Supportive Counsellor

**_*Profiency in Arabic, Urdu, or Somali is an asset*_**
- At Nisa Homes we create the opportunity of “home” for domestic violence survivors across Canada. We envision a flourishing Muslim community in which help is available, shelter is attainable, and healing is possible._

**Job title**

Supportive Counsellor

**Reports to**

Mental Health Lead

**Location**

Montreal

**Job Status**

Part time (10-15 hours/week)

Under the supervision of the House Manager, the Supportive Counsellor is responsible for providing mentorship, emotional support, problem-solving, goal setting, crisis risk assessment, and referrals to other community support. Supportive Counsellors promote empowerment and self-determination through non-judgmental listening and client-centred goal setting. The Supportive Counsellor will use the peer counselling model to assist residents in identifying and achieving life goals as part of their experience at Nisa Homes.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**CLIENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT**
- Conduct one on one peer to peer supportive counselling sessions with residents on a weekly basis to set and achieve goals, address challenges, and refer where necessary to external resources
- Develop and implement a regular mental health and wellness support group for the women and children, separately
- Create a safe connection for the client to using high levels of trust and rapport building, sincerity, and unconditional positive regard

**TRAINING**
- Deliver life skills workshops on topics such as self-esteem building, empowerment, self-care strategies, addressing depression, anxiety, and stress
- Provide training to staff and volunteers on trauma-informed practices, mental health resources and other training where needed
- Responsible for assigning and overseeing counselling volunteers to residents.

**CASE MANAGEMENT**
- Participate in intake assessments to assess eligibility, flag for signs of addictions, mental illnesses, and suicide.
- Coordinate with caseworkers to ensure the best service and case management available to clients

**REPORTING**
- Summarize/organize information for shura in event that a unique case has arisen for current residents for decision making
- Provide weekly updates to House Manager for client progress
- Maintain counselling notes, incident records and other documentation

**OUTREACH**
- Liaise with other services, agencies, and professionals
- Maintain current knowledge of issues and resources related to abuse and violence to provide presentations and public awareness activities about services and issues of abuse
- Facilitate community networking, attend meetings and workshops as needed

**COMPETENCIES**
- Communication Skills & Active Listening
- Positive Attitude
- Building Trust
- Emotional Intelligence
- Conflict Management Skills
- Crisis Intervention Skills
- Counselling Skills
- Assessment Skills

**QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES**
- Must speak and write English and French proficiently.
- Relevant degree such as Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or related field especially with regard to homelessness and vulnerable women and will have a minimum of 2-3 years experience. Other combinations of education, experience and training may be considered.
- Able to adhere to highest standards of ethical care and confidentiality policies.
- Demonstrates a commitment to Professional Practice, adheres to professional code of ethics
- Demonstrate Wellness Practices: Can identify personal stressors and knows when to ask for help. Can identify and manage signs of burnout.
- Criminal record check and Vulnerable sector check prior to employment.
- Strong understanding of the needs and issues of different social groups, including women experiencing or at risk of homelessness, women fleeing abuse, and newcomers.