Adolescent Treatment Counsellor

COMPETITION # ATC 26-064

POSITION TYPE PERMANENT, FULL-TIME

(80 Hours Bi-Weekly: Days, Evenings, Weekends & Shift Work)

Working in a semi-secure setting, the Adolescent Treatment Counsellor (ATC) works among a multi-disciplinary team to stabilize youth living with co-occurring disorders and unresolved trauma. ATCs collaborate with the youth’s team of care providers to facilitate and assess treatment plans, monitoring the progress made during the youth’s stay in the unit. ATCs must respond to crisis situations quickly and effectively, and work to be proactive in identifying and preventing potential harmful behaviour triggers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in and contributes to assessing clients’ progress by following up on the implementation and re-evaluation of behavioural strategies within the interdisciplinary team.
• Safely and effectively implements behaviour management strategies to safely de-escalate crisis situations.
• Participates in the admission/transfer of clients to the unit in collaboration with team members.
• Participate in treatment reviews and team meetings to provide information regarding client progress.
• Implements specific therapeutic intervention (i.e. psychotherapy, behavioural modification, cognitive behavioural, group therapy, etc.) at the direction of the clinical and/or medical team.
• Creates, identifies, promotes and facilitates programming that promotes community involvement. Assist clients in developing appropriate leisure/recreational goals and skills.
• Engages in behaviour management and crisis intervention following Marymound policies and the youth’s safety plan, using NVCI and ASIST, which are bona fide occupational requirements for this role.
• Observes, evaluates, and records daily events in order to ensure continuity and consistency in treatment planning and implementation – includes accurately maintaining individual logs and communication logs as per licensing standards.
• Participates in staff meetings/team planning days to discuss program concerns, clinical treatment issues and unit management.
• Maintains the living environment in a safe manner that meets or exceeds licensing standards; this will include familiarizing with licensing standards, preparing meals, completing routine cleaning of the home/unit, etc.
• Administers medication, following strict protocols and accurately completing required documentation.
• Demonstrates an active commitment towards professional growth and advancement through participation in training, workshops, etc.
• Actively participates in fire and disaster safety response and prevention duties in accordance with policy and licensing standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Child & Youth Care, or applicable post-secondary degree (i.e. social work, psychology, counselling, etc.) is required.
• Two years of experience providing physical, psychological, and social support to at-risk youth is required.
• Experience working from a trauma-informed perspective is essential.
• Knowledge and experience in issues and supports related to addictions, harm reduction strategies, and/or sexual exploitation required.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues impacting youth presenting with mental health and developmental needs.
• Knowledge of planning, implementation and evaluation of client treatment plans.
• Must be comfortable and competent in crisis de-escalation and behaviour management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of children/youth services and resources available in the community.
• Valid First Aid/CPR is required.
• MUST have mental health/crisis training certifications and NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention), as these are bona fide occupational requirements
• MUST have ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills), as it is a bona fide occupational requirement
• Valid class 5I (intermediate) driver’s license, and a satisfactory driver’s abstract are required.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and clear Vulnerable Sector checks.
• Clear Child Abuse Registry and satisfactory Prior Contact checks.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, or willingness to learn, including participating in cultural practices, programming and ceremonies alongside youth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience and competence working independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, preferably working across agencies/systems in the provision of coordinated care.
• Working knowledge of computers and experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Physically able to perform the duties of the job.