Settlement Counsellor

**Report to**:
The Settlement Counsellor will be an employee of the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre (SLNRC). Day-to-day supervision/consultation will be provided by the Director of the Newcomer Settlement Services in the form of formal supervision meetings as well as informal support as requested by the worker.

**Work Timelines**:
The Settlement Counsellor position is a full time position and will run 5 days/week including Saturdays and evenings.

**Compensation**:

- Earn a competitive wage of $27.58 per hour
- After probation, you will be eligible to join the group health benefits plan
- Robust number of personal days and schedule flexibility
- Free paid day off for your birthday - never work on your birthday again

**Qualifications**:
Social Service Worker Diploma, Social Work Degree, related fields of expertise or extensive experience of over 3 years actively supporting newcomers and referring newcomers, refugees and immigrants to needed services. Excellent working knowledge of another language is an asset.

**Duties**:
Provide support to newcomer to improve their opportunities to become independent citizens in the City of London. This will be done through:
**. Individual Service to Newcomer Clients**:

- Distribute identified promotional material about the services for newcomers to each newcomer client
- Ensure that newcomer immigrants are aware of the IRCC funded services
- Meet with clients to assess their settlement strengths and needs so that newcomers make informed decisions on their settlement needs
- Assist clients to prioritize their settlement needs and create action plans to be implemented by clients
- Maintain a schedule for following up to ensure that clients had successfully met their settlement needs.
- Facilitate referrals within the SLNRC and to other most appropriate community services city-wide.
- Ensure that clients have timely, useful and accurate information needed to make informed settlement decisions.
- Provide client-centered services in a supportive and culturally-competent manner
- Provide practical guidance to assist newcomers in coping with problem of everyday living, e.g. housing, transportation and access to social and health services.
- Provide orientation sessions to newcomers one-on-one and family immediately upon their arrival to get acquainted about life in Canada and understand their rights and responsibilities as new Canadians
- Identify and bring forwards for discussion/resolution, any challenge barrier or gaps in service for clientele

**2. Group Service to Newcomer Clients**:

- In co-ordination with the other Newcomer Settlement Services staff, plan and coordinate settlement related activities and programs for groups of newcomer clients
- Provide group information sessions that aligns with IRCC’s Orientation to Canada fact sheets, Orientation to Ontario products and the Welcome to Canada Guide.
- Involve resourceful individuals from different community services in these programs

**3. Work with other Staffs**:

- Facilitates constructive and culturally sensitive communication between SLNRC staff
- Inform SLNRC staff about settlement related issues, including a profile of the community
- Collect newcomer client feedback (e.g. surveys, workshop evaluations, user needs assessment, etc.) to track outcomes of settlement services
- Work with a team of professionals to ensure that clients’ needs are met

**4. Administration**:

- Maintain accurate written records and files pertaining to settlement services provided to clients.
- Enters statistical information in a data system using a Citizenship and Immigration Canada approved tracking system known as iCARE
- Maintains updated supply of handouts on services, resources and policies that are relevant eligible clients
- Ensure appropriate and confidential handling of client information and files.
- Keep accurate and up to date files on clients
- Wears a name badge
- Prepares and submits reports, statistics etc.
- Networks with other settlement counsellors locally or in other cities in Canada
- Attends training opportunities
- Works flexible hours, including evening and weekends, according to peak user times, as scheduled
- Operate in accordance with policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols of the SLNRC
- Participate as a member of SLNRC team by furthering collective team goals.
- Accept other duties as assigned by the Director of the Newcomer Settlement Services

**Why Join Us?**

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of newcomer families. By joining our dedicated team at SLNRC, you will be at the forefront of community integration, helping to build a more inclusive and connected community.
- **“We work together to “empower and enrich the neighbourhood in an inclusive environment.”**_

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

Pay: $27.58 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site