Family Counsellor

The Forensic Assessment Outpatient Service provides clinical forensic mental health services to families and individuals currently involved in the Justice system. The client/patient population is one with complex Forensic and Mental Health Issues affecting the family dynamic that may include domestic or sexual violence offences perpetrated against and by family members within the primary or extended family unit. All clients are involved with the legal system and have been Mandated to attend the service for Assessment &/or treatment purposes. This position is responsible for professional duties as assigned including but not limited to clinical assessment, treatment & counselling of legally mandated adults, engagement of clients & families in appropriate psychosocial interventions specific to offending behaviours and criminal code convictions as required during the treatment process. Client engagement in education strategies to increase competencies and decrease risk behaviors that could lead to reoffending patterns. Screening for acute/ sub-acute mental illness in clients and facilitating access to psychiatry services (forensic or local) to treat acute illness. Provision of a wide range of psychological/ psychosocial intervention therapies such as individual psychotherapy, group therapy as possible and were indicated and any other therapies as appropriate to the client and context of offense & or issues determined. Working to establish and sustain effective treatment strategies for the offending party. Further, this position will establish and maintain liaisons with outside justice agencies and professionals for the benefit of the clients and program and will perform all duties with a high degree of independence and in accordance with program and professional standards.

As a Family Counsellor, you will provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to clients and their families. You will also provide clinical focused consultation with other programs or community resources and acts as a liaison to develop and promote preventative health programs in the community. You will collaborate with other health care providers and community service providers to ensure a continuum of care in the community.

Completion of master's degree in a health related field. Active or eligible for registration with the applicable Alberta regulatory college.

Master's degree in social work or psychology required; Master's degree in a related discipline (i.e. nursing with specialization in mental health) may be considered. Current full active registration/licensure with one of the following organizations required: Alberta College of Social Work (ACSW) - must be able to perform restricted psychosocial intervention, College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) - Full registration required, College and Association of Registered Nurses (CARNA), College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA). 1-3 years prior experience in a community mental health setting required. 1-3 years prior experience in an acute care psychiatric setting required. Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, interviewing techniques and writing skills required. In-depth working knowledge of mental health/mental illness required. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention required. Experience providing therapy and psychosocial interventions required. Training in CBT, DBT, Group Psychotherapy, Family therapy &/or other endorsed forms of therapy is required. Current BCLS-HCP certification required.

Sound knowledge of and experience working with Sexual and Domestic Violence offenders preferred. Knowledge of the Justice systems/Legal systems preferred. Recent experience working with an offender population preferred. Experience in a forensic mental health setting is preferred. Forensic Community Mental Health experience preferred. Experience with community partner and stakeholder engagement an asset