Counsellor/Psychotherapist/Social Worker

About Jewish Family Services (JFS)      

Our Vision: Through Jewish traditions, values and culture, to build a community where people can learn to care for themselves and each other with dignity, respect and compassion.

Our Mission: In the spirit of “Tikkun Olam”, our mission is to strengthen Jewish Communal life and to strengthen individual, family and communal life in the greater Ottawa community.  This mission is accomplished through direct social service, partnership and advocacy

Position Summary

This role is comprised of working with OSP for 75% of time and the remaining 25% as a Counsellor with The Counselling Group. The work with the Counselling group is not limited

OSP:

This position falls within a province-wide demonstration project called the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program. As part of this project, fidelity to the model (CBT) will be critical, and participation in the on-going evaluation of the OSP program is essential. The program will provide an excellent opportunity for a counsellor who is interested in undertaking intensive training and contributing to the development of the OSP program, while it is being delivered. 

TCG:

As part of The Counselling Group, you would be a member of an elite group of counsellors, offering services to the residents of the region.  Counselling modalities used are eclectic and based on the counsellor’s skills and preferences. 

Duties and Responsibilities

OSP:

Under the direction of the Manager, the Counsellor provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) using individual and, or, group therapy approaches. The Counsellor will support individuals with a range of complex problems for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective. (For at least the first year of the position, the completion of an intensive training module will be required, the counsellor will attend at a minimum, CBT training 1.5 days a week in addition to direct work with clients 2 days per week.)

Clients will be referred by their primary health care providers to the Improved Access to Psychological Therapies Program (IASP) centralized intake, managed by the Royal Ottawa Hospital (ROH). The IASP is directed at individuals living with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, or major depression, who may present with a range of complex problems.

TCG:

Under the direction of the Manager, the Counsellor will provide a broad range of interventions to individuals, participate in clinical supervisions and consultations, professional development sessions and any additional tasks related to the position.

Essential Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of a Master’s degree in Social Work, Education in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Occupational Therapy, or equivalent
• Must have and maintain the right to practice the controlled act of Psychotherapy within the Province of Ontario (i.e. currently a Registered Psychotherapist in the Province of Ontario and, or, qualified as a member in good standing to practice psychotherapy with a regulated health college as per the Psychotherapy Act 2007, and its Regulations, as set out in the regulations and policies of that College.)

Experience and Knowledge:

• Three years of direct counselling experience working with individuals with mild to moderate depression and mental health challenges
• Demonstrated ability to manage own caseload and time
• Demonstrated ability to meet specified service targets
• Demonstrated high standards of communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated skills in working as a member of a team and fostering good working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
• Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with clients
• Demonstrated skills in working with diverse groups of people
• Demonstrated assessment skills
• Demonstrated non-judgmental attitude toward individuals who choose alternative lifestyles
• Ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations, including suicide interventions
• Demonstrated skills in analysis of individuals and systemic issues impacting clients
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Technical and computer skills including MS Word, PowerPoint and client databases
• Recent training/knowledge and demonstrated experience in providing CBT is an asset
• Demonstrated ability to work with complex issues and trauma
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within team/program guidelines, and best practices
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a respectful, collaborative and professional approach with clients and colleagues

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Personal Suitability:

• Able to maintain a mature problem-solving attitude while dealing with interpersonal conflict, personal rejection, hostility or time demands.
• Able to work with other professionals particularly from other disciplines to problem solve and achieve common goals in a participative manner using a cooperative approach
• Able to communicate with others in a warm and helpful manner while simultaneously building credibility and rapport
• Able to take action to solve problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues, able to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics/situations.
• Able to use a systematic approach in solving problems through analysis of problem and evaluation of alternative solutions.

Language designation:

Ability to provide psychotherapy in more than one language is an asset

Please send cover letter and resume to HR@jfsottawa.com

Deadline to Apply:    July 16, 2021

Jewish Family Services of Ottawa supports equal opportunity employment.  We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Right Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting hr@jfsottawa.com.

Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment must produce a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check, proof of academic achievement and membership of professional college.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.