Job Title

The Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA), a non-profit organization providing innovative housing and support to people with mild to complex mental illness within community based settings, is hiring for a Permanent Community Psychiatric Care Counsellor at our Pioneer House location. ABOUT US PCLA provides mental health supports in a home like atmosphere within a number of community based settings throughout New Westminster, Burnaby and Coquitlam. Since our inception in 1982, through the programs and services we provide, a significant positive difference has been made in the lives of adults and their families recovering from mental health illness, through safe, secure and affordable housing with appropriate support, Our residents have the opportunity to develop life skills within a supportive environment where self-reliance and independence are promoted and encouraged. YOUR ROLE Under the supervision and direction of the Manager of Care, the Community Psychiatric Care Counsellor participates in the provision of a safe, comfortable, and planned therapeutic environment for residents. PIONEER HOUSE Located in New Westminster, Pioneer House is a 20 bed residential psychosocial rehabilitation program for adult individuals with mental illnesses. The focus is on promoting personal growth and self-reliance through life skills development. The program follows a resident-centered model through the delivery of individual and group services. Pioneer House is licensed under the Community Care Act as a registered mental health residential care facility. POSITION RESPONSIBILITES Assists residents with activities of daily living, including the following needs: personal, social, physical, recreational, and medical administration. Interviews residents to determine individual needs and develop care plans in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team, supporting the resident through the process of determining goals. Directs and assists residents to improve their living situation within the community, including the development of job skills and appropriate behaviors by observing and giving feedback to the residents regarding work skills. Administers medications to residents, and ensures proper medications are taken as per provincial regulations and facility policies and procedures. Observes and documents changes in behaviors, cognitive and physical functioning, and reports changes to the Manager of Care. Supervises the residents in daily programming, including observing and participating in activities such as household cleaning, food preparation, cooking and recreational activities. Completes admissions and discharges by interviewing residents, completing documentation, and collecting information from other service providers. Maintains a safe, clean, homelike environment and ensures equipment and supplies are stored in a safe and efficient manner. Reports unsafe or faulty equipment to the Manager of Care. Attends staff in-service programs and approved work-related training and seminars. Assists with light housekeeping duties such as meal set-up. Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Current First Aid, AED and CPR certifications. Completion of Mental Health Worker program or completion of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Course or equivalent. Training in crisis intervention is preferred. A combination of education, training and education will be considered. Completion of Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Effective Communication Skills Identify and analyze problems Adapt to changing roles and program needs Exercise sound judgement Safely and efficiently operate all equipment associated with the position. Establish and maintain good interpersonal skills including displaying tact, courtesy, and patience with clients, staff, visitors, and volunteers. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. WHAT WE OFFER: PCLA provides a competitive compensation and benefits package focusing on wellness and self-care that includes: Extended health, medical and dental benefits Long term disability insurance, pension plan, and an Employee and Family Assistance program Vacation entitlement and accruement Continuous paid training and development opportunities Ongoing parental support including top up for maternity and parental leave. This is a unionized position with a salary range of $31.56 to $33.28 per hour plus applicable premiums. PCLA aims to nurture a supportive culture rooted in compassion, collaboration and support while providing quality safe care to our residents. Pioneer House is a place where you can make a difference Please submit your resume with a cover letter to