POSITION SUMMARY:

The manager is responsible for the supervision and administration of two specialized counselling programs to culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing clients (and their families) within Toronto Region as follows:
1. CONNECT Counselling Services – mental health counselling services
2. General Social Services (GSS) – other personal counselling services

Nature of Position:

The programs are delivered in different models as follows:

1. Toronto CONNECT, as part of a larger provincial counselling program, and centrally funded, provides counselling services according to a prescribed provincial model. 
* The manager is responsible for the day to day operations of the program and is responsible for compliance with all professional standards and practices relating to assessment, diagnosis, clinical approach or therapy; as well as conducting file audits and ensuring confidentiality of same is maintained according to professional practice standards.
* The manager also works closely with the Director of CONNECT Counselling Services with respects to budget oversight ($750K+), clinical-related matters, service outcomes, as well as addressing trends, resource/training development, making recommendations for changes, etc.
* Because Toronto CONNECT is also part of the Toronto Region roster of services, the manager reports to the Regional Director, Toronto Region with respects to general staffing issues and matters that are common to all Toronto Region employees and managers.

2. Toronto GSS, although part of a larger structured provincial program is funded locally by United Way ($77K).  Services can be delivered within a variety of formats within the GSS program framework; funds permitting. 
* Reporting to the Regional Director, the manager is responsible for the full range of managerial responsibilities including budget development and securing new funding on an ongoing basis.
* The manager also works closely with the Provincial Manager GSS with respects to GSS programming issues (non-budgetary).

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervision:

* Provide clinical/non-clinical supervision, direction and support to the staff of both programs (9 staff; including professional and administrative)
* Review all case activities and documentation for sign off as required
* Identify initiatives to enhance the clinical competencies of staff and the development of specialized skills
* Ensure staff awareness and adherence to professional code(s) of ethics and to current legislation related to mental health
* Provide professional oversight of regulated professionals on staff in consultation with provincial managers of Connect and GSS
* Conduct performance appraisals, develop training plans and address all related disciplinary matters in collaboration with appropriate senior manager (e.g. Regional Director or 1 of 3 provincial managers from Connect or GSS)
* Promote teamwork and foster positive morale among staff members

Administration:

* Identify and develop relationships with local psychiatrists and psychologists
* Identify and investigate opportunities to develop formal service agreements with multiple agencies
* In consultation with appropriate senior manager, interview, select and hire staff
* Identify changes and trends in the needs of clients, and advocate for/design programs/services that are balanced with budgetary, policy and legislative realities
* As appropriate, oversee the use of technology for the delivery of mental health services e.g. videoconferencing, etc.
* Ensure service coverage and coordinate back-up coverage for when staff are away
* Provide internal and external reports for the programs as required
* Attend and participate in CHS management meetings, task groups, etc.
* Oversee filing systems and overall information collection and management
* Accurate and timely recordkeeping and submission of forms e.g. attendance, hiring, terminations, payroll, recruiting, authorize expense claims, etc.
* Liaise with other CHS managers and departments as appropriate
* Oversee office space and manage the issues

Community Development:

* Maintain relationships with local agencies and work together toward developing appropriate partnerships
* Participate in relevant task forces, committees and focus groups
* Participate in the development of community awareness programs on mental health and accessibility specific to our consumers
* Promote Toronto Connect and GSS programs to consumers and their organizations in the community
* Assist in the promotion and preparation of special events as required
* Support Toronto counselling staff with building working relationships and partnerships externally

Financial Management:

* Manage day to day operations of the Toronto Connect budget
* Manage the Toronto GSS budget with a strong focus on identifying and pursuing local opportunities for increased funding
* Alert appropriate senior manager/s to funding threats or opportunities

Direct Service:

* Provide appropriate back-up counselling services when other staff are unavailable
* On a case-by-case basis, the manager may take on a regular client if none of the other staff are able to provide service e.g. conflict of interest, client is well-known to the staff, etc.

Professional Development:

* Attend and/or participate in professional development conferences
* Maintain ongoing membership in the appropriate regulatory body and professional affiliations in the mental health field
* Maintain separate professional liability insurance (liability and disciplinary defense)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Regional Director, Toronto Region

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Master’s degree in a human services field, preferably Clinical Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy with a strong understanding of system issues
* Professional registration in the College of Social Workers of Ontario; additional registrations with other regulatory bodies a plus
* 3-5 years relevant direct service experience in the mental health field; plus minimum 3 years experience in clinical program administration and supervision
* Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and deafness issues, Deaf culture and related hearing accessibility issues
* An understanding of the legislation related to mental health and the mental health system and awareness of government funding and legislative political processes
* Superior communication and interpersonal skills (including written and presentations)
* Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective member of a team
* Demonstrated ability to manage the unpredictable and support intervention during critical life events
* Flexible and able to manage interruptions, conflicting demands/priorities and intense periods of demand, etc.
* Demonstrated sound clinical judgment, initiative and leadership
* Demonstrated strength-based and systems approach to client service and team building
* Demonstrated knowledge of complex issues related to conflict of interest and professional boundaries; personal and professional ethics and the establishment of an appropriate system of checks and balances that satisfy professional, legal and ethical standards
* Proficiency in ASL
* Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for regular travel throughout Toronto and the GTA. 
* On call, flexible hours as needed; plus some evenings and weekends required e.g. retreats, training, etc.