Bilingual Violence Against Women Counsellor

**Scope of Position**

Under the supervision of the VAW Manager and participating as part of the Violence Against Women team, the VAW counsellor will provide short-term counselling individually and in groups for women referred to the Violence Against Women Program. Specifically to intervene in crisis, provide short-term counselling and co-facilitate support groups.

**PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**

**Direct Service**
- provide short-term counselling for individuals
- intervene in crisis and refer as needed
- assess client safety needs and develop a safety plan
- provide appropriate referrals to additional resources, including transitional support and housing workers, and collaborate with other service providers

**Advocacy**
- advocate on behalf of client, and client group
- participate in advocacy and coordination committees about services available, gaps in services and issues affecting women, and children and their families
- promote participation of clients, and community, in general, in activities designed to educate and/or advocate for prevention

**Community Education**
- act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding specific client area
- present to community groups on issues and services
- participate in internal and external meetings, public education events and media contacts as required

**Coordination of Policy and Service**
- coordinate inter-agency referrals
- advocate coordinated planning for individual services
- establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies to facilitate referrals and positive working relationships

**Training and Development**
- provide training to community groups
- provide opportunities to students to practice skills with appropriate supervision
- support and train volunteers as needed
- offer in-service to co-workers on staff development opportunities, and/or areas of expertise

**Evaluation**
- prepare and maintain all necessary documentation and statistics related to all activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis
- participate in WOCRC evaluation processes
- participate in the development and implementation of client and/or program evaluation as required

**Other**

All WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations. These include:

- Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected.
- Working in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health
- Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training;
- Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered;
- Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC ( Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct);
- Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures;
- Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies,
- procedures and regulations;
- Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk in keeping with Privacy and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures.
- Supporting the Centre’s student and volunteer placement programs
- Working during both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by the Centre;
- Performing other related duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education and Experience**
- Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training;
- Minimum of 2 years experience direct work with abused women;
- Demonstrated commitment to community based social service delivery and health equity principles;
- Knowledge of Violence Against Women issues and counselling principles;
- Demonstrated crisis intervention skills;
- Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, employment and training resources in the community;
- Experience in community development;
- Knowledge and proficiency in program development, delivery and evaluation;
- Strong public speaking and public education skills;
- Strong organizational and communication skills;
- Multitasking abilities;
- Demonstrated ability to identify and serve the needs of diverse communities;
- Ability to promote teamwork and strength in a volunteer and staff group.

**Language Competencies**
- Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written; required.
- Ability to communicate fluently in French, spoken and written; required.

**Computer Competencies**
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products
- Familiarity with Data Management Systems

**Salary/Hours**
- Starting salary is $50,545 per annum
- Hours are Monday to Friday with some evenings or weekend work
- 35 hours per week
- **Please note that interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis**_

Address cover letters to:
Janice Weir, People Services Manager
Western Ottawa Community Resource Cen