CLOSED Job Posting: Courtenay/Campbell River Casual Counsellor Position

POSITION TITLE: Counsellor- Casual on call

DEPARTMENT: Positive Wellness Program

SUPERVISIOR: Program Manager

BARGAINING UNIT: Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association

CLASSIFICATION: Advocate – GRID 10
($20.11 per hour + 10.2% in lieu of benefits)

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JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, or designate, the Counsellor is responsible for the provision and delivery of direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Central and North Island.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

1. Advocates on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.

2. Provides advocacy to clients by performing duties such as speaking on their behalf in areas such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies.

3. Provides intake and assessment, brief counselling, crisis counselling, harm reduction counselling, advocacy, and referral.

4. Conducts individual or group information sessions, and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required.

5. Provides onsite supervision, support and continues to develop the client drop-in program.

6. Provides information to other service providers, such as government and community based agencies, medical and educational settings on HIV/AIDS and its effect on the provision of services.

7. Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within the Central Vancouver 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, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITES

• Demonstrated knowledge of private and public financial aid systems.
• Demonstrated skills in individual advocacy.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the issues surrounding addiction, mental illness and communicable diseases.
• Demonstrated understanding of health promotion, harm reduction, and empowerment models of social and health care.
• Experience working in community based organizations;
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Understanding and knowledge of the social and physical impact of living with HIV/AIDS.

Please submit resume and cover letter to Kristen Kvakic, Program Manager, at kristen.kvakic(at)avi.org

Closing date is 4pm, Friday, January 15th, 2010.

Interviews to be held the following week in Courtenay office of AIDS Vancouver Island. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.