[Hiring] Counsellor @Kids Help Phone

Role Description

Are you motivated by the chance to help ensure all young people in Canada can access mental health support and Feel Out Loud? Kids Help Phone (KHP) is Canada’s Unlock The Hope Youth Charity. We’re the first and Canada's only national 24/7, free, confidential, and multilingual e-mental health service for youth and a global leader in innovation for youth and their well-being.

As a KHP counsellor, you will provide single session solution focused support to young people via anonymous phone and live chat. Sessions are offered on a first come first serve basis. You will be supporting young people with a variety of concerns such as:

• Mental health
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Family and relationships
• School challenges
• Suicide

Support is provided through a person-centered approach and aligned with counselling best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree or diploma in social services (Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Sexology, Child and Youth Care, etc.) or equivalent with experience in crisis work and counselling.
• A minimum of 1-2 years experience in crisis intervention and/or counselling, including solid risk assessment and safety planning skills (practicum/placement experience is considered).
• Outstanding communication skills in English (spoken and written) as well as French (for bilingual positions).
• Sound knowledge of various national and provincial legislation related to youth at risk including making decisions regarding appropriate and relevant referrals to community authorities (i.e., emergency services and Child Protective Services as required).
• Sound typing and written communication to counsel on our Live Chat service.
• Stable and dedicated high speed internet (minimum 25 Mbps of download speed and 10 Mbps of upload speed to the device being used); a closed private workspace.

Requirements

• Ability to support youth via phone and live chat based counselling services, moving between modalities on every shift.
• Strong risk assessment and safety planning skills pertaining to youth risk and safety: Child Welfare, Suicide and Self-Injury, Substance Abuse, Threats against Others etc.
• Ability to work independently and have sound judgement on situations that require escalation to management.
• A strong work ethic, professionalism, and the ability to maintain boundaries, especially when addressing challenging calls that may involve individuals displaying strong emotions, including anger.
• Reflexive practice; empowering and strengths-based, client-centered approach; non-judgmental; strong, professional boundaries; recognition of and advocate for service users’ autonomy in their journey; commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility; ability to adapt to changing client needs.
• The ability to communicate with empathy, curiosity and professionalism.
• The ability to merge your own personality and counselling style with Kids Help Phone’s clinical model.
• Active engagement in individual supervision, group supervision, clinical consultations, coaching, in-service training, team meetings, and other scheduled activities.
• Participation in a positive workplace culture by engaging respectfully and collaboratively with colleagues while embodying Kids Help Phone’s values (Courageous, Collaborative, Innovative, Resilient, Trustworthy).
• Ability to work in a high energy and dynamic environment.

Benefits

• CAAT Pension Plan
• Wellness programs
• Recognition awards
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)