Clinical Counsellor, Reproductive Mental Health Program

Detailed Overview Reporting to the Manager, Clinical Operations and in collaboration with the Reproductive Mental Health Program team, the Clinical Counsellor provides individual, couples and group clinical counselling services both independently and as a co-facilitator; consults with a variety of health care providers, hospital and community-based, on a wide range of clinical issues pertaining to the management of reproductive mental health issues most specifically perinatal depression/anxiety and PMS; refers problems and/or concerns with clinical patient issues to the psychiatrist; and plans, develops, delivers and evaluates community-based education concerning reproductive mental health issues. Responsibilities Provides comprehensive clinical counselling and psychotherapy, in group, couple and individual settings, utilizing a variety of clinically sound psychotherapeutic techniques. Completes an initial assessment of potential client and interviews referral source and other adjunctive sources of information to determine the nature of the mental health problem, services being requested, severity of the problem, eligibility for services and appropriateness for the mandate of the Reproductive Mental Health (RMH) program offered to clients. Receives and documents referrals from a variety of sources (i.e. phone, mail, fax, walk-ins, hospital discharge and/or follow-up notice) according to established protocols and completes standard admission, registration and intake documents through initial interview of the referred client and examination of available clinical records; enters information on electronic clinical record. Provides clinical screening and assessment of clients by methods such as interviewing, obtaining relevant information and interpreting data using a variety of modalities and in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Plans, designs, and delivers individual and various modalities of group psychotherapy to reproductive mental health patients. Maintains confidential patient files and documentation of telephone and in-person contacts with reproductive mental health clients Consults with a variety of health care, social service and other providers, both hospital and community-based, on a wide range of clinical issues pertaining to the management of reproductive mental health clients and service delivery issues. In collaboration with the RMH outreach coordinator plans, develops, delivers and evaluates community-based education/training and facilitates discussion groups concerning reproductive mental health issues. In keeping with the goals and objectives of the RMH program, or as needed, initiates the planning, coordination and evaluation to ensure that appropriate educational and informational resources are developed for the program. Problem solves through any aspect of the process as required and is conversant in using a variety of teaching modalities including videoconferencing. In collaboration with the team, establishes goals, objectives, and indicators and measurement tools for the purposes of quality assurance. Provides the overall planning, coordinating, and evaluating for the program by working at a community and provincial level to increase capacity of communities across British Columbia to address reproductive mental health issues. Provides information and referrals to other resources at BC Women's or in the community for both women and care providers. Provides education/training/in-services to health care and other providers on concurrent mental and substance use disorders. Coordinates and facilitates the planning of continuing education events at a provincial, national and international level in the field of perinatal psychiatric disorders Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Masters in Counselling Psychology, Social Work or other relevant health related discipline from an accredited educational institution. Two years of recent related counselling experience in community and/or hospital organizations providing programs for women who are experiencing reproductive mental health issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Eligible for registration with relevant professional association. Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge in reproductive mental health issues, and concurrent mental health and substance abuse disorders. Thorough knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a therapeutic modality. Ability to work in a community development framework across sectors setting. Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Ability to engage in individual and group therapy sessions alone and as a co-facilitator. Ability to develop, coordinate, facilitate/co-facilitate and evaluate education/training or discussion groups on a wide range of psycho-educational topics for this client population. Ability to design and develop health-care resources for a variety of audiences based on different treatment strategies. Ability to undertake the background research and facilitate the planning of projects, research proposals and reports. Ability to understand the provincial (BC) context as it pertains to service delivery and policy issues. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to problem-solve and resolve conflicts. Ability to organize/prioritize work. Ability to work with diverse populations. Ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.