General Counsellor

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Union:

Work Shift:

Remote Type:

Duration:

Job Description:

This is a full-time union contract position scheduled to work 35 hours per week

9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday

DUTIES         

• Provides initial intake and needs assessments for Chronically homeless and newly arrived families/ individuals.
• Provides supportive counselling, crises intervention and initial settlement services as well as follow-up services in special needs cases.
• Works one on one with clients to develop a case plan and connect them to supports and services in the community.
• Provides information and referral for income, employment and health settlement services.
• Delivers orientation sessions on hostel rules, and settlement related topics.
• Advocates and case consults with other social service organizations and service providers.
• Provides crisis intervention and counselling e.g. in cases of conflict,
• Documents services and activities in COSTI’s data base system and prepare necessary reports.
• Refers clients to community & social service agencies for additional settlement services support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Social Services Worker diploma or equivalent with relevant practicum experience.
• Minimum of twelve (12) months experience providing initial settlement, case management and counselling for newcomers
• Identifying settlement needs through initial assessments and basic mental health assessments.
• Referrals to programs and education within COSTI and other social service organizations, such as language training, income support, health supports, etc.
• Emotional supportive counselling.
• Experience in crises intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Preference will be given to those who speak Arabic, Spanish, Tigrine, Amharic
• Demonstrated experience providing services in the following areas: wife and child abuse, resettlement and victims of torture, war and displacement.
• Ability to provide case management support to 50-100 clients
• Previous case management experience.
• Knowledge of specific issues facing the homeless population and refugees in general.
• Ability to negotiate and advocate with mainstream society and able to intervene during crisis.
• Demonstrated experience in data-entry, documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of the Internet, Email and Windows software e.g. Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, organization and coordination skills.
• Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR training certificate.
• Possession of a valid Naloxone training certificate
• Must have a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). The VSS must have been completed within the past 6 months.

Hourly Rate:

COSTI encourages applications from individuals reflecting the diversity of our community. COSTI is committed to fair and accessible employment practices and when requested, will make reasonable effort to accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes when filling positions.