Full Time Program Counsellor – more than 1 required

By becoming a staff member with The Salvation Army, you will:

• Enjoy a flexible schedule
• Work within an employee culture that values career development through succession planning, skills based training and internal mentorship.
• Maintain your health and well-being with a corporate membership discount to Goodlife Fitness
• Have access to various employer-paid training and tuition assistance programs
• Benefit from employee programs for short and long-term disability, RRSP contributions and employee and family assistance plans
• Be recognized for your valued contribution by our employee recognition and celebration programs
• Benefit from Leaders who have adopted the Servant Leadership model “we are here to support you”.
• Be a part of setting trends in a focused, highly collaborative and diverse work culture
• Take pride in making a meaningful and impactful difference the lives of those we serve
• Nurture a passion for working with vulnerable people
• “… love what you do and do what you love”

​​​​About the Role:

We are currently hiring Four (4) Full-Time Program Counsellors. This position reports to the Residential Manager and is currently assigned to work in the Glencairn, Ontario area. These are full-time positions that works 32 hours per week Friday to Monday rotating between 7 am – 3 pm and 3 pm – 11 pm, flexible to meet program 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.

• Act as a role model for the people we support as reflected by appearance, behaviour and attitude; act as advocate on individual’s behalf/facilitate self-advocacy to community supports
• Foster independence in daily living skills (supervising/teaching and assisting in meal prep, housekeeping, laundry)
• Provide support in personal development as decided through individual program planning (ISP)
• Know and respond to the safety and health care of the people we support
• Document and maintain records as required (data collection, medication administration)
• Administer medication an attend medical appointment as required
• Ensure learning opportunities are provided using agency and community resources
• Maintain effective communication
• Represent the program on committees and at other meetings as delegated by Residential Manager
• Attend and participate in program planning meetings and staff development training at the discretion of management
• Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of all relevant legislation associated with the program, and keep ethical and legal responsibilities with individuals we support and others associated with the agency

Perform other duties as required.

• Completed 2-3 years Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Diploma or other equivalent degree/diploma (PSW/CYW/SSW) and/or work experience related to human services
• Valid and current Standard First Aid Certificate CPR Level C Certificate
• Ability to achieve Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certificate upon hire
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Preferred minimum 6 months to 1-year 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 Individual Support Plans
• Experience in community outreach
• Medication administration experience preferred
• Proficient computer skills needed in Microsoft Office and email
• Driver’s license and clear driver’s abstract is required (rural property)

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Strong counselling/de-escalation skills required
• Proficient computer skills needed in Microsoft Office and email
• Driver’s license and clear driver’s abstract is required (rural property)
• 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
• 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

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all employees in Canada.  The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial/territorial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

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.