working Conditions
Environmental

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

 
Mental Stressors

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

 
Hours of Work

• Part time status is based on an average of up to 32 hours a week
• Evening and weekend work is required
• Required to work in any of the residential programs

Please submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@ways.on.ca