POSITION SUMMARY:

Screen, assess and refer culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals for appropriate Mental Health Services. Provide ongoing client therapy and counselling to culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals. Provide education and training to agencies and professionals regarding Mental Health and Deafness issues.

NOTE:  Although this position focuses primarily on intake services, there is an expectation that from time to time the Intake Counsellor will also provide mental health counselling services as directed.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

•    Accept referrals and screen clients, by walk in or phone referral, in order to assess feasibility and eligibility for CONNECT - Canadian Hearing Society client services
•    Provide intake assessment and participate in intake meetings and work with clients as assigned
•    Provide short term consultation and counselling to consumers during provision of intake process
•    Initiate appointments for eligible clients
•    Refer ineligible clients to other community resources and appropriate professionals
•    Provide follow-up with clients in relation to status for services and provide interim support as required
•    Interview and assess clients’ overall mental, emotional and physical needs
•    Provide in depth psychosocial assessments related to mental health issues
•    Prepare and provide short and long range plans in relation to specific client requirements based on psychosocial needs, psychiatric needs and family needs etc.
•    Provide intervention services for clients in crisis and facilitate process for resolving difficult situations
•    Provide ongoing confidential mental health therapy and counselling using various theoretical frameworks in relation to individual client needs
•    Provide family therapy and couple counselling to clients in need by means of office contacts or home visits
•    Provide information and education to clients and other agencies and professionals about CHS services and relevant policies and procedures
•    Liaise and act as resource for other counsellors, agencies and services in relation to confidential client information
•    Provide a high level of confidential services due to the nature of the deaf community and mental health issues
•    Provide special assistance for clients in need, when required
•    Assist clients in development of social skills and life skills
•    Provide on going research and maintain information on community resources, government programs etc.
•    Refer clients to and consult with, other agencies or services as required by client needs
•    Initiate, facilitate and maintain support and other groups
•    Provide client case management and crisis intervention in relation to support and development of primary needs
•    Provide appropriate back up assistance in the absence of other staff
•    Receive and participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis
•    Provide training and supervision for students in direct service activities
•    Liaise with professionals/instructors in relation to student progress and activities
•    Provide reports on performance as required
•    Provide direct counselling services as required
•    Other duties as assigned

Administration:

•    Initiate, maintain and update accurate client referral reports, case notes, files, assessment forms and other information as required by CHS/government policies and procedures
•    Initiate and follow up on correspondence and phone calls from clients, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
•    Maintain intake records as required
•    Maintain internal (CHS) statistics and external biannual statistics/reports
•    Maintain and provide summary client services reports when required
•    Take leadership role with organizing team meetings (including presenting client intakes for team discussion and arranging in-service training with external agencies)
•    Maintain accurate intake log book for information and statistical purposes
•    Using client database, update client activity and files on a regular basis
•    Research, develop and prepare materials related to clinical client intervention and services
•    Provide administrative information in accordance with government policies E.g.: Freedom of Information Act
•    Prepare and follow up on correspondence with clients, community members, referral sources and government contacts
•    Maintain accurate clinical records including, but not limited to intake reports, consent forms, progress notes, client assessment reports, referral reports and client files as required by CHS, government and professional policies and procedures
•    Maintain accurate statistics on clinical consultations provided and received, community education and training provided, and prepare summary reports as requested
•    Maintain and provide summary mental health services reports
•    Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

•    Provide cultural sensitivity training and orientation to mental health professionals on hearing loss and mental health/substance abuse
•    Liaise with and serve as a resource for mental health professionals and agencies with regard to information on hearing loss and mental health/substance abuse
•    Advocate for accessibility and accommodations
•    Provide information and education to clients, agencies and professionals about CHS Mental Health Services Program and relevant policies and procedures
•    Co-ordinate information and participate in relevant workshops, seminars and conferences including the Deaf Outreach Project, American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association
•    Participate in local community projects and campaigns including United Way and May Month activities
•    Promote specialized mental health services through newsletters, journals and external networks including the Canadian Mental Health and Addictions Association
•    Assist in the preparation, promotion and implementation of community workshops or forums as required e.g. budgeting and tax clinics

Professional Development:

•    Participate in and/or attend conferences, seminars, workshops etc and apply new learning to practice
•    Maintain professional membership/affiliation and keep abreast of research issues and trends related to the delivery of mental health services e.g. Canadian Counselling Association, Ontario Association of Social Workers, Canadian Marriage and Family Therapy Association, etc.
•    Maintain active participation in professional organizations related to the field of deafness and disseminate information to mental health team, e.g. Ontario Council on Deafness and Mental Health Issues, ADARA
•    Attend internal staff meetings
•    Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
•    Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency
•    Participate in and provide professional development to the CONNECT team as required
•    Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency requirement for the position (Advanced-Plus)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

•    Reports to Manager, CONNECT Counselling and General Support Services, Toronto Region

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counselling, or equivalent
•    Three to five years related experience
•    Clinical experience with an adult psychiatric population
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet
•    Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL)
•    Experience in working with community resources making presentations
•    Demonstrated excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
•    Demonstrated creativity and flexibility
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
•    Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment
•    Occasional travel as required e.g. meetings, training, etc.