Vocational Counsellor - Forensic Psychiatry at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Position Details

Posting #: 32816
Department: Forensic - Mental Health Vocational Workshop
Employee Type: Temporary, Full Time
If Temporary, Number of Weeks: 24
Union: OPSEU
Openings Remaining: 1

Schedule

Work Days: Monday to Friday
Time of Day: Days
Shift: 7.5 hour
Shift Start: 8:00 Hours are subject to change based on operational requirements.
This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites: West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Application Dates

Opening Date: 13/11/2025
Closing Date: 20/11/2025 Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date

Position Description

UNIT PROFILE:
The Forensic Psychiatry Program work towards restoring and maintaining the mental health and well-being of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. This multi-disciplinary team includes nursing and allied health professionals working together to provide a wide range of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services. In this capacity the Forensic Psychiatry Program provides: clinical, risk and medico-legal assessments, inpatient treatments in General and Secure environments, and outpatient treatment and community reintegration services/support for the Central-South region and Halton.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Manager for the Forensic Psychiatry Program, the Vocational Counsellor will support individuals with mental illness and addiction in their recovery and the development of their vocational and educational potential, while reintegrating into their chosen communities by providing vocational counseling and rehabilitation services. The Vocational Counsellor will have experience working with service brokerage, supportive counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation, knowledge of community linkages, vocational supports, mental health resources, outreach client centered assessment, treatment/intervention, education, advocacy and support of forensic mental health clients with complex psychiatric and legal issues and their families/significant others. The Vocational Counsellor will act as a resource to both the inpatient and outpatient teams to enhance, augment and further develop the transition of clients into the community. Vocational Rehabilitation services are in accordance with the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP) Core Competencies and domains of learning.

• Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma in Vocational Rehabilitation, Adult Education, Social Work or Human Services related field with core course work in career counselling and mental health/addictions.
• Registration with Vocational Rehabilitation Association Canada (VRA) or Certified Vocational Professional (CVP) designation from the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP) required; preference will be given to individuals with Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP) designation
• Minimum 3 years recent related experience providing vocational counselling in a vocational rehabilitation environment with persons with a serious mental illness required.
• Current CPR and First Aid required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement a broad range of current vocational practices and best practice strategies in mental health including psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery approach.
• Demonstrated familiarity with psychotropic medications and knowledge of relevant side effects.
• Excellent observation, interviewing and evaluative skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current mental health and discipline related legislation that governs work and income, as well as knowledge of relevant community resources at the federal, provincial and local levels.
• Effective interpersonal skills including excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and responsibility and work under minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated research and critical appraisal skills.
• Organizational skills to identify needs and establish priorities among competing demands.
• Knowledgeable in various mental illness diagnoses and substance abuse issues related to work environments and programs.
• Commitment to continuing education to meet changing best practices and maintain the highest level of current service provision.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license required.
• Formal training in Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) an asset.

• Evidence of understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to mentally disordered individuals.
• Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of Forensic specific Risk Assessment tools (ie. HARM/AIS).
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered individuals.
• Successful completion of Management of Aggressive Behaviour training an asset.

HOURS OF WORK:
Monday to Friday; days, with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend hours based on the needs of the clients and/or unit.

PLEASE NOTE:
Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is an equal opportunity employer and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all our programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SJHH.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHH is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process.