PFT - Therapist, Children and Youth

Under the direction of the Director Clinical Services and Interim Director Primary Health Care this position provides group and individual therapy to children and youth who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing complicated grief. The incumbent also conducts comprehensive assessments utilizing an evidence-based tool and systems approach to identify children/youth who are experiencing or at risk of complicated grief. In conjunction with guardians develops a plan based on needs and goals; implements the treatment plan and/or coordinates support with other team members including approved community organizations. Treatment plans for complicated grief are completed utilizing appropriate therapeutic interventions and psycho-educational support is provided to the caregivers and educators of bereaved children to assist them in supporting the child/youths adjustment and development. This position may also deliver presentations and training to community partners and media on variety of grief and bereavement topics related to children/youth as appropriate.

The position provides assessments for the purpose of treatment planning and collaboration as a member of an interdisciplinary team. It also includes participating in the design delivery and evaluation of mental health programs and services.

The Therapist is responsible to ensure therapeutic approaches are based on best practice. The Therapist will engage in research and professional development to enhance their therapeutic approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Clinical Functions:

• Completes comprehensive assessments for the purposes of treatment planning; this includes liaising and communicating with referral sources parents/guardians and school personnel.
• Develops comprehensive care plans for individuals accepted into the program that include crisis prevention and symptom management plans.
• Assist individuals in prioritizing therapy needs and in developing focused treatment plans to address these priorities;
• Provides clinical counselling to clients utilizing therapeutic approaches that are evidence informed practices for treatment;
• Mutually create plans of care with clients that maximize personal strength using a combination of clinical strategies for symptom management relapse prevention behaviour modification and harm reduction;
• Provides comprehensive risk assessment and follow-up care for individuals that experience suicidal ideation;
• Facilitates therapeutic evidence-informed groups that will address the needs of clients and impact symptom management;
• Maintains the concise nature of the service while assessing individual needs for additional services to promote client well-being and safety;
• Provides intervention and short-term support to individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis (via telephone or by personal contact);
• Communicate and coordinate relevant information with Agency staff;
• Provide support and act as a resource to other Agency staff when appropriate;
• Participate on committees as directed by the Program Manager or Integrated Director.
• Consult with a Manager or designate as outlined in program policies and procedures or where it is reasonable to assume that management consultation is required.

Provides therapy to children/youth that are experiencing or at risk for complicated grief.

• Performs therapy to children/youth who have experienced a loss.
  
• Provide psycho-educational support to parents/guardians to assist them in supporting the bereaved child.
• Ensures that all clients will be supported in their efforts to improve their quality of life through the development of an assessment based plan of care (case management functions).
• Ensures that all client interventions address outcomes or goals as derived from the clients plan of care.
• Ensures that all client interventions are provided following intervention methods that are sanctioned by the unit manager or designate.

Maintaining Documentation

• Record all client-related contacts according to Agency policies and procedures;
• Ensure that all confidential information and material is handled in accordance with current legislation and within the Agencys policies and procedures;
• Complete expense/mileage claim forms and time reports in accordance with the Agencys policies;
• Compile statistical reports and other records of program activities in accordance with policy; and
• Create maintain and close electronic and paper files in an organized fashion and in accordance with Agency policies and guidelines.

Community Development

• Establish partnerships with other community agencies;
• Participate in related committees and community events;
• Act as a resource to CCHC / CMHA staff and community service providers;
• Participate on committees as directed by Director;
• Maintain professional contact with commonly accessed organizations so that purposeful interaction on behalf of clients/patients can be effectively accomplished;

Program Evaluation and Development

• Identify gaps interruptions or disruptions in services;
• Intervene early to improve modify or re-establish linkages;
• Assess client program satisfaction;
• Determine efficacy of formal services and informal support;
• Actively participates in improving the quality of programs and service delivery;
• Engages in reflective practice with an emphasis on improvement; and

Safety Planning

• Establish a personal safety plan in coordination with the Director as needed; and
• Provide support to other staff and clients of the Team Care Centre when needed.
• The security and safety of clients is paramount in the execution of duties. Staff are to endeavour to ensure client safety is considered in all aspects of planning and decision making. Should the worker feel unable to fulfill this commitment at any time it is the expectation that the worker consult with management.

Quality Improvement

• Actively identifies assesses and evaluates services in an effort to continually improve service delivery; and
• In adhering to Agency policies and procedures minimizes risks to ensure well-being of both staff and clients.
  

EDUCATION & SKILLS:

• Requires knowledge and skills acquired through completion of Masters of Social Work degree (M.S.W.) from an accredited university with current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers; or aminimum of a graduate degree in a relevant discipline accepted by the employer such as Counselling or Psychology with registration in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
• Specific training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is required. Trauma or other treatment modalities such as certification in grief is considered an asset for this position.
• Three (3) years of experience providing clinical therapy to youth (children/adolescents ages 0-18) with experience in working with end-of-life bereavement support and/or trauma. Experience in the assessment and the provision of services to those experiencing or at risk of complex grief and/or traumatic death
• Experience with and detailed knowledge of mental illness and personality disorders such as is usually gained through working with this population;
• Experience with development and facilitation of group treatment programs;
• Experience in program development implementation monitoring and evaluation.
• Mental health and bereavement services for children/youth; community resources for grieving children/youth and families; Specialized knowledge of the bio-psychosocial aspects resulting from grief reactions in children/youth.
• Demonstrated experience in developmental assessment observation and a solid understanding of the impact of grief on attachment and behavior in children/youth. Significant skills working in end-of-life bereavement support and/or trauma with children/youth.
• Knowledge of relevant health privacy and child protection legislation and best practices in providing grief intervention for children/youth. Excellent interpersonal skills that allow a high degree of ability to function independently and as part of a team.

Hours of Work: Thirty-Five (35) hour work week. The agencys regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexible hours are required to meet client and service needs.

Salary range: Grade 10 $40.11 $47.50 per hour

Per 2022 - 2026 Collective Agreement

Applicable shift premiums are paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement Article 17.11.

Please submit your cover letter and resume clearly stating how your skills and experience meet the position requirements prior to the posting closing date.

Posting Date: Friday June 6 2025

Posting Deadline: Thursday June 12 2025 @ 4:30pm

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment at CMHA-WECB. We are however unable to respond to individual calls. Only those individuals selected for consideration will be contacted for next steps. Thank you for your understanding

This position is posted per Article 15 of the Collective Agreement. Internal candidates will be considered in priority as established by the Article as such external candidates may not be considered if there is a qualified internal applicant.

We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities and experiences as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen CMHA. If you require accommodations during the application process please contact us at

Please note that candidacy for positions will require you to be authorized to work in Canada.

Please note that a satisfactory police vulnerable sector check is required as a condition of employment for all roles with CHMA-WECB.