Family Counsellor 1

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Family Counsellor 1

Reporting to the Supervisor, Family Services Division (FSD), this position is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and every other Friday, including evening work in a hybrid and community-based work environment and will be responsible for responding to requests for mental health support, referrals, and workshops to Employment Service agency partners and their clients. 

The incumbent will: 

- Respond to client and agency requests for mental health support and consultation, referrals and workshops
- Build rapport, using active listening skills, and provide emotional support to help clients identify challenges, needs, desires and goals.
- Complete assessment to identify client needs and presenting issues and screen clients, to assess service needs,
- Identify and provide a reliable and accurate summary of the problems/issues the client is seeking to address
- Provide brief supportive counselling strategies where the focus is on the provision of information, encouragement, and instruction to assist clients with coping and stabilization.
- Provide service navigation, warm transfers, and brief case coordination where appropriate, to assist clients with accessing appropriate community supports.
- Provide psychoeducational information through the sharing of resources and clinical materials with clients to assist with coping related to presenting challenges.
- Develop and/or deliver psycho-educational workshops related to client coping, and wellness
- Provide active support of diversity of issues and lived experiences for clients.
- Develop and complete confidential clinical records containing relevant contact and assessment information for clients
- Write reports for internal and external use, as required
- Enter data/information into the Division's information system as required, and develop hard copy reports, as required/directed
- Operate very effectively as a team member, demonstrating a high level of skill in terms of supportive communication, collaboration, cooperation and the negotiation of differences
- Consult/collaborate with regional employees internal and external to the division of Family Services Durham, maintaining confidentiality at all times
- Formulate service and case plans, as required
- Comply with legislation, professional standards of practice (e.g. set by regulatory colleges in Ontario), accreditation
- Follow Divisional protocols and procedures in considering service priorities 

The successful candidate will possess: 

- A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or equivalent
- Registration with an applicable College/Regulatory body (i.e. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers - OCSWSSW or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario - CRPO)
- An understanding and awareness of the ethics of social work practice as they apply to family services
- Experience in community counselling and/or intake services
- Experience and/or training in crisis intervention with well-developed critical thinking skills and effective problem solving skills, including safety planning and decision-making within tight timelines
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with clients and other professionals, as well as diffuse emotional and volatile situations with clients and demonstrate tact, discretion, excellent judgment, empathy and compassion
- The ability to demonstrate professionalism through humility, respect, and responsiveness to diverse residents. 
- Excellent work ethic and initiative, sense of responsibility, resourcefulness and attention to detail
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, multi task and meet deadlines
- Excellent computer skills, including navigating various platforms and client information systems
- Superior analytical skills with the ability to receive complex information and formulate it into a written summary
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision within confines of provincial and national requirements for family service agencies

CUPE 1764 Salary Grade 8

This position is with Salary Grade 8 and will be paid at the following hourly rates:

- Start: $52.07 - Six Month: $54.96 - Job: $57.85

Conditions of Employment

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Prior to the start date, the successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check dated within two (2) months from date of hire. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will also be collected.

External Application Process

Come find a home where exciting and rewarding careers are balanced with your lifestyle. We thank all applicants; however, only those being considered will be contacted. Please apply online () no later than midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on the closing date indicated on the Job Posting.

The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity and you require accommodation, or if this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us at: View email address on jobs.hirediverse.ca and a Recruiter will provide appropriate assistance pursuant to the Region's Accommodation and Accessibility policies. Please note that resumes should not be sent to View email address on jobs.hirediverse.ca .


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The Region of Durham may utilize artificial intelligence to assist in the preliminary assessment of applicant qualifications and submitted materials. These tools are used for the purpose of supporting and enhancing an evaluation by a human decision-maker and any information provided by AI to a human decision-maker is not determinative. Final decisions are made solely by authorized human decision-makers.