Mental Health/Crisis Counsellor (ALP)

Position Title:  Mental Health/Crisis Counsellor

Reporting to: Advanced Leadership Program Manager

Working Hours: This is a full time temporary contract position until March 31, 2025 with the possibility of extension pending funding approval. (35 hours/week). This position requires in person work from the office 5 days a week.

Hourly rate: $31.00

Work location: 128a Sterling Road, Toronto, ON, M6R 2B7

Application Deadline: April 29th, 2024

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mental Health/Crisis Counselor will provide short-term crisis counselling support and intervention to our clients experiencing emotional distress and/or are in crisis situations. NEW will assist newcomer clients with strengthening their coping skills, making referrals to community mental health resources. The incumbent will provide holistic mental health support for asylum claimants and newcomers through individual one-on-one and/or group therapy to clients who are experiencing emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or violence. The incumbent will assist clients with uncovering underlying mental health issues, replacing maladaptive coping skills with more constructive coping skills, building self-confidence, fostering and promoting self-sufficiency in clients’ daily living activities and making referrals to community mental health resources. The incumbent is responsible for providing recovery-focused supports to clients in the following areas: psychosocial assessment, planning and treatment, care coordination, referral, monitoring and evaluation. In addition, the successful candidate would be responsible for conducting therapeutic support groups and information sessions for newcomer clients. The candidate must be fluent in English and other language skills would be an asset. Required to be registered with a counseling or social work college. 

ABOUT NEWCOMER WOMEN’S SERVICES TORONTO:

The Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) is an award winning not-for-profit charity organization that was founded by a group of Latin American refugees in 1983 with a vision of strong women building strong communities. A multi-service agency with operations in three Toronto locations serving 6000+ Immigrants and Refugees annually. The agency was awarded a Non-profit Employer of Choice Award in 2020! The Canadian Non-profit Employer of Choice™ Awards (NEOC) recognizes organizations across Canada that have committed themselves to better business management practices to achieve their mission. With almost 40 years of operations, NEW has been providing settlement, employment, youth programs and services, as well as English language training for newcomers and immigrants. NEW also delivers special programs focused on immigrant women empowerment, leadership and skills development, and mentorship and career advancement for immigrant and refugee women.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • .Conduct comprehensive intakes and psychosocial assessments with an awareness of and comfort level in assessing clients who present with suicidality, self-harm, or who pose other safety risks.

  • Develop collaboratively with the client counseling goals and desired outcomes. Provide brief counseling and make referrals as per the clients’ needs to appropriate clinical and community support services.

  • Document sessions and counselling activities to the standards of counseling/social work discipline and within the requirements of funders and organizational policies and guidelines.

  • Provide regular statistical reporting as required.

  • Facilitate newcomer women support groups.

  • Liaise with families and friends, mental health specialists, police, emergency service personnel, and facilities to assist individuals requiring acute care admission under the Mental Health Act.

  • Maintain confidentiality, program targets, and proper documentation as per the agency’s policies, procedures, standards and all applicable legislations.

  • Provide information and strategies for health and mental health promotion and crisis prevention.

  • Respond to and provide on-site crisis assessments, intervention and support to clients

    experiencing a mental health crisis.

  • Provide brief counseling and referrals for clients experiencing a mental health crisis.

  • Facilitate group information sessions and awareness workshops on mental health, coping strategies, and developing resilience.

  • Liaise with families and friends, mental health specialists, police, emergency service personnel, and facilities to assist individuals requiring acute care admission.

TEAM CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS:

  • Committed to the contribution toward program targets and outcomes as defined by the funders upholding organization’s mission/vision

  • Participate in training of new staff, practicum students and volunteers as required

  • Attend workshops and training as recommended by NEW

  • Take an active role in the upkeep of staff areas and offices

  • Participate on committees as needed

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS :

  • University degree relevant to mental health & counselling is required

  • At least three-years recent related experience in formal counselling work

  • Registered with a counseling or social work college

  • Demonstrated assessment, crisis intervention and de-escalation skills

  • A strong commitment to, and knowledge of, recovery principles, harm reduction approach and anti-oppressive practice.

  • Demonstrated understanding and sensitivity to social and cultural diversity.

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply discipline specific principles and practices to individuals who live with a serious mental illness and/or addiction issue, within a client-centered approach.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in assessment, engagement, and case management.

  • Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects.

  • Knowledge of mental health and addiction resources, social services networks and organizations in Toronto.

  • Demonstrated advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to effectively utilize community resources and supports to meet the needs of clients.

  • Anticipates client difficulties or crises and applies crisis theory during these situations as appropriate.

  • Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment.

  • Flexible to work evenings or weekends if and when required.

  • Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required

  • Vulnerable Sector Background Check / Clearance is required.

  • Training in CPR, First Aid and ASIST is an asset.

Start Date: as soon as possible

Please note All new hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a mandatory condition of employment, subject to exemption under the Human Rights Code.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, challenging work environment and wants to join a diverse and collaborative team, this could be the position for you. Please submit a cover letter and resume by 11:59 PM April 29th, 2024 to hr@newcomerwomen.org and quote "Mental Health Counsellor”, in the subject line.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Kinjal Desai