Community Living Society: CLS Counsellor Position Description

Reports to Community Living Counsellor, Coordinator and Individual(s)

General Accountability

The goal of the CLS and its employees is to support individuals in a way of life that is independent and effectively interdependent; thereby, fostering the self-empowerment of all people into a meaningful life in community with others.

All of the individuals we serve have spent many years segregated within their community, where many have been physically and emotionally abused. Therefore, the CLS believes the most valuable treatment or therapy we can provide is to nurture meaningful relationships, which are the centre of all human development.

In accordance with the CLS philosophy (Beliefs and Values), the Community Living Counsellor is accountable for providing daily counselling and instruction in a manner, which nurtures the self-determination and personal growth of the individuals, we serve. This is carried out in accordance with the individuals identified goals and objectives as documented in their individual plan.

Nature and Scope

This position reports directly to the Community Living Counsellor, Coordinator (herein after referred to as the Coordinator) and the individuals, participates and cooperates as a team member, and is responsible to the individuals and their personal network.

Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained with the individual and the individual's chosen personal network.

Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained internally with the individual's friends, neighbours, advocates, Coordinators, co-workers, and office employees; and externally with the community, ministry representatives, professionals, employers and others.

A Community Living Counsellor believes in the value and worth of the individual and accepts, as the highest priority, the development of that individual's positive self-identity. Therefore, a Community Living Counsellor's every word and action is centred on this conviction.

Principal Functions and Accountabilities

In co-operation with the individual, their networks, the Coordinator and team, the Community Living Counsellor will:

Maintain an environment that is emotionally healthy for people to live in.

Nurture self-determination, responsibility and personal growth of the individuals in accordance with their expressed goals as documented in their personal plan.

Counsel and instruct individuals on choice making as a skill by presenting them with alternatives.

Counsel and instruct individuals in all areas of safety and security in order to assure their well being.

Counsel and instruct individuals in establishing and maintaining a healthy life style and environment.

Coach and advise individuals in a respectful and dignified manner to become as self-sufficient as possible in all areas of daily living and day to day activities, including: relationship building, medication administration, personal appearance, hygiene, assisting with meal times, cleaning, accountability of funds, supported employment, general upkeep and maintenance, etc.

Coach and advise individuals to integrate themselves in their community and educate communities with regard to integration.

Adhere to CLS standards of practice in using behavioural techniques. These must be incorporated into the individual's plan and appropriate training will be given before they may be used.

Respect individuals' privacy and confidentiality, and counsel and instruct individuals to show each other this same respect.

Respond to the changing needs of individuals in all aspects of their lives, through regular reviews of their personal plan.

With the direction of the Coordinator, and in accordance with the wishes of the individual and networks, assist in the identification, development, and monitoring of employment opportunities, and the appropriateness of the job match, as applicable.

Actively apply the CLS philosophy, policies and procedures in an ethical, caring and professional manner, through sound knowledge of all these aspects.

Promote and maintain an open-door policy, positive relationships and open communications with the individual's personal network.

Promote and maintain ongoing, positive relationships and open communications amongst individuals, their friends, other Community Living Counsellors, government representatives, and the community.

Assist in all aspects and ongoing maintenance of general administration, report writing, record keeping, and accountability of funds, when requested. Attends staff meetings as required by the Coordinator.

Provide constructive input and recommendations to improve existing policies, procedures, and protocols.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Senior secondary graduation or equivalent (Grade 12) is required. Some related work experience or post secondary education an asset, such as formal training in the areas of counselling and life skills instruction.

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and role modelling are required. Hold a solid commitment to the beliefs, values and principles of the Society.

Desired skills and abilities include: counselling and coaching skills; crisis prevention and intervention; knowledge of mental health issues; medication administration; augmentative communication skills (e.g.: sign language); health care skills; some general administrative knowledge; ability to instruct on daily living, personal care, and life skills (e.g. relationship building).

Desired traits and qualities include: a positive personal identity; being a team player; possessing a friendly nature and positive attitude; being responsible, flexible, respectful and sensitive; having a sense of humour; taking initiative and being willing to work on personal training and development as required. Any special talents that would contribute to more effective services would be an asset.

A Criminal Record Search, T.B. Test, Medical Form, Emergency Level First Aid Certificate are required. A Class 4 Driver's License and/or reliable vehicle may be required.

Physical Demands and Special Skills

Work may require employee to stand 50% to 90% of the time. Must be able to apply proper lifting techniques, assist with wheelchair transfers when required, and be physically agile (able to withstand tugging and pulling).

Must demonstrate an ability to deal effectively and appropriately with stressful and crisis situations, such as seizures and aggressive behaviours.

Must be able and willing to support individuals in their daily activities and routines (e.g.: supported employment, recreational, educational or social activities, etc.).

