Job Posting: Positive Wellness Program Counsellor Campbell River (Closed)

POSITION TITLE: Counsellor / Community Development / Harm Reduction

HOURS: On call, including vacation replacement (July 21 - Aug 8)
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JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager of Direct Services, or designate, the Counsellor is responsible for the provision and delivery of direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS on northern Vancouver Island.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

1. Advocates on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.

2. Provides advocacy to clients by performing duties such as speaking on their behalf in areas such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies.

3. Provides intake and assessment, brief counselling, crisis counselling, harm reduction counselling, advocacy, and referral.

4. Conducts individual or group information sessions, and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required.

5. Interviews and assists clients with the paper work required to obtain disability status.

6. Provides on site supervision, support and continues to develop the Courtenay client drop-in program.

7. Develops and maintains the HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C client support group(s).

8. Provides outreach services to clients throughout the Comox Valley area.

9. Provides information to other service providers, such as government and community based agencies, medical and educational settings on HIV/AIDS and its effect on the provision of services.

10. Participates in community groups such as AHERO, A&D Area Managers, and CV Drug Strategy committees.

11. Presents informational workshops to community groups and others as required.

12. Performs the duties of a needle exchange worker, including maintenance of adequate supplies.

13. Recruits, trains and supervises volunteer staff.

14. Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within the North Vancouver Island Health Region.

15. Maintains both paper and electronic confidential client files.

16. Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as statistical reports for submission to the Program Manager of Direct Services for inclusion in the agency monthly and semi-annual reports and statistics.

17. Participates in regular supervision, staff meetings and staff development opportunities.

18. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

University degree in health or social services, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITES

• Demonstrated knowledge of private and public financial aid systems.
• Demonstrated skills in individual advocacy.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the issues surrounding addiction, mental illness and communicable diseases.
• Demonstrated understanding of health promotion, harm reduction, and empowerment models of social and health care.
• Experience working in community based organizations.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Understanding and knowledge of the social and physical impact of living with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.
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Please submit written applications outlining qualification and experience by June 16, 12pm to: leanne.cunningham@avi.org.

No phone inquiries, please. We thank everyone for applying but will only contact those who are selected for an interview.