Shared Care Counsellor - Adult

Position Overview

Working collaboratively with, and guided by the principles of My Health Teams, the Shared Care Counsellor - Adult offers one-time consultation, as well as evidence-informed short-term counseling intervention to individuals with non-complex mental health needs accessing services in Primary Care settings, while collaborating with family physicians, consulting psychiatrists and other health care services. As part of an integrated Primary Care Team, Shared Care also offers education, service coordination and liaison to further enhance continuity of care. Services are provided within a framework of advanced clinical practice and include consultation, psychosocial assessment, counseling interventions and psychiatric assessment for individuals whose mental health needs are likely to improve in a maximum of 6-8 consecutive sessions.

The incumbent exercises the appropriate level of initiative and independent judgment in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed and action to be taken on unusual matters. The position functions in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision and values, and the policies of Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years supervised counselling experience.
• Experience providing Psychosocial Assessment, mental status exams and evidence-informed counselling interventions.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Graduate of an accredited post-secondary education program in Social Sciences, i.e. BSW, BScMH, or nursing, i.e. BScPN, RPN, BN.
• Other relevant educational qualifications and experience may be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Active license and registration to practice as required by professional association and provincial legislation.
• Certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) or prepared to acquire.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the range of mental disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders as per DSM V, including corresponding evidence-informed psycho-therapeutic interventions.
• Demonstrated familiarity with psychotropic medications commonly prescribed for acute mental disorders.
• Demonstrated familiarity with client-related self-help and family participation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of all relevant legislation and standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Recovery-Oriented principles.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of programs.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to provide full Psychosocial Assessment including diagnostic impression, as well as evidence-informed counselling interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally informed manner within a range of cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and across service sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to perform networking and agency relations.
• Given the cultural diversity of our region, the ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population is required.
• Proficiency of both official languages is essential for target and designated bilingual positions.
• Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality including paper, electronic formats and other mediums.
• Good work and attendance record.
• Requires a valid Class 5 driver’s license, an all-purpose insured vehicle and liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.00.

Physical Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the job.
• No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.
• May work occasionally evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Will be required to travel to other regional facilities as the position duties may require.