THE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

2750 East 18th Avenue,

Vancouver, B.C. V5M 4W8

Telephone: (604) 434-9101

Fax: (604) 434-9938

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Job Title: FAMILY CARE SUPPORT PROGRAM

FAMILY COUNSELLOR

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

The Family Care Support Program Family Counsellor works as part of a treatment team providing advice, consultation, and support to a caseload of foster families.

The Family Counsellor will liaise with schools, courts, probation, counsellors, Ministry of Children and Family Development social workers, and other community systems involved in the child's life.

The Family Counsellor will work with the foster families of the children to enhance communication amongst the child, foster family, natural family, and the community services provided in each case. Families will be involved in all aspects of treatment, planning and goal setting whenever possible.

DUTIES :

Typical duties include:

- Counselling children and families.

- Educate families regarding attachment and loss issues, A.D.H.D. and F.A.S. children, grief and abandonment and other issues presented by the child.

- Attend and participate in team meetings and planning sessions.

- Facilitate foster parent group meetings.

- Participate in case planning for the child and assist in formulating treatment plans.

- Keep records and conference minutes.

- Participate in program evaluation as required.

- Directly responsible for assessing supportive needs of the foster home.

- Implement these various supportive needs and evaluate the progress.

- Organize & facilitate quarterly case conferences.

ACADEMIC AND SPECIALIZED SKILLS :

- Should possess a Master's Degree or its equivalent in education and experience, in an appropriate discipline.

- Preference will be given to experience and training in family counselling and working with youth.

- Ability to work as a member of a professional treatment team.

- Ability to provide consultation, support and advice to team members.

- Resourcefulness and ability to contribute to planning and development of programs.

- Knowledge of child development and adolescent issues.

- Knowledge of causes, effects, and treatment of abuse and neglect.

- Knowledge of group work principles.

BASIC ABILITIES :

- Must have tact, sound judgement, humour, empathy and the ability to gain the confidence of foster families and foster children.

- Ability to be organized and to assign work priorities.

- Ability to respond to crisis situations.

- Must have a valid B.C. Driver's License.

- Ability to liaison effectively with other community agencies.

- Must have certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or be willing to obtain certification.

- Must have current standard 1 st Aid and CPR certificate.

- Must have a vehicle with minimum $2,000,000 insurance coverage.

WCS

06.11.03