Walk-in Counsellor

JOB POSTING

Job Title: Walk-in Counsellor

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent Position

Department: Treatment Services

Location(s): Various locations throughout Halton Region

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Target Salary Range: $59,000 to $ 62,000

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About Us

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region (CMHA Halton) is a leading provider of adult and youth mental health services in the Region of Halton. We are driven by our cause to provide responsive mental health for everyone through equitable services targeted for people living with mental health and/or substance use concerns.

Why Work for CMHA- Halton

CMHA Halton offers a supportive team environment, flexible work environment, training opportunities, competitive vacation package and comprehensive benefits/pension package. We have an enthusiastic team who are dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health concerns within a client-focused environment. Individuals seeking new challenges and opportunities for professional growth are encouraged to apply.

CHMA Halton strives to build an inclusive culture with a staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We are committed to reducing systemic barriers to employment and our services that have traditionally impacted members from the following groups, Black, Indigenous People, and other racially visible persons, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. If you are a member of one of these equity-seeking groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter or your resume. Please also feel free to identify your preferred pronouns when applying.

Role Overview:

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch (CMHA-Halton) is seeking a permanent full-time Walk-in Counsellor for our Treatment Services team. The Walk-In Counselling program is a single-session service, rooted in a Solution Focused Brief Therapy model, and may integrate approaches from other evidence-based modalities to meet client needs.

The position is 37.5 hours per week with occasional evening work. The Walk-In Counseling service is currently being offered in a hybrid format (i.e., combination of virtual and in-person sessions in Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills locations).

Program Overview:

The Walk-In Counseling program strives to support people who experience mental health issues to:

• Access to free and immediate support for their concern(s)
• Enhance coping strategies, life skills and social skills
• Develop a strong network of reliable and supportive community connections
• Avoid escalation of crisis, and unnecessary hospitalizations, where appropriate
• Experience a safe setting to explore issues of wellness with a qualified professional

The successful candidate will:

• Provide individual 1:1 counseling to clients who attend Walk-In Counseling. These clients may or may not have significant mental health issues, and may or may not present in crisis.
• Provide information on relevant community programs and resources
• Offer hour-long counseling sessions using a brief therapy model
• Support individuals by identifying goals and strengths
• Ensure client health, safety and wellness according to relevant legislation and agency policies and procedures
• Maintain electronic client records of counseling sessions
• Perform administrative tasks related to the counseling session
• Work collaboratively with community partners and other departments, within CMHA Halton in a multidisciplinary approach

Qualifications & Skills Needed:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, occupational therapy or a relevant field. Master’s degree is an asset
• Must be a regulated health professional within Ontario (i.e. Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist or equivalent)
• Non-violent crisis intervention, first aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are a definite asset
• At least 2-3 years’ experience working with individuals with complex mental health concerns, including experience working in crisis
• Experience working in a supportive counselling role and working 1 on 1 with people over the age of 16
• Skilled at completing comprehensive risk assessments and safety plans
• Competent in the delivery of clinical frameworks of evidence-based therapies such as Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, etc.
• Knowledge of community resources within Halton Region as well as bordering regions
• Able to work effectively independently
• Commitment to the Recovery philosophy of service provision
• Vocational counselling skills is an asset
• Knowledge of dual diagnosis and concurrent disorders an asset
• In depth understanding of relevant legislation (I.e. PHIPA, Ontario Mental Health Act)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Initiative, creativity, flexibility and an openness to change
• Knowledge of EMHware database an asset
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and web-based platforms such as Teams, SharePoint and OneNote
• Access to a reliable vehicle/means of transportation to travel between locations
• Ability to speak a second language would be considered an asset

CMHA Halton will support any accommodations that may be required for you to actively participate in the recruitment process. Please email [email protected] if you wish to review this job posting in an alternative format or if you would like to request an accommodation. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in CMHA-Halton.