Full Time Program Counsellor

Broadview Village has 40+ years of providing outstanding support to adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. We are currently hiring a Full-Time Program Counsellor. This position reports to the Program Supervisor and is currently assigned to work in the Toronto, Ontario (Glencairn Avenue & Lansdowne Avenue) . This is a full-time position and works 35 hours per week Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, flexible to meet program needs. Location and scheduling assignments may change based on organizational and programmatic needs.

The Program Counsellor will promote opportunities to develop job readiness skills, developing social skills (coping strategies, appropriate interactions and relationships, mindfulness), life skills (cooking, budgeting, laundry, self-care), and Community Participation Activities.

This position also requires someone who has a passion for and takes initiative in the creation and implementation of programming.  The capacity to work collaboratively within a team is required, as well as with a large number of stakeholders including: healthcare professionals, consultants, colleagues, community members, family members and friends. This position also requires a resilient direct support professional who is confident in navigating conflict, overcoming obstacles, and who is creative in providing support to individuals in crisis.

The Program Counsellor provides support to program participants within established policies and procedures including: Employment Standards, Salvation Army Accreditation, and Services & Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.

• Providing teaching and support to Program participants
• Facilitating programs that promote Community Inclusion and Employment
• Providing support for participants’ personal development including supporting the Journey of Change and using the Outcomes Star tool for person centered planning
• Implementing and following support protocols, behavior support plans
• Providing counselling and assisting in the development of smart goals
• Providing learning opportunities to participants
• Following and promoting the program philosophy
• Maintaining cleanliness of program/site
• Undertake caseload of approximately 15-20 participants
• Other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste
• Noise
• Dealing with angry and abusive people
• Handling garbage
• Verbal abuse
• Odours
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs. and apply effective body mechanics and meet the physical demands of the position

• Completed 2-3 year Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Diploma or other equivalent degree/diploma related to human services
• Valid and current Standard First Aid Certificate CPR Level C Certificate and use it in practice on a regular basis
• Ability to achieve Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certificate upon hire and use it in practice on a regular basis
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, an asset

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Preferred minimum 2-5 years’ experience working with people with developmental disabilities and preferably working with individuals who have a dual diagnosis of mental health challenges and developmental disabilities
• Experience with implementing and updating Individual Support Plans
• Medication administration experience preferred

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Understanding of the Bio-psycho-social model
• Understanding of Quality Behavioural Competencies
• Strong counselling/de-escalation skills required
• Proficient computer skills needed in Microsoft Office and email programs
• Ability to successfully complete all mandatory training as required by the agency
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening , completed no less than 2 months prior to date of hire
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.