Family Counsellor in Calgary

The Behavioural Health Consultant (BHC) works collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary Primary Care Network (PCN) team, providing consultation-based services to patients, primary care physicians, and allied health professionals using an integrated behavioural health model in primary care. The position is based in PCN member clinics located in NW Calgary, with some travel to other areas in the Calgary Zone as required. Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre serves as the program office home site and is not a daily reporting location.

The BHC identifies, assesses, and delivers brief, evidence-informed psychosocial interventions to patients and families experiencing psychological, physical, and behavioural health concerns. Services may include individual, couple, and family therapy, as well as other appropriate therapeutic approaches. The BHC applies advanced clinical interventions using one or more psychotherapy modalities and delivers care to diverse populations across the lifespan.

The role includes communicating clear, practical, evidence-based diagnoses and assessment findings, developing specific behavioural change plans with patients, and collaborating with the primary care team to design behavioural health protocols for specific patient populations. The successful candidate will receive training in the integrated care model, along with appropriate supervision and ongoing consultation as required.

Required competencies include:

• the ability to build collaborative working relationships;
• provide effective, responsive consultation;
• exercise sound clinical and professional judgment;
• demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
• work independently with flexibility and initiative;
• possess knowledge of the mental health system and available resources;
• facilitate referrals for primary care patients.

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 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.

Required Qualifications:

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

Additional Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Nursing with Psychosocial Intervention Authorization.
• Nursing (with training & experience in mental health assessment & provision of psychotherapy).
• Registered and in good standing with applicable professional college (College of Alberta Psychologists, Alberta College of Social Work, College of Registered Nurses of Alberta).
• Minimum 3 years post-degree experience in providing assessment and treatment of mental and behavioural health disorders to individuals across the lifespan in a mental health setting.
• Training and experience in individual, couple and family therapy modalities.
• Training and experience in implementing evidence-based interventions, knowledge of basic health psychology and ability to apply population health principles.
• Participation in the recruitment, orientation and training of staff, practicum students and volunteers as required.
• Participation in education/training sessions with other health care providers regarding patient care issues.
• Acceptance and integration of supervision.
• Possession of valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle as travel within the Calgary Zone is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 1 year experience providing assessment and therapy in a community-based primary care setting with family physicians.
• Superior knowledge of the mental health system, services, resources and ability to facilitate referrals of primary care provider’s patients.
• Competency in using the DSM V diagnoses.
• Knowledgeable of medications used in the treatment of mental health conditions.
• Evidence of strong skills in developing program materials and presenting to groups and individuals.