Counsellor, Patient Community BC Cancer

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Counsellor, Chinese Community provides leadership in the development and provision of services to support Chinese-speaking cancer patients and their families. Provides input and takes initiative in the development of multicultural programs.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides clinical counselling services to patients and families for all tumour groups as designated.

2. Counsels patients and families concerning emotional needs and practical help problems of advanced complexity; assumes leadership of group programs and development of groups to meet the needs of patients and their families.

3. Develops and maintains volunteer groups by implementing responsive programs for Chinese-speaking patients and their families.

4. Consults with and assists community groups in adapting programs to reflect the specific needs of the Chinese speaking community.

5. Provides information to members of the Chinese-speaking community through presentations and emotional support. Promotes and facilitates cooperation between professional care providers and volunteers in the community.

6. Liaises with community agencies which provide health care, counselling and educational programs for Chinese-speaking patients. Identifies patients’ needs for services and makes appropriate referrals.

7. Participates in planning and developing educational activities related to Chinese-speaking persons affected by the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Translates written documents, such as educational materials and patient information publications, to be available for use by Chinese- speaking patients.

8. Provides information at professional conferences and public events; presents information on local radio programs.

9. Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team, interpreting patient and family counselling role.

10. Participates in planning and development of educational activities in the Provincial Psychosocial Oncology Program and designated Communities Oncology programs.

11. Provides input to the planning, development and implementation of the program's quality assurance program.
12. Participates in research projects.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Master’s degree in a social sciences discipline relevant to the job from a recognized program, such as Social Work, Counselling Psychology, or Clinical Psychology.
• Minimum of two (2) years recent, related experience working in an interdisciplinary setting that includes experience with individual, marital, and family counselling group work, program and community development.
• Eligible for registration with designated professional regulatory body.
Skills and Abilities
• Interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with patient, families, staff and the public.
• Ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others tactfully and with sensitivity.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to teach and supervise students.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position
• Fluency with the Chinese language (Mandarin and Cantonese dialects preferred).