Helpline Counsellor

**Job Overview**
We are seeking a Helpline Counsellor that will provide compassionate, non-judgmental support, crisis intervention, and essential resources to individuals experiencing domestic violence. As the first point of contact with our agency, this role will provide information regarding domestic violence and abuse, and related programs and services both internal and external to the agency.

**The position requires working a consistent shift from Monday to Friday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM**

**Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, supported and loved.**

**FearIsNotLove (the new brand evolution and operator of Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter) works to inspire and build a dignity driven movement, cultivating communities that are free from domestic violence and abuse. We serve all people to live free from fear, neglect, violence, and abuse through a comprehensive range of innovative programs and services; from prevention and education, to counselling and emergency supports.**

**The agency plays an important role in the daily lives of individuals and families living with fear in their close relationships. In whatever way domestic violence impacts a person; whether they are a victim, someone who uses abuse and wants to change, or someone who knows another person being abused—FearIsNotLove is here to help.**

Our goal is to help people to have violence-free lives, to live without fear, and get to the ultimate outcome - love. It’s what we all want and need. We are looking for people who want to be part of changing the conversation about domestic violence and abuse.

FearIsNotLove creates safe spaces. We listen, we support, we encourage and we are judgement-free. We are relentless in our commitment to our clients, our communities and each other. We believe change is possible. At our core is an uncompromising commitment to our team of talented people who believe in our mission. We believe that when people feel empowered and safe, they are able to move forward with the best decisions for them and their family.

**WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING**
As a Crisis Counsellor and Navigator, you will:

- Establish and maintain a client caseload with the focus on client relationship and support.
- Provide support with safety planning, case planning based on the clients’ inherent strengths and resilience, parenting support, and information on community resources that are available to meet the needs of the clients.
- Provide immediate crisis intervention and support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence who are in imminent danger - including access to hotel space, access to Shelter space and other community resources
- Meetings with clients may occur via phone, virtually, or in person in the Shelter or in a safe location in the community (i.e., a meeting room in a hotel).
- Utilize engagement skills to help clients to feel validated and supported, provide clients with practical and emotional supports that focus on their here-and-now needs, and assist clients in overcoming crisis.
- Collaborate closely community resources such as housing, financial aid, mental health and substance use to assist clients in accessing resources to meet identified needs. **Completes the Danger Assessment Lethality Tool as appropriate with clients to determine level of danger to enhance the safety planning process.**:

- Is an advocate and maintains relationships within the agency and with external professionals to provide a support system for clients.
- When working in the shelter building, ensure safety of residents and other employees by monitoring the building electronic security systems, completing safety check ins, and other safety related measures that may arise.
- Complete and maintain the clients’ documentation requirements within established timelines (Intake, Consent Form, Danger Assessment, Case Planning, Case Notes, Noteworthy and Critical Incident Reports, and Discharge).
- Answer the four main phone lines operated by the Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline, including the main Helpline, YW Crisis Line, Men& line and the Men’s Counselling line, with a focus on calls that pertain to those who are in imminent danger.
- Responsible for managing risk with clients, including identifying risk to self or others, and risks of harm to children. When risk is identified, consulting with others as needed, escalating these concerns to supervisors, and following established processes and documentation Attendance at monthly staff meetings.
- Ensure Compliance with Accreditation Standards; Maintain current police and IRC checks, professional registration (if applicable), and required accreditation-related training (e.g., First Aid, NVCI, Indigenous, Diversity, response-based).
- Ensure client files meet accreditation standards and agency policies.
- Other duties as assigned to support FearIsNotLove’s clients and programWHAT YOU BRING TO OUR MISSION
- Diploma in Human Services or related field required.
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