Settlement Counsellor- Client Support Services

**Settlement Counsellor
- Client Support Services**

ISANS is seeking a Full-time **Settlement Counsellor, Client Support Services r**esponsible for providing settlement support to GAR (government-assisted refugees) within their first two years off arrival to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Intensive case management service model provides clients with a wide range of settlement services and referrals, based on individual needs with regular progress monitoring.Reporting to the Supervisor & Manager, Refugee Resettlement, this position will be responsible for:
**Provide settlement support to eligible clients by**:

- Providing holistic information, advocacy and solution focused para counselling to clients based on their strengths and needs.
- Providing referrals to appropriate internal or external resources.
- Providing comprehensive settlement needs assessment completed through home visits and meetings, along with development of settlement plan for each client based on identified needs and barriers.
- Developing customized case management plan for families with complex issues reflecting immediate, short
- and long-term needs
- Providing direct services and ongoing support for clients
- Coordinating referrals and the use of internal and external resources
- Providing support in navigating and mapping the resources available in the community
- Coordinating case conferencing with both clients and the service providers involved in the case.
- Monitoring and reviewing the process and outcomes with clients and service providers and planning exit strategies and case closure.
- Planning and implementing follow-up and evaluation activities and tools, to determine the effectiveness of the services offered.
- Facilitating and coordinating workshops and information group sessions on pertinent issues, in collaboration with other service providers
- Supporting outreach activities offered for clients.
- Working as part of a holistic team with other members of Settlement Team and ISANS staff, in the provision of services for immigrant and refugee families
- Accompanying vulnerable clients to community service providers’ meeting.

**Deliver resettlement assistance to RAP clients that reflect the contribution agreement by**:

- Delivering RAP specific orientation sessions
- Linking clients to provincial and federal programs
- Participating in ongoing evaluation of service delivery.
- Developing RAP exit plan and assisting clients with articulating their goals
- Reporting RAP services in a timely way to ensure accurate information for iCare.

**Develop the Settlement Support System by**:

- Facilitating access to services by providing links between clients with specific settlement needs to available resources in the community.
- Networking and partnering with other service providers, agencies and organizations providing services to clients in the community.
- Conducting case conferencing with ISANS staff and service providers, in collaboration with clients.
- Identifying and bringing forward for discussion/resolution, any challenge barrier, or gaps in service for clientele
- Sharing Settlement Team drop-in duties

**General responsibilities**:

- Performing other duties as required
- Providing information as required for internal/external reports, and proposals.
- Reviewing and adhering to ISANS workplace health and safety policies; safety is everyone’s responsibility.
- Recording all relevant client information on databases in a consistent and timely manner as appropriate to the position
- Attending regular Staff Meetings and Team meetings
- Attending training and development opportunities as appropriate
- Attending and providing support at ISANS events

**Education**:

- Bachelors Degree or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted.
- Counselling Certificate an asset

**Experience**:

- 2 years experience in a similar position
- Experience working in a cross-cultural environment; experience delivering direct service to immigrants preferred.
- Experience working with/supporting clients, volunteers, and casual workers.
- Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating programs or projects.
- Experience delivering service face to face and/or online.
- Experience with networking and outreach

**Knowledge**:

- Knowledge of local activities, programs and community organizations that serve the immigrant population.

**Skills**:

- Strong written and verbal English communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong time management and organization skills
- Additional languages an asset

**ISANS Core Competencies**

**Cultural Competency; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion**
- Embracing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

**Collaboration**
- Working collaboratively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives

**Continuous Learning**
- Continually seeking new knowledge and skills, as well as developing existing capa