Children and Youth Counsellor

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting directly to the Wellness Manager, the Children & Youth Counsellor will participate in a collaborative model to support children, youth, and their families as they deal with disruptive life issues by promoting healthy lifestyles and choices. The Children & Youth Counsellor will provide confidential therapeutic care, psychoeducation, and support services to individuals, families, and the community with the goal of enhancing the behavioural, emotional, and social growth of children and youth. In a common model, the Children & Youth Counsellor will have primary responsibility for providing children and youth wellness services and will consult, collaborate, and integrate services with schools and other WFN and community service programs, in collaboration with families, as applicable.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• B.A. Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, and/or in a field related to the growth and development of children, youth and families
• Minimum three (3) years counselling experience working with children, youth and families
• Demonstrated understanding and experience working with First Nations children and within a First Nations community
• Certification and/or Registration with a recognized and/or accredited association
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered

REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Record Check with vulnerable Sectors Search with results acceptable to WFN
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and acceptable driver’s abstract with access to a reliable vehicle
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILTIES

• Establishes, develops and maintains safe and trusting therapeutic relationships with children and youth
• Counsels children and youth by initiating the therapeutic relationship, conducting interviews to identify, understand and address areas of concern
• Develops, implements and tracks progress of individual treatment plans and family goal plans
• Plans, prepares, and conducts group, family and/or individual counselling sessions
• Supports the development of trauma-informed, culturally appropriate and evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs related to FASD, ASD, Learning Disabilities etc.
• Works collaboratively across WFN departments to provide and participate in recreational activities designed to meet the needs, capabilities, and interests of children and youth; encourages and supports children and youth's attendance in school or alternative programs and outreach services
• Acts a role model with positive and effective social and interpersonal skills through tasks of daily living and social activities
• Prepares and maintains accurate and professional files and records regarding case histories, assessments, services provided, and follow up with court reports as required
• Maintains and complies with program policies, procedures, and reporting as required
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of internal/ external community resources
• Provides capacity building via liaison, psychoeducation, and advocacy to other professionals, agencies, and the WFN community
• Participates in an integrated manner of care that incorporates Indigenous practice framework
• Participates in the development and delivery of Westbank First Nation special events and activities and other related duties as required
• Participates in internal/ external working committees as required
• May provide witness testimony in court proceedings
• Performs other administrative duties, as required
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Westbank First Nation policies, standards and procedures, and as directed by the Clinical Care Supervisor
• Maintains confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the WFN and the clients

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficient in therapeutic play approaches, Play Therapy Certification preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including exceptional listening skills
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management and prioritization
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and relationship building skills
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of First Nations culture and history
• Solid understanding of traditional and historical First Nations family systems context
• Working knowledge and understanding of child development
• Solid understanding of family centred and relationship-based care including group dynamics
• Knowledge of Trauma, Grief, Addictions, Family Therapy, CBT, Mindfulness, Somatic Body Work Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Expressive Art modalities preferred
• Ability to engage and motivate children and families
• Ability to adapt and change direction as required
• Ability to maintain a positive and supportive attitude while attending to sometimes difficult and undesirable situations
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children ages +2 years and their families
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs, activities, and services
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team as well as independently
• Moderate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Outlook
• Effective file management and administrative skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, such as evenings and weekends when necessary