Community Living Counsellor Position Description Reports to Community Living Counsellor, Coordinator and Individual(s) General Accountability The goal of the CLS and its employees is to support individuals in a way of life that is independent and effectively interdependent; thereby, fostering the self-empowerment of all people into a meaningful life in community with others. All of the individuals we serve have spent many years segregated within their community, where many have been physically and emotionally abused. Therefore, the CLS believes the most valuable treatment or therapy we can provide is to nurture meaningful relationships, which are the centre of all human development. In accordance with the CLS philosophy (Beliefs and Values), the Community Living Counsellor is accountable for providing daily counselling and instruction in a manner, which nurtures the self-determination and personal growth of the individuals, we serve. This is carried out in accordance with the individuals identified goals and objectives as documented in their individual plan. Nature and Scope This position reports directly to the Community Living Counsellor, Coordinator (herein after referred to as the Coordinator) and the individuals, participates and cooperates as a team member, and is responsible to the individuals and their personal network. Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained with the individual and the individual's chosen personal network. Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained internally with the individual's friends, neighbours, advocates, Coordinators, co-workers, and office employees; and externally with the community, ministry representatives, professionals, employers and others. A Community Living Counsellor believes in the value and worth of the individual and accepts, as the highest priority, the development of that individual's positive self-identity. Therefore, a Community Living Counsellor's every word and action is centred on this conviction. Principal Functions and Accountabilities In co-operation with the individual, their networks, the Coordinator and team, the Community Living Counsellor will: Maintain an environment that is emotionally healthy for people to live in. Nurture self-determination, responsibility and personal growth of the individuals in accordance with their expressed goals as documented in their personal plan. Counsel and instruct individuals on choice making as a skill by presenting them with alternatives. Counsel and instruct individuals in all areas of safety and security in order to assure their well being. Counsel and instruct individuals in establishing and maintaining a healthy life style and environment. Coach and advise individuals in a respectful and dignified manner to become as self-sufficient as possible in all areas of daily living and day to day activities, including: relationship building, medication administration, personal appearance, hygiene, assisting with meal times, cleaning, accountability of funds, supported employment, general upkeep and maintenance, etc. Coach and advise individuals to integrate themselves in their community and educate communities with regard to integration. Adhere to CLS standards of practice in using behavioural techniques. These must be incorporated into the individual's plan and appropriate training will be given before they may be used. Respect individuals' privacy and confidentiality, and counsel and instruct individuals to show each other this same respect. Respond to the changing needs of individuals in all aspects of their lives, through regular reviews of their personal plan. With the direction of the Coordinator, and in accordance with the wishes of the individual and networks, assist in the identification, development, and monitoring of employment opportunities, and the appropriateness of the job match, as applicable. Actively apply the CLS philosophy, policies and procedures in an ethical, caring and professional manner, through sound knowledge of all these aspects. Promote and maintain an open-door policy, positive relationships and open communications with the individual's personal network. Promote and maintain ongoing, positive relationships and open communications amongst individuals, their friends, other Community Living Counsellors, government representatives, and the community. Assist in all aspects and ongoing maintenance of general administration, report writing, record keeping, and accountability of funds, when requested. Attends staff meetings as required by the Coordinator. Provide constructive input and recommendations to improve existing policies, procedures, and protocols. Perform other duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications Senior secondary graduation or equivalent (Grade 12) is required. Some related work experience or post secondary education an asset, such as formal training in the areas of counselling and life skills instruction. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and role modelling are required. Hold a solid commitment to the beliefs, values and principles of the Society. Desired skills and abilities include: counselling and coaching skills; crisis prevention and intervention; knowledge of mental health issues; medication administration; augmentative communication skills (e.g.: sign language); health care skills; some general administrative knowledge; ability to instruct on daily living, personal care, and life skills (e.g. relationship building). Desired traits and qualities include: a positive personal identity; being a team player; possessing a friendly nature and positive attitude; being responsible, flexible, respectful and sensitive; having a sense of humour; taking initiative and being willing to work on personal training and development as required. Any special talents that would contribute to more effective services would be an asset. A Criminal Record Search, T.B. Test, Medical Form, Emergency Level First Aid Certificate are required. A Class 4 Driver's License and/or reliable vehicle may be required. Physical Demands and Special Skills Work may require employee to stand 50% to 90% of the time. Must be able to apply proper lifting techniques, assist with wheelchair transfers when required, and be physically agile (able to withstand tugging and pulling). Must demonstrate an ability to deal effectively and appropriately with stressful and crisis situations, such as seizures and aggressive behaviours. Must be able and willing to support individuals in their daily activities and routines (e.g.: supported employment, recreational, educational or social activities, etc.).