Employment

Relief Counsellors

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Residential Program Manager, the On Call Residential Counsellor provides direct care counselling duties for up to five head-injured adults.

Hours of work: No guaranteed hours

Shift work - Includes
Weekdays
Mornings (0645 - 1500)
Evenings (1345 - 2200) or (1445 - 2300)
Overnight (2245 - 0700)
Weekends
Days (1000 - 2000 / approximate)
Overnights (1845 - 0700)
Evenings (1845 - 2300)

Regular Duties:

• Provides for the emotional and physical well-being of the residents
• Ensures good communication amongst program staff
• Ensures good communication with the client's family
• Provides individual and group counselling when/where necessary
• Assists/supervises the clients with all tasks involved in the areas of daily living and self-help
• Assists the residents in the day-to-day upkeep of the home
• May provide input and participate in all aspects of the Individual Support Plan for all clients:
  • sharing of ideas / information
  • creation of strategies, goals, protocols, scripts and programs
  • collection and completion of pertinent data collection
  • monitoring of resident progress i.e. completion of data sheet
  • implementation of all approved strategies, goals, protocols, scripts and programs as well as participating in on-going monitoring of progress in relation to their completion
• Ensures good nutrition for the residents in accordance with the Canada Food Guide
• Attends individual/group outings as appropriate
• Dispenses medication in accordance with Vista Centre policies and procedures
• Completes all duties per shift as described in the shift duty data list (see attached list)
• Keeps the Residential Program Manager informed at all times in regard to resident progress, current issues, conflicts etc

Advocacy Duties:

• Assists in goal planning (be it related to medical, educational, recreational, vocational activities or communication, social, cognitive and daily living skills development) with the residents through the Individual Support Plan process and by providing feedback to the Primary Advocate as deemed appropriate
• Is aware of all residents goals, strategies, protocols, scripts and programs and ensures they all are implemented and completed as designed
• Monitors all progress made by the residents in relation to their strategies, goals, protocols, scripts and programs on a monthly basis with the staff team, Residential Program Manager and/or Consultant as required
• Collect and analyze data as required
• Provides liaison services with family members, professionals and other programs as required while on shift.

General:

• Maintains a proactive, constructive approach to providing the best possible services to the clients
• Provides a healthy role model for the clients
• Strives to maintain an effective working relationship with clients and co-workers
• Develops and maintain effective community relations
• Participates in productive, proactive discussions and/or strategies to resolve those issues and/or conflicts that may arise
• Is well verse and adheres to all organizational Policies and Procedures
• Suggest Policy/Procedural changes to ensure they remain current and necessary
• Participates in monthly or bimonthly meetings as scheduled
• Assists in the orientation of staff, volunteers and students as necessary
• May provide direction and guidance to relief staff, volunteers and students as necessary
• Participates in scheduled supervision meetings (including the annual job performance review) and works toward achieving established goals as discussed at the time of the review. Also works towards improving standards of performance as necessary
• Remains current with regards to new developments in brain injury treatment and services
• Increases community awareness of individuals living with the effect of a brain injury, their needs and how to interact effectively with them
• Communicates effectively with the Residential Program Manager on program related issues
• May be required to complete other duties not outlined as requested by the Residential Program Manager

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary training in a social service discipline
• At least one year of related experience or an appropriate combination of education / experience in a similar setting
• A client centered philosophy and practice
• Ability to establish and maintain good personal relationships with clients and team
• Openness to ongoing learning and professional self-development
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment