WAYS Mental Health Support
 
Job Description and Specifications
 
Job Title            Residential Counsellor – Casual
Reporting To   Program Supervisor

DUE TO STAFFING NEEDS WE ENCOURAGE ALL QUALIFIED MALES TO APPLY TO THE POSITION OF RESIDENTIAL COUNSELLOR - CASUAL. 

Position Summary
The casual residential counsellor is responsible, within the residence, for providing counselling, care and support to residents on a daily basis.  The casual residential counsellor functions within a staff team as well as with other professionals from community agencies.
 
Major Duties

• 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
• Acts 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 residents
• Promote understanding of service from admission through discharge
• 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
• Identify and manage group dynamics and promote a positive peer milieu
• Provides each resident with instruction and/or role modelling in life skills on an individual and/or group basis; i.e. cooking, laundry, cleaning, budgeting
• Records and administers medication and first aid, and manages crisis
• Conducts effective searches
• Uses care and caution when transporting residents
• Performs housekeeping and cooking duties
• Attends occasional staff meetings and staff training as required
• Be responsive to the other team members; participates in a team approach.
• Completes daily notes, and all reports according to the policies and procedures of WAYS Mental Health Support
• Participates 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
• 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

 
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

• Experience as a frontline worker in a residential setting is preferred

 
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 provide 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 and motivates the resident, the family and community services to best serve the resident’s needs.  Relates well with all levels 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

• Shift work required, including evenings, weekends and overnights.  Hours of work will vary, depending on needs of the residences.  Required to work in any of the residential programs.

WAYS Mental Health Support is an equal opportunity employer who recognizes and values diversity in its workplace. WAYS encourages applications from all qualified individuals and will accommodate candidates with disability-related needs, up to the point of undue hardship, throughout all stages of the recruitment and placement process, upon request. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment and placement process please contact our Human Resources department at HumanResources@ways.on.ca.

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