Edge Mental Health Counselor

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia has been actively serving our communities since 1950. Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with community members, government, and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.

EDGE is a youth-focused (ages 18-26), Africentric employability program delivered in New Glasgow, NS. EDGE will be expanding its reach within Pictou County and into Antigonish County through program activities delivered in-person and virtually. The primary role of the Mental Health Counselor is to work collaboratively with other team members to support participants with a range of challenges, including difficult family relationships, grief and loss, peer conflict and bullying, coping with emotions, low self-esteem, anxiety about employment, histories of abuse and trauma, discrimination and poverty. The position is responsible for providing individual and group interventions with a focus on Mental Health and wellness.

We encourage applications from community members of diverse backgrounds, including individuals of the BIPOC Community (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and the LGBTQ2S+Community. We encourage applicants to self‐identify.

JHSNS values first voice, including lived experience with the criminal justice system. A criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from qualifying for the role. We encourage those with lived experience to apply.

Position & General Accountability: The EDGE - Mental Health Counselor reports to the Programs Team Lead. The EDGE - Mental Health Counselor will:

• Be guided in their work by critical reflection through a social justice lens and goals of improving wellness, resilience and connectedness among participants.
• Employ a lens that is person-centred, Africentric and trauma-informed to help participants identify and navigate Mental Health stressors while building positive support networks.
• Form meaningful therapeutic, collegial and community partner relationships. Advocate with and for participants when they are up against social inequities within complex systems, considering a scope of the Social Determinants of Health.
• Work in close coordination and collaboration with other EDGE and JHSNS Team members. Support advancement and achievement of target outcomes.
• Remain committed to continuous learning for personal and professional development.
• Provide community leadership with cultural humility/competency for working with clients.

Position Type: Permanent full time, upon completion of probationary period

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Terms of Employment:

• Regular schedule is 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Some exceptions may apply and flexibility with hours is necessary.
• Rate of pay $63,700-$69,160 annually (depending on level of experience and education) with leave entitlements, enrollment in group benefits after three months, eligible to enroll in matched RRSP after 12 months.
• Annual training and professional development allowance.

Location:

The position is based out of the EDGE office at 534 B E River Rd, New Glasgow. Staff are required to work on site.

Working Conditions:

• The position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with others.
• The position is fast-paced and demanding, requiring initiative, creativity and significant mental effort to analyze information, problem solve and support people.
• The equipment and resources necessary for carrying out your work will be supplied (ex: computer, telephone, stationery supplies, etc.), according to regular standards of work within JHSNS. If you require accommodations, please discuss with your supervisors.
• Services will be delivered in a combination of in-person and remote means (phone, virtually, etc.)

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

This list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, rather it provides a general overview. The EDGE Mental Health Counselor will:

• Develop and deliver a range of Mental Health supports and counselling interventions appropriate for individual and group settings. This will include early-intervention (pre-program) and aftercare phases of youth engagement with EDGE. Utilize evidence based therapeutic modalities such as CBT, ACT, solutions focused approaches, trauma intervention and/or narrative therapy.
• Keep current, clear and accurate records (i.e. support plans, case notes, documentation for client files, program case logs, etc.). Includes follow-up with clients and agencies as needed to document use/success of referrals and other interventions.
• Engage in reporting and record keeping responsibilities as it relates to internal and external reporting requirements (i.e. monthly reporting, LaMPSS Service Registration and Activity Reports).
• Take the lead in establishing and maintaining EDGE as an inclusive, welcoming and trauma-informed place and program that promotes youth empowerment. Provide support, coaching and mentorship to other team members as well as participants.
• Take a person-centred approach to their work while working through an Africentric lens with clients.
• Collaborate with DCS to address individual participants’ unique needs, as identified through needs assessment.
• Maintain positive and supportive relationships with participants and support participants through incidents or crises in their lives. Work collaboratively with other staff to provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.
• As a shared responsibility among staff, support and/or engage in:

1) Project promotion, participant recruitment efforts and intake assessment

2) Support participant support plan development and goal setting, including external referrals and systems navigation where appropriate.

3) Community networking and collaborative partnerships.

• Work within the scope of their role, of JHSNS as a service provider, and follow safety and security protocols and procedures.
• Ensure that their conduct is professional, collaborative and represents JHSNS in a positive image.
• May engage in the support, supervision and evaluation of student placements.

Travel:

This position requires regular travel throughout Pictou County and Antigonish County, and periodic travel provincially. Approved travel for work purposes is compensated at standard JHSNS mileage rate. At times the Mental Health Counselor may be required to transport clients for matters relating to their support plan.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Required: Proof of education and professional registration for clinical counselling (ex: Master of Social Work, Masters of Education in Counselling, Master of Arts in Counselling, Registered Counselling Therapist, etc.).
• Required: Registration with appropriate provincial regulatory body (ex: Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, etc.). Candidates who are not yet registered but are eligible for registration or in candidacy status but not yet fully registered, they may be considered.
• Required: Must provide a satisfactory Drivers Abstract and a valid driver’s license. Must have a reliable personal vehicle and be able to obtain liability insurance (minimum $2 Million) coverage.
• Required: Must complete and submit a valid and acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. A criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from qualifying for the role.
• Required: Must complete and submit a valid Child Abuse Registry Check.
• Required: Demonstrated experience in Mental Health support role(s), with understanding of intersectionality and systems engagement across the Social Determinants of Health (examples: education, health care, correctional services, social services, housing, etc.)
• Required: Previous experience in conducting needs assessments, case management processes (including record keeping), developing support plans and report writing.
• Required: Commitment to continuous learning (personal and professional development).
• Required: Comfortable working with computers, navigating the internet, and information technology.
• Asset: Experience working with diverse populations in a support role.
• Asset: Understanding of the Nguzo Saba Principles and able to work through an Africentric lens.

Competencies & Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with individual and group counselling and wellness plans, an understanding of various acute and chronic Mental Health challenges.
• Subject matter expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with marginalized individuals and/or communities, particularly aged 16-30.
• Utilize a harm-reduction and low-barriers approach to service delivery.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Communicates effectively with individuals who experience Mental Health difficulties; communicates effectively with other JHSNS personnel and community/government partners.
• High degree of cultural competency/humility.
• Able to set and maintain firm boundaries in client, service provider relationship.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to make recommendations and decisions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to work in a fast‐paced environment and adapt to change efficiently and effectively. Able to work effectively across multiple locations.
• Works efficiently as a team member and independently. Ability to be flexible, work positively, and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
• Experience utilizing a trauma-informed approach. Training/Certification in the following is considered an asset: Mental Health First Aid for Youth, ASIST, NVCI, Standard First Aid, WHMIS 2015.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $63,700.00-$69,160.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's Degree (required)

Experience:

• counselling, Mental Health support: 1 year (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• New Glasgow, NS B2H 3R6 (required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New Glasgow, NS B2H 3R6: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person