JOB SUMMARY:
The Counsellor will provide access to evidence-informed, short-term, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and related approaches to adults (18+) who experience mild to moderate depression, anxiety and anxiety- related conditions. The Counsellor will be part of the Family and Adult team and the Northeast Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program. The Counsellor will participate in mandatory intensive CBT training and consultation.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/REGISTRATION
• Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) or M.A. in Counselling Psychology is preferred.
• Bachelor Degree of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychology or a degree in the Social Sciences accepted.
• Current registration and in good standing with regulated professional college (RSW, RP) is required.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
• Two (2) years’ clinical experience working in a related field preferred
• Equivalent combinations of training and clinical experience may be considered
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrated knowledge of the science and practice of structured psychotherapy including a full range
of psychotherapeutic and assessment techniques to assess, plan, coordinate and implement specific
clinical protocols.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of treatment interventions compatible with the adult population,
with knowledge of brief approaches and longer-term psychotherapy.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practiced skills in providing culturally safe and responsive mental health
services to clients of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds.
• High level of maturity and interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrated leadership qualities with
competence in making and implementing decisions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy
(CPT). and other evidence-informed, structured psychotherapies and experience working with people
with depression and/or anxiety (e.g. obsessive-compulsive concerns, post-traumatic stress).
• Demonstrated ability to distinguish features of depression, anxiety, and anxiety related conditions, and
the etiology and treatment of these disorders.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving skills and ability to write clear, concise reports.
• Ability to work cooperatively and negotiate effectively within an interdisciplinary team, across the
agency, with collateral agencies/professionals including the medical community at both front-line and
systems level.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of pertinent legislation, such as, The Psychotherapy Act, The Child, Youth and Family
Services Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act.
• Proficiency with computers and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Excel,
Access, and data MIS.
• Possession of a valid Ontario Driver’s License, ability to travel, and use of a personal vehicle.
• Availability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends and on-call work may be
required.
• Ability to provide services in both official languages (English/French) is an asset.
• Must provide a clean Criminal Records Check.
• Full COVID-19 Vaccination.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To maintain and secure confidential client information in the execution of professional
responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with required legislation, and AFS policies and
procedures.
2. To possess a working knowledge of required legislation governing practice, specifically the
Psychotherapy Act; also to fulfill the professional “Duty to Report” any suspected child abuse as
required under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
3. To work as an AFS interdisciplinary team member to provide:
• Counselling services to children, youth and families
• Short-term assessment and stabilization services including post-crisis intake,
assessment, intervention, and referral services to: children, youth and their families who
have been referred by the Sault Area Hospital Crisis Service and require crisis follow-up;
• Intake, assessment, intervention, and referral services to children and youth admitted to
the Sault Area Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Program (CAP) and their families;
• Brief Narrative Therapy through Walk in Counselling Service (scheduled hours after 4:30
p.m. on a voluntary basis) and Single Therapy Sessions
• Therapeutic and psychotherapeutic groups
4. To develop and maintain a clinical treatment plan with the child/youth and family, in collaboration
with service providers and the medical community, as appropriate.
5. To provide a brief clinical intervention service to those clients deemed to be most appropriately
serviced through a brief therapy model.
6. To work in cooperation with all clinical staff assigned to ensure client information is shared, and
the clinical treatment plan is coordinated and supported in a timely and efficient manner.
7. Provide individual, family and group services where applicable.
8. To provide referrals and appropriate transitional support to other services and programs within
AFS or in the community as required on a case by case basis.
9. To demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of community resources, especially in the area
of child, youth, and family services, including health and medical services, and a willingness to
liaise with local service providers and other key resources.
10. To accurately and promptly maintain client file documentation according to agency policy and
procedure and to prepare and distribute documentation for case review or complex case
discussion by an internal and/or interagency team if certain prescribed conditions exist and as
appropriate.
11. To be prepared to conduct clinical work outside the formal office environment, that is, within the
hospital setting, client homes, schools, medical clinics, etc.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: OTHER
1. To participate in annual service planning as appropriate, also in program evaluation in
accordance with established policies and procedures.
2. To assist in the development of community mental health through active participation and
leadership in establishing and supporting community networks, self-help groups, community
planning, etc.
3. To interpret the AFS services system to clients, collateral agency representatives, and the
community at large.
4. To take initiative for professional development on a personal and team level.
5. To assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Manager.
This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the OPSEU.
Algoma Family Services (AFS) is committed to equity in access to employment and is a diverse and inclusive workplace. We
encourage applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Gender
Diverse persons, neurodiverse individuals, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Applicants that may
require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify HR when contacted for an interview.
PLEASE SEND YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO recruitment@algomafamilyservices.org
QUOTING REFERENCE # CCS-0624-01.
