Social Worker/Counsellor

Allianceon; Smiths Falls; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Rideau Community Health Services (RCHS) is seeking a Social Worker/Counsellor to join an interdisciplinary team in providing counselling and psycho-educational groups for diverse populations across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties.

The role emphasizes equity, community collaboration and using various therapy modalities, with attention to confidentiality and professional standards. The position supports flexible hours and community-based care.

Qualifications

• Three to five years counselling/therapy experience, preferably in a community-based human service organization.
• Solid knowledge of mental health and addictions issues.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of community resources relating to social determinants of health.
• Knowledge and proficiency in current assessment and evidence-based psychosocial counselling techniques including risk assessments and interventions.
• Experience and comfort working with a diverse and at-risk population.
• Experience and comfort using a harm reduction approach.
• Strong judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries professionally.

Responsibilities

• Provide strength-based brief psychosocial counselling to individuals and groups in-person or remotely.
• Act as client advocate ensuring access to community supports and services.
• Liaise with staff and community partners.
• Maintain client records and assessment notes.
• Contribute to developing new programs and resources.
• Supervise or train social work students on placement.
• Ensure comprehensive treatment and refer to additional supports as needed.

Skills

Counselling experience

Therapy skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Crisis intervention

Harm reduction

Communication skills

Bilingual (asset)

Education

BSW or equivalent

Regulatory College registration

Tools

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Compensation Amount / Range

$68,200 - $81,800 annually (prorate to fte) or $37.47-$44.95 hourly

Existing Vacancy

☒Yes ☐ No

Is Artificial Intelligence used for screening or assessment of candidates

☐Yes ☒ No

Rideau Community Health Services (RCHS) is a non-profit, community-governed health and social service agency that provides comprehensive primary care, health promotion and community development services.Working with partners to provide integrated health and wellness services for various communities throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties.

SUMMARY:

As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker/Counsellor is responsible for providing a range of services including individual counsellingand facilitating psycho-educational groups for clients.The Social Worker/Counsellor will collaborate and advocate with partners, community agencies and will have a strong understanding of equity as well as experience in working with diverse populations including low-income communities, people living with chronic health and/or mental health issues, addiction struggles, older adults, culturally diverse, LGBTQ+ and others.With a generalist approach, the Social Worker/Counsellor will show competency and comfort in using various modalities of therapy.

REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES:

• Maximize the functioning, independence, and resilience of clients by providing strength-based brief psychosocial counselling to individuals and groups in-person or remotely as needed.
• Act as a client advocate ensuring that clients receive community supports, health, social and recreational services.
• Liaise with RCHS staff and community partners.
• Ensure appropriate treatment is delivered by maintaining proper client records and assessment notes.
• Contribute to developing new programs by identifying, recommending, and developing resources and materials and by participating in delivery of programs.
• Train social work students on placement at the Centre as appropriate.
• Ensure comprehensive treatment for patients by providing individual counselling and, when necessary, referring them to additional or alternative supports
• Focus on those clients without benefit coverage or income which allows access to fee for service counselling services
• Ensure high standard of accountability by maintaining client records, assessment notes and correspondence within the safeguard of confidentiality and by College standards
• Participate in advocacy and social action initiatives that support a high quality of life for clients and community

Participate in case conferences as required.

• Provide mental health consultations and information to CHC staff as well as partner agency staff.

COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk.
• Work in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health.
• Incorporate and strengthen collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Respect and value the diversity of communities and individuals.
• Maintain competence and professional license to practice.
• Support the student and volunteer placement programs.
• Promote awareness of and participates in RCHS activities.
• Contribute to the work by participating in meetings and committees.
• Work both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by RCHS.
• Contribute to the RCHS’ practices of hiring, orienting, training and mentoring staff.
• Contribute to the efforts to secure and maximize resources for current and new programs, services, and activities.
• Participate in the efforts to enhance capacity through staff development.
• Support and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control protocols.

OTHER:

• Ability to work flexible hours based on program needs
• Valid Driver’s license and vehicle to travel between RCHS locations as needed.
• Canadian criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check that are satisfactory to RCHS

BSW or equivalent combination of education and work experienceand current registration with a Regulatory College.

• Three to five years counselling/therapy experience, preferably in a community-based human service organization.
• Solid knowledge of mental health and addictions issues.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of community resources relating to social determinants of health.
• Knowledge and proficiency in current assessment and evidence-based psychosocial counselling techniques including risk assessments and interventions.
• Experience and comfort working with a diverse and at-risk population.
• Experience and comfort using a harm reduction approach.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability and comfort with setting and maintaining boundaries in a respectful manner.
• Ability to assess situations and respond appropriately and with urgency as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with crises.

Passion for equitable access to care and ability to inspire others to make change to improve outcomes for persons with complex care needs.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with health care providers and other stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills and experience working in an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong computer skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate in both official languages considered an asset.
• Work/Life Balance and Supportive Culture