Job Posting

Community Therapeutic Counsellor

Full Time Contract Position (3 year duration)

Our Mission

The Alzheimer Society Peel exists to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; to help find the cause, prevention and cure.

Position Purpose

The Community Services Counsellor provides confidential emotional support and guidance related to dementia and other challenges clients experience. Clients are referred to Alzheimer Society Peel through the First Link pathway and fall under the the Central West and Mississauga region, possibly expanded catchment area as dictated by the changing healthcare and political landscape.

The role focuses on enhancing emotional well-being, building coping strategies and strengthening relationships through person-centered and evidence-informed counseling approaches to Carepartners and persons living with Dementia.

This role is available as a result of our successful application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant.

What you will be doing:

• Provide individual and didactic counseling to persons living with dementia and their Care Partners
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized care plans.
• Contribute to program development, support group development and other carepartner support initiatives as identified.
• Prepares Group presentations / topics for discussion in conjunction with direct supervisor to reflect / address client needs. Schedules events.
• Facilitates group discussions, services, sets up meeting rooms, prepares and provides printed resources.
• Mentors & trains students as requested.
• Prepares and maintains monthly statistical reports for review and use by ASP through the ACORN database.
• Builds relationships with other support service agencies to promote knowledge / access to services via phone or in-person meetings.
• Provides technical knowledge and support for special projects and ad hoc assignments to support overall continuous quality of services provided by ASP.

What we are looking for:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or a related field
• Registration with relevant regulatory body
• 5-6 years minimum experience in a support and advocacy role in a non-profit setting
• Experience supporting Care Partners and families impacted by dementia
• Experience in dementia care, geriatrics or neurocognitive disorders
• Strong understanding of a Person Centered and Family System approach
• Training in evidence-based modalities including; CBT ACT, Narrative Therapy and Grief Counseling
• Well organized self-starter who can multi-task and discern priorities.
• Excellent inter-personal communication and crisis management skills
• Skills in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and database experience.
• A vehicle is necessary for this role, or proven demonstration of using alternative transportation.
• Travel distance with a catchment area of Peel and Halton, with estimated travel of up to 75-100km a day (eligible for mileage reimbursement according to ASP Policy)

This is a full-time, hybrid position (ie: remote and in office / community), 35.0 hours per week, with some occasional evening and weekend work. Staff are expected to flex their schedule to accommodate client/program needs, while staying within the 35.0 hour work week.

What you bring:

• Strong clear communication skills with the ability to use tact and concern for privacy/confidentiality when discussing client issues with Care Partners, other concerned parties.
• Ability to facilitate group presentations; share information; manage time/resources allotted to group meetings; confer with Senior Management/staff on issues of conflict/concern.
• A collaboratively working style with fellow staff/management to exchange information/ techniques to improve quality of services. Actively works with team clients in meeting daily goals.
• Brings new ideas for program improvements to management for both role and advocacy in the community.
• Ability to work efficiently with others, while also contributing on an individual level
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Dependability with a strong work ethic
• Commitment to fulfilling this entire 3 year contract. Note: The individual in this role will not be eligible to apply for open internal ASP positions until the last six (6) months of this contract; with a start date no earlier than the end date of this contract.

What we offer:

• RRSP with company match (for those who qualify)
• Professional Development through innovative Educational Opportunities
• Annual Education Reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement at $0.50/km
• Employee Recognition and Discount Programs
• Complete insurance coverage-medical, dental, vision, life insurance (for those who qualify)