Counsellor

About the organization:

The John Howard Society of Victoria is a dynamic, innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Counsellor will play a vital role in guiding and supporting Veterans in the Program. As a Counsellor, you will be responsible for guiding and supporting veterans in our program, providing them with the necessary resources and assistance to improve their overall well-being. Your role will involve delivering counseling services, coordinating support programs, and advocating for veterans' needs within the organization and the community.

Provide Counseling Services:

• Conduct individual counseling sessions with veterans to assess their needs, identify challenges, offer crisis support, and develop personalized treatment plans.
• Carry a caseload of a number of veterans.
• Collaborate with the veteran and liase with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) with progress reports and case management and/or Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) Consultants to provide wrap around support.
• Offer emotional support, active listening, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address veterans’ mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, operational stress injuries, and substance abuse.
• Collaborate with veterans to establish goals and strategies for personal growth, resilience, and successful reintegration into civilian life as needed.
• Provide ongoing assessment of suicide risk, mental health stability, monitor any problematic substance or behavioral addictive concerns.

Coordinate Support Programs:

• Develop and implement support programs specifically designed to address the unique needs of veterans, such as group counseling sessions, peer support networks, and educational workshops.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure a comprehensive range of services is available to veterans, including housing assistance, employment support, education and training opportunities, and access to healthcare services.
• Monitor the progress of veterans participating in the program, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Assist in grant applications and writing proposals as needed.

Advocate for Veterans:

• Serve as a strong advocate for veterans by raising awareness of their challenges and needs within the organization, the community, and relevant government agencies.
• Collaborate with community organizations, veteran support groups, and government agencies to develop partnerships, share resources, and enhance services for veterans.
• Stay informed about current research, best practices, and policies related to veteran issues, and apply this knowledge to inform program development and service delivery.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of counseling sessions, treatment plans, and clinical notes in accordance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Prepare reports and statistical data on program outcomes, participant demographics, and present concerns.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work or related field. Master’s degree is preferred. 
• Trained in a number of evidence-based therapies that treat trauma such as, but not limited to EMDR, CPT, PE.

Skills and Abilities:·      

• Experience in developing effective treatment plans through interviews with veterans and families if applicable
• Experience writing assessments detailing social, psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues affecting veterans and maintain clinical records and reports.
• Utilize clinical assessments within scope of practice through client self-assessments and reports by other service providers to monitor progress.
• Ability to build rapport and establish relationships.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to facilitate psychoeducational, experiential and process group sessions and engage veterans in meaningful discussions.
• Strong assessment and case management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Cultural competence and ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge related to relevant issues regarding treatment for veterans in the areas of trauma, addiction, mental health, and traumatic brain injuries in ongoing professional development. Experience dealing with VAC an asset.
• Awareness of military culture and unique challenges that veterans face.

Work Expectations:

This job description provides an overview of the duties and responsibilities for this role but does not list every task within it; all tasks and job requirements will be within the framework and context of this job overview.  

Hours of work will be 20 hours per week, Mon to Fri and can vary between 8:00 and 16:00. Most tasks for this position are completed during the workweek, however occasional evening, weekend work may be required.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and meet the qualifications for this role, please apply through the portal. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The John Howard Society of Victoria is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.