Coordinator, Counselling and Bereavement Services Location: Vancouver location Reporting to: Director, Program Development & Administration Job status: Full-time, 0.9 FTE Canuck Place Children s Hospice (CPCH) is British Columbia s recognized pediatric palliative care provider. For over two decades, through the many programs and services we provide, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Be part of a talented and innovative team that takes pride in supporting and providing the highest quality pediatric palliative care. HERE S WHY IT S SO GREAT TO WORK WITH US. Aside from being surrounded by a friendly, inclusive, dedicated team, Canuck Place offers employees up to 20 days vacation (prorated to their full-time equivalency), an employer-paid benefits package, a Health Spending account that provides up to $500 annually to provide additional coverage for health and wellness activities/services, weekly onsite massage therapy, informative lunch n learns, as well as various learning opportunities. Canuck Place Children s Hospice also has a Care For the Caregiver committee who provides ongoing, creative activities to connect us with one another as a reminder that it s this moment that really counts. SUMMARY The Coordinator, Counselling and Bereavement Services is responsible for making recommendations for the development of counseling and bereavement services and implementing and coordinating clinical care that is consistent with the Hospice s strategic plan, to ensure best practice and the delivery of quality care. In addition the coordinator is responsible for mentoring and managing the counseling clinicians; promoting practice development and providing team support and guidance. The coordinator is accountable for planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, leading and evaluating counseling and bereavement services to meet the norms of practice for pediatric palliative care and to reflect Canuck Place philosophy and objectives. RESPONSIBILITES Oversees and provides leadership and direction around practice and quality of counselling and bereavement services provided by the Counselling team members inclusive of the: Counsellors, Expressive Therapists, Social Workers, and Spiritual Care Leader. Works in collaboration with other disciplines and services including clinical nursing and medical team, recreation therapy, school services, etc. to ensure programs and activities are aligned and meet CPCH mission, vision, values and strategic goals and objectives congruent with the psychosocial approaches to care.
Ensures standards of counselling services are in accordance with established standards of practice by reviewing best practices and identifying and implementing changes consistent with current research or literature. Integrating evidence based knowledge and research into the development of counseling and bereavement service provision. Collaborates with counselling team members to interpret, implement and evaluate processes and procedures within the team and with other services and makes recommended changes to the Director, Program Development and Administration. Participates in program wide planning and development for children and families to provide input to ensure a holistic approach to care and integrate the fundamental frameworks of counseling, bereavement care and child and family centered care. Receives and responds to bereavement referrals from staff and the greater community and makes referrals and develops relationships with community agencies. Undertakes regular evaluation and monitoring of all aspects of the delivery of counselling and bereavement services; and recommends changes to services and programs to the Director, Program Development and Administration. Provides leadership in direct counselling services, including comprehensive psycho-social assessments, individual and group counseling services, referral and coordination to community and hospital services and advocacy for children and families. Collaborates with interdisciplinary care team members by participating in care planning, patient care conferences, clinical rounds and intake, and provides input and observations on the psychosocial aspects of the child and family Works together with the Director, Program Development and Administration and relevant external stakeholders (as appropriate) to review and revise operational policies for the Counselling team and organization. Ensures appropriate levels of counselling/therapeutic staffing according to the organization s strategic business plan, participates in the recruitment of new counseling team members, interview and hiring process and organizes the orientation/on-boarding, mentoring and practice development of new hires. Supports and facilitates education development of clinical expertise of staff and volunteers seeks innovative approaches for professional growth and skill development of the counselling team members. Ensures and supports equity and fairness among the Counselling team members with respect to workload, responsibilities, adherence to roles and responsibilities, shifts/on-call requirements, project and team work, committee and event participation, etc. Conducts annual performance reviews with Counselling team members. Consults with the Director, Program Development and Administration and the Director, Human Resources on performance management, coaching and guiding staff as required. Approves shifts and leave requests (e.g. vacation, etc.) of Counsellors and Therapeutic Services staff and ensures adequate day-to-day staffing levels within the teams. Provides input to the Director, Program Development and Administration regarding the Counselling Services budget and manages the day to day utilization of the counseling budget.
Assesses risks and health and safety issues for the Counselling team members and advises the Director, Program Development and Administration on such matters, making recommendations for employee safety, wellness and job satisfaction. Prepares and submits quarterly/annual written report(s) on activities and progress of the Counselling team to the Director of Program Development and Administration. Contributes to the CPCH culture by understanding and supporting our Mission and Vision and actively demonstrating our Values. In accordance with the strategic directions of CPCH, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at CPCH, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Protects the health, wellness and safety of self and others by complying with applicable regulations and standards, safe work practices and procedures established by CPCH. Employees must report any health hazards and unsafe conditions to their supervisor for corrective action. Assumes other related responsibilities, as assigned QUALIFICATIONS What you bring to the role: Knowledge Extensive knowledge of person and family centered therapeutic theory, practice and interventions particularly as it relates to children and families Knowledge of pediatric and palliative care principles and practices Excellent leadership, communications, human relations, interpersonal, and team building skills Extensive knowledge of clinical supervision theory and practice and a proven track record in counselling practice Understanding of financial budgets, managerial approaches and evaluation processes. Good knowledge of supervisory and team lead practices Sound understanding of collaborative team work and team building practices Skills & Abilities Demonstrated clinical competence and knowledge in pediatric palliative care, child and family centered care and ability to undertake thorough assessment of clients (children / family members, etc.). Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. A participative, collaborative leader and manager with ability to supervise and provide constructive feedback. Ability to educate, instruct/train/orientate staff and volunteers with knowledge translation and skill development in the areas of pediatric palliative care, counseling and bereavement care.
Ability to work with children and families in sensitive situations. Ability to develop, implement and facilitate group support programs for children, adults and / or families. Effective English verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated successful negotiation and conflict resolution skills and the ability to build consensus and foster team building. Well developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact with individuals and groups at all levels or the organization. Proven ability to multi-task, plan and establish priorities and organize to meet objectives. Ability and skill to schedule and coordinate staff and volunteers to ensure effective and responsive service provision and care. Strategic thinker with strong decision making, creativity and problem solving skills. Ability to manage, implement and lead teams through change. Ability to provide progressive and innovative approaches to care. Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries. Knowledge and skill to operate a personal computer which includes MS Office and Windows programs such as MS Word, Excel, MS Outlook etc. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Masters degree in Counselling, Psychology or Social Work A minimum of five years related experience as a counsellor/social worker in progressive role. Experience in palliative care and/or pediatric care is an asset. Membership with a related BC Association (e.g. Clinical Counsellors, Social workers, etc.) is an asset Demonstrated interest in taking courses, attending conferences, etc. to stay current in best practices. Strong understanding of, supervising and leading teams in a collaborative and cohesive manner. Some supervisory or leadership experience may be an asset. Understanding of performance management principles and leading teams towards achieving individual and team objectives Experience with program development and implementation Demonstrated ability to research and summarize information, write and present reports to audiences at all levels Experience reviewing, amending, developing and implementing policies and procedures related to the specific practice area
Note: Flexibility is necessary, as this position requires occasional weekend and evening work and travel within and outside the Lower Mainland. At the discretion of Canuck Place Children s Hospice, the information in this job description may be reviewed and revised, as required, to meet the needs of the organization. Canuck Place Children s Hospice hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. APPLICATION PROCESS Please submit your cover letter and your resume to recruitment@canuckplace.org by Tuesday, November 20. Please indicate where you discovered this job posting and specify which role you are applying for in the subject line of your email. We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage First Nations, Inuit and Metis candidates, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted.