Settlement Counsellor

Settlement Counsellor **(Full Time - 37.5 hrs/week)**

Immigration and Settlement Services
- "As a Catholic social services agency, we are guided by faith to care for and bring hope to people in need with humility, compassion and respect.”_

You will be joining an established Agency that is guided by faith to care for and bring hope to people in need with humility, compassion and respect. With more than 50 years of service delivery, Catholic Social Services is one of the largest multi-function social services agencies in Canada, with more than 1800 staff, and hundreds of volunteers delivering 130+ programs throughout Central Alberta.

**Job Summary**

Provide quality settlement services to newcomers to Canada (responsibilities may include services to specific populations or programs such as: refugees, children & youth, seniors, outreach, employment readiness); helping them to understand their rights and responsibilities; assessing their needs such as: education, housing, health care, transportation, employment; developing a settlement plan addressing short and long term goals; and referring clients to appropriate resources within the Agency and external resources. In order to make appropriate referrals and community connections, the Settlement Counsellor works with various government agencies, mainstream service providers and community organizations.

**Job Duties**
- Assess client’s needs and determine the types of services required.
- Develop a service plan according to the assessment, developing goals and setting a timeline.
- Respond to the assessed needs by providing services or referrals for service to meet critical needs (e.g. shelter, food, finances, health, education, parenting, safety, language) as well as assistance in understanding how to access mainstream services if necessary, provide clients with practical information and cultural and social orientation to life in Canada; provide or obtain interpretation and translation support as needed.
- Advocate on behalf of clients with institutions, employers, landlords, schools, etc.
- In co-ordination with other Settlement Counsellors, plan and coordinate settlement related activities and programs for groups of newcomer clients.
- Follow up with clients to ensure effective outcomes.
- Conduct case management meetings to ensure that clients’ needs are met.
- Assist in the production of outreach materials for the designated population.
- Deliver individual, family and/or group orientation sessions on relevant settlement topics: e.g., living and working in Canada.
- Establish networks with other Settlement Counsellors, community groups and centres, faith communities, cultural organizations, schools, daycares, etc.
- Collect client feedback (e.g., distribute surveys, workshop evaluations, etc.) to track outcomes of settlement services.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date client files.
- Ensure client confidentiality.
- Prepare and submit required reports and statistics.
- Represent the Agency in a professional manner in various community groups and committees to further serve the designated clients, promoting positive public relations at all times.
- Understands funding requirements and expected service targets
- Perform other related duties as assigned

**Education and Qualifications**:

- Diploma or Degree in Human Services or Equivalent
- 2 years’ experience working with newcomers to Canada
- Fluency in Arabic and French and/or Somali are preferred.
- Certification through AAISA is preferred
- Access to a vehicle and valid drivers license.
- Ability to obtain $2 Million liability insurance

**Compensation**:
The salary range for this position is **$25.51 to $28.70 per hour **based on qualifications and experience.
- We offer flexibility, a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive working environment._
- We embrace diversity and offer equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of origin, culture, ethnicity, age, ability, gender identity and people of faith or no faith._