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
- Provides onsite staffing, supervision, and support for the drop-in hot lunch program.
- Advocates on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.
- 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.
- Provides program intake, harm reduction, referral, advocacy, and a range of supportive counselling services.
- Conducts individual or group information sessions, and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required.
- Provides relevant information to other service providers, such as government and community based agencies and in medical and educational settings.
- Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within the Island Health Region.
- Maintains both paper and electronic confidential client files.
- Participates in regular supervision, staff meetings and staff development opportunities.
- 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.