JOB SUMMARY

The Emergency & Protective Services department is responsible for protecting the health, property, and quality of life of Ottawa through an integrated public safety department encompassing the Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Fire Services, By-law & Regulatory Services, and Public Safety Services.

Reporting to and under the guidance of the Service Psychologist, you are responsible for providing in-person and virtual counselling and psychotherapy to support the psychological, emotional, physical, and social health and well-being of Service staff. You provide short-term evidence-based therapeutic interventions and referrals, liaise, and consult with internal resources and external providers, support return-to-work plans, provide psychoeducation that promotes mental health literacy in the workplace, and develop evidence-based programs and initiatives that support the psychosocial health of the Service. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Successful completion of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Psychotherapy or Occupational Therapy from an accredited university, including a minimum of 600h of supervised clinical training prior to graduation

Minimum of 5 years of experience post-registration practicing the controlled act of psychotherapy using evidence-based modality such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Solution-Focused Therapy.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

Registered with one of the following Ontario Colleges:

• Registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and Behavioural Analysts (CPBAO) as a Psychologist or Psychological Associate
• Registered Social Worker with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• Registered with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• Registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)

KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge and understanding of DSM-5-TR Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition-Revised/Internal Classification of Diseases, 11th edition and the effect of workplace psychological injuries on emergency responder personnel mental health. Knowledge of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and Long-Term Disability processes is an asset. 
• Knowledge of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for clients presenting with a range of mental health conditions such as mood, anxiety, substance use, personality, and trauma- and stress-related disorders.   
• Must be familiar with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and relevant legislation (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code), have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation, professional standards of practice, and City policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to exercise good judgment and decision-making in handling situations of a complex and sensitive nature, using tact and discernment while maintaining confidentiality. 
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics, professionalism, and universal human rights, with an appreciation for apolitical principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver strengths-based, recovery-oriented, and client-focused interventions reflecting a balance between equality of outcome and equality of treatment
• Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution 
• Critical and creative thinking skills to determine appropriate clinical interventions and referrals to be made for staff presenting with a variety of psychological and psychosocial concerns including major life stressors, mood, anxiety, substance use and trauma symptoms. 
• Ability to effectively communicate information on assessment, interventions, and educational activities. 
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary environment, with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to work independently and function with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative, analytical skills, superior judgment and decision-making ability. 

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City’s expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work. They are reflective of the City’s culture and values and guide all our present and future activities. Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.