Responsibilities

Counselors provide a variety of supports for people with intellectual disabilities and long-term mental health challenges. Counselors are responsible to the Community Manager for all aspects of program development, implementation and evaluation, the supervision, and the daily support of the participants, and, for the maintenance of their well being.

1. Assist participants to learn and develop skills. Develop, write, implement and evaluate individual support plans, in consultation with the participants, and, under the supervision of the Community Manager. Complete assessments, support plans and other reports as needed.
2. Maintain supportive, professional relationships with participants that are appropriate and promotes independence. Develop and maintain effective relationships with participants families, volunteers, community, and other service groups. Assist participants to learn social skills.
3. Support the dispensing of medications as ordered by the Physician, or, where appropriate, assist, teach or monitor participants in self administration of medication and recording of same. Support or supervise any treatments ordered by the Physician, and, as directed by the Shift Supervisor.
4. Assist and instruct participants to learn nutritional menu planning, meal preparation and grocery shopping. Supervise, assist or do food preparation, as appropriate. Follow special dietary requirements as directed by consulting Dietician.
5. Maintain household cleanliness and safety. Assist, supervise and instruct participants to assume responsibility for keeping their apartments safe and clean. The degree of assistance provided will vary depending on the situation and skill level of the participant.
6. Report items that require maintenance, repair or replacement to Community Manager, describe in maintenance notebook, or report to Shift Supervisor, as appropriate. Ensure that safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, is in good operating condition.
7. Participate and/or assist in recreational events, in house and in community.
8. Transport participants to activities and events as required, with mileage payable at prevailing rates.
9. Assist participants to prepare for more independent living arrangements, when this is an established goal.
10. Ensure sufficient supplies and petty cash are available. Keep accurate written records of expenditures.
11. Assist participants to learn money management and budgeting skills. Keep accurate written records.
12. Must demonstrate good interpersonal communication skills
13. Must be flexible in dealing with changing situations, supports and needs of participants.
14. Must be a positive role model for participants, demonstrating respect, and, providing advocacy as needed
15. This is a position of trust in which most work is performed under indirect supervision.
16. Personal integrity, initiative and good judgment are required.
17. The ability to cooperate with other staff and work harmoniously as a member of a team is essential
18. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma
• Successful completion of the Disability Supports and Services 2 year diploma program and / or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Attainment of Core competencies as per Provincial standard for Rehabilitative Care Workers
• Current Crisis Prevention Intervention certificate
• Certification in Standard First Aid
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Recent related job experience, including the development and implementation of individual support plans
• Good oral and written communication skills; ability to write clear reports and programs, and, maintain accurate charts and records

Reporting to the Community Manager, the Small Options Counselor (SOC) must have a sound knowledge of and be able to practice the principles of normalization. Empathy with participants, warmth, patience, imagination, teaching ability, creativity, and, a positive approach toward community integration, are all important requirements.

Must be willing to attend in service education, seminars, workshops, other educational events, and participate in team meetings. A good understanding of WHMIS, safe food handling, and, Occupational Health and Safety regulations are definite assets. Much of the work is in the community residence, but there will be some outdoor activities and events. The successful candidate must be willing to travel for remuneration and provide a satisfactory Driver's Abstract.