Counsellor, Family Services

Job Description

Title: Counsellor, Family Services

Reports to: Manager, Primary Care

Position Type: Permanent, Part-Time, 28 hours per week

Salary: $29.49 - $34.69 per hour

Vacancy Status: Existing Vacancy

Location: Kingston

Position Summary

Working at a high level of autonomy within a multi-disciplinary team, the Counsellor works to promote, protect, and preserve optimal family and childhood health outcomes, with a focus on early and school years. The Counsellor supports, educates, and counsels parents in one-on-one and group settings. The Counsellor will work to promote skills to enhance resiliency with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds. Working with an understanding of the social determinants of health, inclusiveness, equity, social justice, and trauma informed care. The Counsellor assists clients to find solutions to achieve health related goals for themselves and their families.

This position is primarily focused on case management, counselling individuals and families through system navigation, care coordination, and health teachings.

Benefits:

Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Days and Education time

Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Extended Health Benefits come into effect after three months of employment in this position: Health and Dental Coverage, Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long-Term Disability Coverage and an Employee Assistance Program

Key Responsibilities 

Client Care & Clinical 

Support caregivers in building strong, healthy relationships with their children using attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches.

Perform intake assessments, referrals, case management and follow-up.

Parenting support in one-on-one and group settings including client screening, general health education, early childhood health information and harm reduction.

Identify and support the psychosocial needs of clients and assist in developing support plans in collaboration with the clinical team.

Provide individual support that will improve parenting skills around common childhood issues such as behaviour management, sleep routines, and healthy habits.

Help clients find, access, and apply for services within KCHC and broader community supports.

Collaborate with parents who identify they need help with family challenges including but not limited to health, housing, income, food insecurity, employment, parenting, and child behaviour.

Help parents navigate community agencies and build connections with specialized community services.

Liaise with and advocate, when necessary, with partner agencies (Public Health, childcare programs, Family and Children’s services, Kids Inclusive, Maltby, KHSC) to support family engagement and access to services.

Advocate for complex clients and families to assist in reducing barriers to accessing health care services.

Consult with other team members regularly to ensure safe care.

Implement, modify, and evaluate evidence-based parenting groups.

Be a resource for staff about factors which affect the health of families with young and school-aged children.

Provide outreach to families (e.g., sharing information, assisting with formal and informal referrals. Accompanying/supporting access to community programs, or home visits. Supports families to identify and prioritize issues, facilitate relationship building.)

Quality Improvement & Coordinated Care

Contribute to and support quality improvement initiatives.

Collaborate with other staff and community agencies to support successful and seamless client experience and quality care through case management and coordination.

Administrative Duties

Follow respective College of Ontario Guidelines for documentation of care and interventions.

Document all individual and group encounters in PS Suites.

Participate in team meetings and other administrative activities which support the overall functioning of the team.

Ensure adequate follow-up of vulnerable clients through client follow up, and consults and engagement with care teams.

Maintain other records and data as required

Organizational Responsibilities

Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws

Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  

Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion

Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures

Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs

Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities

Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement

On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required

Basic Education and Experience Requirements

College diploma or university degree in social service work, child development, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.

Three to five years’ experience in a primary care setting; or a combination of community, hospital, or public health settings.

Experience supporting vulnerable and diverse populations and clients

Knowledge of healthy baby, child development, and holistic family care.

Understanding and knowledge of social determinants of health, harm reduction and health equity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong strengths-based planning and collaborative goal setting skills.

Experience with and understanding of strategies that support behaviour change with vulnerable individuals/families.

Ability to communicate in other languages is an asset.

Proficiency in the use of computers and relevant software applications (Microsoft Office), including Electronic Medical Record software (PS Suite preferred).

Awareness of, and ability to support, provincial and federal privacy regulations.

Experience working with Indigenous communities and familiarity with traditional Indigenous approaches to healthcare an asset.

Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences, resilience and the importance of building relationships with clients.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to engage marginalized clients, and a commitment to being a team player.

Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis and ability to meet the physical demands of the position.

Ability to work independently.

Other Requirements

Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check.

Reliable access to a vehicle in order to reach individuals in the community and in their homes.

Valid Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance as this is a requirement under KCHC’s insurance provider.

Ability to work after hours as required.

As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with  other staff and clients.

At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive.

We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC. Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all. 

KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.

Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4  www.KCHC.ca