Child & Youth Counsellor Mental Health

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at VIHA; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Under the general supervision of the In-Patient Program Coordinator, the CYC works as a member of the Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Services Multidisciplinary team. Provides evidence-based therapeutic interventions within the context of a patient/family-directed approach, the vision/values of the program, VIHA and in accordance with established Standards of Practice, including a Trauma Informed Model of Care. Assesses, plans, delivers, and evaluates therapeutic interventions for patients in a tertiary mental health setting. Provides individual, family, and group counselling; works closely with families and collateral professionals and provides liaison with community programs and organizations. The CYC functions autonomously, while recognizing the importance of using an inter-professional, collaborative approach to achieve excellence in CYF mental health services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training And Experience

Bachelors Degree in a Social Science relevant to Child/Youth mental health, plus two (2) years recent related experience in the assessment and treatment of Children/Youth with psychiatric/mental health concerns. A working knowledge of DSM IV diagnoses and related treatments, the Mental Health Act, the Hospital Act and the Child, Family and Community Service Act. Basic First Aid certification with CPR. Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License.

Skills And Abilities

• Work effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships
• Understand the needs of Children/Youth with complex mental health conditions
• Conduct an age-appropriate psychiatric assessment, including risk to self/others and mental status
• Apply effective and respectful communication skills, including active-listening, problem-solving, respectful limit setting, and reframing
• Practice within the concepts of Patient/Family Centred Care, Trauma Informed Care, solution-focused problem solving and Motivational Interviewing
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Contribute to a safe work environment including utilizing the least restrictive de-escalation skills
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
• Organize work and the demands of the shift and work effectively and efficiently under pressure
• Ability to use a computer and software, such as various Microsoft Office applications, electronic health records, etc.