Family Counsellor

The Metta Clinic provides consultation, diagnostic clarity, treatment, medication recommendations and timely access to care for youth experiencing gender dysphoria and mental health concerns related to gender identity. Working with the support of the Manager, Clinic staff and Psychiatrists, the Family Counsellor is responsible for the gender related mental health support for patients and their families in the Metta clinic to ensure that timely, comprehensive and coordinated care is provided to the population served. They will support the process to diagnose the presence or absence of gender dysphoria , and will assess clients to identify any mental health needs that the clients may present with. As a Family Counsellor, you will provide assessment, diagnosis , treatment and follow-up to clients, as well as offer referrals, and therapeutic interventions including group therapy. The Family Counsellor will also be responsible for refining care pathways, service delivery models, clinic processes, documentation and other operational activities. The Family Counsellor will be required to provide consultation and capacity building activities to Recovery Alberta or other community-based services on issues related to gender dysphoria and gender affirming care. You will also provide clinical focused consultation with other programs or community resources and act 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. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

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.

Graduate degree in psychology, social work or nursing. Approved to provide psychosocial interventions. Experience working with transgender population. 3-5 years' experience in assessing for the presence of mental health disorders, including gender dysphoria, and both developing and providing individual and group treatment to youth and families. Knowledge and experience of the use and application of DSM-5. Demonstrated ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team including physicians, psychiatry and nurses. Demonstrates an ability to manage workload and to complete assessments, documentation and consultations in a timely, effective manner within a fast-paced environment. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Training and experience in mental health assessment and therapy. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Knowledge of resources and services available in Calgary and surrounding areas to support transgender clients and their families. Strong client focus, ability to promote teamwork and partnerships. Ability to function in a changing environment.

Clinician who possesses skill in trauma-informed modalities, not limited to but including EMDR, ART, DBT IFS, and/or other somatic approaches . As such, training in this area of expertise would be considered an asset. Training through WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health). Up to date knowledge on all related legislation and relevant acts.