Job Title

MHSU Indigenous Access & Crisis Response Counsellor - (225414) As a member of a multidisciplinary team, the MHSU Indigenous Access & Crisis Response Counsellor provides triage, immediate support, assessment, urgent clinical response, harm reduction, shortterm psychotherapeutic/stabilization services, exploration of community resources and client needs, liaison and coordination with other community services. The role works within a rehabilitation/recovery harmreduction focused model under the direction of the Clinical Coordinator or designate. Participation in planning priorities for service to adults with mental health and addictions problems is required. Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of Island Health in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle and a valid BC Drivers License. Qualifications Baccalaureate Degree in a healthrelated discipline from an approved postsecondary institution. Recognized postbasic education related to mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction; minimum two (2) years of experience working within or with Indigenous communities; recent related experience in areas requiring understanding of trauma in the context of Indigenous people; knowledge of mental health and alcohol and drug addiction issues; psychiatric and suicide/homicide risk assessments, psychiatric and addictions treatment methodologies, crisis intervention and response techniques and strategies, the change process, and community dynamics; knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community; knowledge of applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act, Child Protection legislation, and the Adult Guardianship Act; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must be a person of Indigenous ancestry. Valid BC Driver License. Skills And Abilities Demonstrated ability to work within VIHA''s framework and standards within a rehabilitation/recovery, harmreduction focused model. Demonstrated interpersonal and clinical skills, including crisis intervention, stabilization, deescalation, and brief psychotherapy. Demonstrated knowledge of support services and resources within respective geography available for Indigenous clients. Knowledge of the significance of culture in relation to individual, family and community health services. Basic knowledge of health and wellness services available on Vancouver Island for Indigenous clients (First Nation, Mtis, Inuit). Understanding of Canadian colonization, Indigenousspecific racism and its impact on the current health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples. Knowledge of culturally safe health care engagement and environment provision for Indigenous Peoples. Organizational, problemsolving and teaching skills. Judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work professionally and effectively with very difficult/atrisk clients. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to proactively manage and resolve conflict. Ability to promote positive change and independence. Ability to prioritize and organize workload. Ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to foster good public relations. Ability to operate a personal computer with a variety of Windowsbased software and other office equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr