Settlement Counsellor

**Job Position: Settlement Counsellor - 2SLGBTQI+ Communities**
**Department: Newcomer Services**
**Status: Full-Time - 35 hours per week**
**Location: Mississauga & Brampton**
**Compensation: $28.33 per hour plus benefits.**

Indus Community Services is an accredited, not-for-profit community benefit organization that has served local communities for over three decades. We are a registered charity, supported by our donors and by all three levels of government. Through our professional staff, we are a leader in the provision of culturally responsive services to newcomers, families, women & seniors.

**Vision**:To be leaders in building strong and inclusive communities.

**Mission**: We are a community benefit organization focused on building resilient and healthy communities by offering person-centered, anti-oppressive programs and services.
**Position Summary**:Under the guidance of the Manager - Settlement Programs, the incumbent will provide settlement services to newcomers with a focus on 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Peel. The incumbent shall support newcomers’ settlement needs including providing mental health support, advocacy, counselling, through appropriate workshops, and one-on-one support. This role will also support 2SLGBTQI+ capacity building in the region’s settlement services sector and greater community.

**Responsibilities and Duties: (but not limited to)**
- Provide information, referral, orientation and counselling services to meet the social, health and cultural needs of 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers; such as accessing healthcare, housing, education, legal and social services with a focus on building a safer space for individuals.
- Facilitate appropriate referrals and access to services to members in the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Plan and facilitate 2SLGBTQI+ educational workshops to build capacity of the sector.
- Develop and setup a safe space/drop-in center specifically designed to meet the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ persons.
- Plan and implement a variety of social activities for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers to foster peer to peer connections and reduce isolation.
- Develop collaborative partnerships with community agencies to offer peer support volunteer training to 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers. Document needs and gaps in services 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer communities.
- Input information into appropriate databases, document and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of service delivery and case files.
- Complete all required statistical and narrative reports.
- Participate in staff and team meetings, and professional development opportunities as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- We strongly encourage those with lived experience as a refugee/newcomer and a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities to apply.
- Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Service Work, Sociology, Human Services, with previous work experience in settlement services and crisis counselling or relevant work and lived experience.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and sincere interest in meeting the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers
- Demonstrated experience in the client-centered case management service delivery approach.
- Solid interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making, analytical and research skills.
- Strong attention to detail and flexible to deal with changing demands of the job.
- Ability to maintain confidential records and documentation, in addition to writing objective and descriptive contact notes.
- Demonstrated verbal & written English communication skills.
- Computer proficiency in Windows Office Suite and the internet and experience using a database system.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evening and weekends and from a variety of identified locations.
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and a strong understanding of inclusive and equitable service delivery.
- Valid Driver’s License with own transportation is a must.
- Indus’ mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all employees be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine has been temporarily suspended. Currently new employees will not have to show evidence of vaccination. Indus reserves the right to reactivate this policy at its own discretion based on Public Health recommendations. Individuals with valid medical or other human rights-based exemptions will continue to be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy and in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Posting Date: April 19th, 2024

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-05-03