FT - Transition Counsellor (Prince George)

NBCTC

The Northern BC Therapeutic Community (NBCTC) provides a safe and private community for 45 adult men who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness and are interested in community-based recovery from problematic substance use. The program is also open to those with criminal justice involvement. The NBCTC takes a holistic, participative and group-based approach to programming. Residents have access to wraparound supports including meals, life skills training, educational opportunities, recreational programs, cultural supports and connections to community services. The 166-acre location also allows for various agricultural opportunities. It is located at 34000 Blackwater Rd, Prince George, BC V2N 6H1. 

ROLE PURPOSE

This position will provide casework and support to residents of Connective’s programs to enhance their quality of life, to ensure the orderly and safe operation of the facility, and to maintain the goals of the counselling and/or rehabilitative plans. 

REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports and is accountable to the Program Manager or their designate
• Ensures quality and continuity of services to residents
• Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required
• Liaises with Connective staff as necessary
• Accepts direction from the clinical team
• Participates as a member of the Connective staff team 

HOURS

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday: 0800 - 1600.

Occasional evenings and weekends as required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Committed Living Wage Employer
• 2022 & 2023 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Aware from NEOC
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
• Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Client-Centered Services

• Participates in the assessment, goal setting, and program planning - such as Personal Service Plans - for individuals. Documents, implements, and evaluates plans and adjusts as required.
• Supports the admission, orientation, evaluation of residents’ understanding of rules and discharge procedures; ensures policies are followed, which may include resident accountability.
• Assists residents with daily life skills, social skills, and/or behaviour management. Nurtures opportunities and assists residents with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, and pet care. Facilitates physical, recreational, educational, social, and vocational activities.
• Distributes medication to residents in accordance with established policy.
• Facilitates resident transportation schedules; records, approves and supervises residents during outings
• Maintains/provides either written and/or verbal reports or case notes regarding residents’ daily activities and progress in accordance with policy and standards. Ensures that all required documentation is complete and accurate.

Community Engagement

• Works directly with additional staff, community service and support providers, government and non-government organizations, and First Nations service providers to inform the development and implementation of individual support plans.
• Identifies social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services in the community that will meet residents’ needs. Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials, and the community.

Health & Safety

• Recognizes, analyzes, and deals with potential emergency situations such as aggressive behaviour(s) to minimize potential harm to others and/or the public.
• Ensures health and safety standards are maintained.
• Maintains oversight of the facility as required to mitigate conflict amongst residents and/or other persons accessing the property.
• Completes regular and routine walk-through checks of the property and immediately surrounding area to ensure the safety of property and residents.
• Along with the other residence staff, monitors and ensures effective operation of the facility including quality control concerning cleaning equipment, indoor and outdoor maintenance, inventory, and food services.

Other

• Participates in team meetings as instructed by the Program Manager.
• Performs administrative duties (phone calls, inventory, ordering supplies).
• Performs other related duties as required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the program team
• Adheres to Connective’s policies and procedures
• Is available to work flexible hours as needed, which may include some evenings/weekends, as determined by program/client needs and schedules

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• A college diploma in a relevant field with at least one year of related work experience or a combination of relevant training, work experience, and education
• Experience working with individuals with a history of conflict with the law, developmental disabilities and/or spectrum disorders, experiencing homelessness, interaction with social agencies and/or experiencing mental health challenges
• Experience working with First Nations communities
• A demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations
• An understanding of providing service to people with different learning abilities
• A demonstrated ability to deal with potential violence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

REQUIREMENTS

• Class 5 Driver's License and driver’s abstract
• Ability to drive operational vehicles
• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check for the vulnerable sector
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate
• Willing to complete Food Safe Certificate (Level 1)