Residential Counsellor

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 and 2024! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Manager, Ambulatory & Community Mental Health Programs, the Residential Counsellor provides a range of assistance and supports to residents living with mental illnesses in a supportive housing program.

What You Will Do:
The position provides support to the residents to increase their independence, dignity and self-respect, in a safe and secure environment by:

• Building a rapport with each resident and providing coaching or mentoring to enable each in meeting the daily requirements of their housing environment and a healthy lifestyle; directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, maintenance of mental health treatment, cooking, meal planning, cleaning, shopping and budgeting; developing strategies or establishing plans for maintaining these daily activities and other aspects of their recovery plan, for increasing their awareness of safety issues and for ensuring that residents receive adequate support in various aspects of their life; orientation of new residents; participating in intake for the program.
• Supporting and participating in resident meetings, or group activities which promote the wellbeing of the residents and the smooth operation of the residence/program; conducting and facilitating resident group meetings, assisting resident-run initiatives, preparing schedules of house activities; maintaining a general awareness of the activities or whereabouts of residents in the house, identifying issues, communicating or noting incidents for manager as required; maintaining petty cash, collecting rents and intervening in issues pertaining to maintenance or property; providing cleaning or minor house maintenance as required; teaching residents the appropriate fire safety protocols and conducting regular health and safety checks;
• Maintaining a strong support network of social, family, medical and psychiatric community links and resources; providing reminders and occasionally accompanying residents on their medical, psychiatric or other appointments; assisting the resident in navigating the social services and health care systems and liaising with community agencies, hospitals or significant others; providing 24-hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system;
• Promote mental health stability, assist in harm reduction strategies, teaching conflict resolution, crisis management and problem solving on activities related to shared living; mediating issues or conflicts between residents, or between residents and neighbours, following-up on issues to ensure satisfactory resolution;
• Participating in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics such as resident files, activity sheets, reports, etc. In accordance with established procedures; participating actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities, orienting new staff, determining staff schedules; providing other related assistance as required.

What You Bring:

• A minimum of a Social Service Worker diploma or a related field, with active registration in good standing with a recognized regulatory body
• An understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation principles
• A minimum of two years of experience working with the resident population
• Knowledge of the issues faced by adults living with mental health challenges and a marginalized resident group which can include addictions and cognitive impairments
• An understanding of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with residents on goals and priorities.
• Experience in working as part of a team of professionals, and in conducting meetings or facilitating groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and supportive counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the residents in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Excellent crisis intervention and problem-solving skills are required.
• Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records or statistical information.
• Written skills are used in keeping records or updating logs.
• Excellent analytical, time management and organizational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with residents.

Work Environment:

• Will be required to work in resident rooms.
• Required to be on after-hours on call, on a rotating schedule.
• Walk up and down stairs, physically able to assist resident with daily living activities
• 10%-20% travel to different locations with own vehicle, outdoor travel for outings/activities
• Lifting objects up to 50 lbs.

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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