Family Counsellor

The Early Childhood and Perinatal (ECAP) Mental Health Program is a community‐based program with work focused towards helping parents/caregivers & their children ages 0-kindergarten entry or with pregnant women and/or their partners who are experiencing perinatal anxiety and/or depression. Both program components provide short term treatment (10-12 sessions). This position will work between both the early childhood & perinatal components of the program thereby requiring the successful candidate to demonstrate 3 essential skill sets. First, extensive knowledge and experience working with infants and preschoolers with a deep understanding of the impact of toxic stress on the infant/preschooler's growth, development and ability to engage in relationships. A foundation in attachment and applying this to parent child interactions in therapy is essential. Second, extensive knowledge of family systems assessment and intervention and experience working with preschoolers and/or families with mental health problems is essential. The successful candidate will have a solid track record of assisting families in making changes that support the development of positive mental health. Skills with behavior interventions within the family system, related to eating, sleeping, toileting, sensory concerns and speech concerns are required. Third, experience and knowledge working in a community mental health setting with adults during the perinatal and post-partum period. This requires knowledge of the DSM, skills in trauma-informed treatment and the ability to help families cope during the perinatal period with a focus of ensuring a strong attachment relationship with the baby.

As a Family Counsellor, you will provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to clients and their families. You will also provide clinical focused consultation with other programs or community resources and acts as a liaison to develop and promote preventative health programs in the community. You will collaborate with other health care providers and community service providers to ensure a continuum of care in the community.

Completion of master's degree in a health related field. Active or eligible for registration with the applicable Alberta regulatory college.

Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in infant/children's mental health. Professional experience in infant mental health and/or experience with preschool children required. Knowledge and experience in the application of relationship based interventions such as Circle of Security, Theraplay, Adult Attachment Interviews, Core Sensitivities and Working Model of the Child are required. Adult mental health knowledge including experience and application of the DSM-V, DBT and CBT models as well as trauma informed models such as EMDR, ART or TF-CBT. Experience working in community mental health. This position has been identified and is anticipated to transition to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you will transition to Recovery Alberta. In accordance with the transition letter of understanding with UNA, current employees under the UNA Collective Agreement who accept an employment offer, issued after July 1, 2024, will not have any rights under Article 15: Layoff and Recall.

Completion of the Brain Story Certificate. Solid understanding and application of Patient & Family Centered Care principles. Understanding of trauma-informed care.