Company:
The John Howard Society of North Island
Qualifications & Experience:
A bachelor’s degree in social work or in a related human services field from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years specialized training or experience in the area of substance misuse, which should include:
• Experience working with high-risk youth in a counselling or other helping capacity
• Experience working with, and extensive knowledge of, substance use issues
• Remaining up to date in professional knowledge and practice
Counselling Skills
• Demonstrated ability to use counselling techniques and approaches, particularly knowledge and experience with brief and comprehensive substance use assessment, counselling, and treatment approaches.
• Knowledge and experience in maintaining confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and other basic counselling ethics.
• Understanding of trauma and its impact on youth and families.Demonstrated ability to work constructively and cooperatively in a team setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of and experience involving families, community partners, and other systems in case planning with youth.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, keeping case records.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, referral, screening, and case conferencing practices.
• Knowledge of community resources for youth and families.
Group Facilitation Skills
• Knowledge of, and experience with, planning and leading educational, counselling, or support groups.
Other Skills and Abilities
Counsellor must:
• Demonstrate awareness of cultural safety and an understanding of our client population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
• Have the ability to form a mutually respectful partnership with young people and families to support them to reach their goals.
• Accept clients’ right to self-determination and individuality and must not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or ancestry.
• Believe in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Recognize the value to a young person of having a nurturing family to grow up in.
• Have the ability to recognize persons with special needs, and adjust the way service is provided or make referrals as appropriate.
• Have basic computer and Internet skills.
Other Job Requirements
• The counsellor must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate client needs, groups, meetings, and crises.
• The counsellor must understand the values of family-centered services, and must have a commitment to young people's safety and family stability.
• The counsellor should be open to employing an outreach approach. This could include taking part in physical or outdoor activities.
Some driving is required to attend meetings, pick up a youth, or meet with clients in the community. The counsellor must have a valid driver's licence and safe, reliable, properly insured transportation (as per Society policy).
• Two completed, acceptable criminal record checks, one from the Ministry of Justice and one from the RCMP
• The counsellor will follow the Code of Ethics and Mission Statement of The John Howard Society of North Island. The counsellor will also abide by the relevant rules and regulations set out by the Vancouver Island Health Authority.