Settlement Counselor

**Job terms**:Full-time (35 hrs./week)

**Job location**:Etobicoke

Position Title: Settlement Counsellor (Dari/Pashtu Speaking)

ACCT is currently recruiting a full-time Settlement Counsellor to work from our Etobicoke or Scarborough location. In this position you will provide one-on-one and direct services to support the integration process of recent immigrants and refugees. Services include referrals to various services within and outside the community and the provision of updated and well-researched information relevant to immigrant and refugee needs.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

- Engages clients in the intake and assessment process to identify immediate, short, medium
- and long-term settlement needs of the newcomers and devise service plans based on the assessment and client’s needs.
- Provides one-on-one case management and counselling to clients requesting information concerning: advocacy, translation & interpretation and civic participation and community engagement, orientation, referral (internally and to appropriate programs/services within the community) and non-therapeutic counselling regarding services such as health care, housing, employment, training and education, legal aid, finance, social services, etc.
- Provide initial crisis intervention/mental health support when required with appropriate referrals
- Ensures all clients and the community feedback and concerns are addressed in a timely manner and recorded according to ACCT’s policies and procedures
- Plans, organizes and facilitates group workshops and orientation sessions that support clients in understanding and integrating into Canadian society, practices and procedures; advise on way of life, institutions, laws, rights, responsibilities, civic participation, etc.
- Plans, prepares and evaluates appropriate material for group facilitation & workshops in collaboration with other teams and programs within the agency.
- Collect statistics; submit monthly reports and input client data into iCARE and other internal databases, including but not limited to, OCMS and Excel
- Develop monthly work plan and activities
- Ensures that all records are kept confidential and secure.
- Develops individualized outreach plans for each assigned service locations in collaboration with other ACCT’s programs or external service providers
- Jointly with service partners conducts program promotion in community social landmarks
- Actively participates in program’s community development activities including advocacy, outreach and community engagement and empowerment activities
- Networks with other staff, attends staff meetings & agency events including staff social events, community events and agency committees
- Other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Humanities, Counselling, Social Work or related field
- 2 years in client service and group facilitation; experienced in establishing professional boundaries with clients
- Understanding and awareness of the newcomer experience including an awareness of diversity issues and an ability to work within a cross-cultural perspective
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and any of those languages; Dari and Pashto.
- Empathic, respectful, and discrete; remains tactful and patient during stressful situations
- Knowledge of the Canadian legal, political, cultural, educational, and economic systems
- Extensive knowledge of the immigration and refugee system and services available
- Broad-based knowledge of community and government resources to refer clients
- Ability to work in a team environment, as well as a capacity to self-motivate and work independently

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months

**Benefits**:

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

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Vaccination Requirements: Fully Vaccinated

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Etobicoke, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- Social Work: 2 years (required)

**Language**:

- Pashto/Dari (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-07-10
Expected start date: 2023-07-10