We're Hiring! Positive Wellness Counsellor (Casual)

POSITION TITLE: Counsellor-Casual (on-call) 

DEPARTMENT: Positive Wellness Program 

SUPERVISIOR: Director of Programs 

BARGAINING UNIT: Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 

CLASSIFICATION: GRID 10 

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JOB SUMMARY 

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Programs, or designate, the Counsellor is responsible for the provision and delivery of direct services in our HIV/hepatitis C care and support programs. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES 

  1. Provides onsite staffing, supervision, and support for the drop-in hot lunch program. 
  2. Advocates on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support. 
  3. Provides advocacy to clients by performing duties such as writing letters, speaking with service providers, etc., in areas such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies. 
  4. Provides program intake, harm reduction, referral, advocacy, and a range of supportive counselling services. 
  5. Conducts individual or group information sessions, and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required. 
  6. Provides relevant information to other service providers, such as government and community based agencies and in medical and educational settings. 
  7. Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within the Island Health Region. 
  8. Maintains both paper and electronic confidential client files. 
  9. Participates in regular supervision, staff meetings and staff development opportunities. 
  10. Performs other duties as assigned 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

University degree in health or social services and 1 year experience working in social service delivery, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

SKILLS AND ABILITES 

  •  Demonstrated skills in individual advocacy; 
  •  Ability to utilize a variety of communication skills; verbal, written, electronic; 
  •  Ability to provide compassionate, supportive care to a diverse group of service users; 
  •  Demonstrated understanding of the issues surrounding communicable disease, substance use, mental health, poverty, homophobia, and stigma; 
  •  Demonstrated understanding of health promotion, harm reduction, and social justice models of social and health care; 
  •  Experience working in community based organizations; 
  •  Good organizational and time management skills; 
  •  Understanding and knowledge of the social, emotional, and physical impact of living with HIV and hepatitis C; 
  •  Demonstrated knowledge of local and provincial resources and programs, including financial aid systems, housing, and medical support; 
  •  Computer literacy. 

 

Application instructions: 

Please apply in writing with a resume and cover letter in one document directly to Kristen Kvakic, Director of Programs, at kristen.kvakic@avi.org

Posting closes at 4pm on Friday, March 31, 2017.