JOB DESCRIPTION
Counsellor – Child and Adolescent Counselling
Job Description #
9007
Date Issued:
May 17, 2005
Date Revised:
January 31, 2006
Page 1 of 3
POSITION TITLE:
Counsellor – Child and Adolescent Counselling
STREAM:
Clinical Counselling Services
REPORTING TO:
Manager, Clinical Counselling Services
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Master of Social Work, or M.A. plus two (2) or more years of professional experience
in children's mental health or related field preferred or B.S.W. / B.A. in a related field
plus five (5) or more years professional experience.
Registration with College of Social Workers is required.
Thorough knowledge of, and demonstrated competency in strength-based,
cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive evidence-based therapy models as
related to clients with internalizing issues is required.
Ability to work effectively with children, adolescents and families with complex
needs.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships among members of an
inter-disciplinary team.
Skilled in the development of comprehensive assessment and treatment plans,
incorporating child/family and other community agents (school, physicians, collateral
agencies, etc), identified needs strengths, resources and goals.
Thorough knowledge of child and family development (cognitive, social, physical and
affective).
Knowledge of pertinent legislation, such as, The Child and Family Services Act, The
Education Act, the Mental Health Act of Ontario, Personal Health Information
Protection Act, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Proficiency with computers, especially Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint,
and data MIS.
Possession of a valid Ontario Driver’s License (minimum of Class G2 if over the
age of 19, and Class G license if 19 and under), ability to travel, and use of a
personal vehicle.
Availability to work flexible hours including evenings /occasional weekends and
on-call work may be required.
Ability to provide services in both official languages (English/French) is an asset.
AFS Job Description # 9007
Job Description Title: Counsellor – Child and Adolescent Counselling
Date Issued: May 17, 2005
Date Revised: January 31, 2006
Page 2 of 3
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
To provide treatment and counselling services to clients who present with internalizing
disorders based on elevations of the BCFPI at Intake. Services will be provided using
cognitive behavioural therapy and cognitive evidence-based therapy models.
MODEL OF SERVICE:
The service model will utilize cognitive behavioural therapy and cognitive evidence-based
therapy models with a strengths based approach. The level of impact on daily functioning
and the duration, frequency, and severity of the symptoms, as well as the presence of
natural supports will determine the length of services provided for the client. The level of
services will include a range of brief, medium and long-term therapy specifically designed to
lessen the level of impact on daily functioning, and according to consequent response to
treatment interventions. The model will include counselling interventions in office-based
and community-based sites (e.g. schools, home, physician’s office) with varying frequency
based on need. Individual, family and group oriented services will be provided where
applicable. Services will include the development of community supports for youth who
require additional assistance to augment the counselling process.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide cognitive behavioural and cognitive evidence-based therapeutic
intervention services for children, youth, and families who present with
internalizing disorders as determined by the BCFPI.
2. Develop and implement intervention and treatment plans that optimize client
progress, identify benchmark indicators for change, and follow timelines for
service completion in relation to the indicators identified.
3. Participate in ongoing reviews of treatment plans, and services, and facilitate
follow up and discharge services when applicable.
4. Work in cooperation with the case manager and other clinicians assigned to
ensure that client information is shared and that the case plan is coordinated and
supported in a timely and efficient manner.
5. To complete clinical intake, assessment, intervention, case reporting, discharge
and follow-up procedures in accordance with established policies and
procedures. Ensure the daily reports, clinical recording, statistical information,
and other administrative requirements are accurately and promptly completed
and communicated to the appropriate sources.
6. Provide individual, family and group services where applicable.
AFS Job Description # 9007
Job Description Title: Counsellor – Child and Adolescent Counselling
Date Issued: May 17, 2005
Date Revised: January 31, 2006
Page 3 of 3
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES cont’d:
7. To be prepared to conduct clinical interventions outside the formal office
environment, that is, within the hospital setting, client homes, schools, medicl
clinics, etc.
8. To participate in program evaluation in accordance with established policies and
procedures.
9. To interpret the AFS services system to clients, collateral agency representatives,
and the community at large.
10. To follow the principles of matrix management in communicating service
issues/concerns relating to other AFS service streams to the appropriate AFS
Managers.
11. Participate in professional development on a personal and team basis in
consultation with the Manager, Clinical Counselling Services.
12. To assume other responsibilities as assigned from time-to-time by the Manager,
Clinical Counselling Services.