Women's Outreach Counsellor

Herizon House is a 30 bed shelter for women and children leaving abusive relationships. We offer crisis intervention counselling, emergency shelter, a transitional housing program, outreach programs and child and family programs. We are located in Durham Region. We are seeking talented, energetic, reliable and passionate staff person to join our full-time team in this contract position. The Outreach Counsellor will serve women in the community who have experienced abuse and are trying to establish lives separate from their abuser. This position will use a case management model that includes support, advocacy, referral and information services to women and their children to assist them in their transition to living violence free-lives.

**Hours**: Monday - Friday (9am-5pm). Flexibility is required in this position. Some evenings and weekends may be required to meet client and program needs.

**REQUIRED SKILLS**
- Thorough knowledge on the impacts of women and children exposed to woman abuse.
- Non-judgmental and feminist approach in working with mothers and children.
- Thorough knowledge of the systemic barriers women may be facing.
- Strong advocacy skills while maintaining a professional approach.
- Able to give and receive feedback.
- Ability to run a wide variety of groups and programs to both women and children.

**RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**
- Responsible for providing safe, confidential support to women & children in the community.
- One-on-one short term crisis counseling and advocacy both in person and over the phone.
- Work with women to provide and implement a case plan that is informed by women’s goals.
- Complete, document and review regularly safety plans with women & children
- Support mother and child relationships after violence.
- Support mothers with parenting after violence.
- Develop trauma-informed and accessible child and youth programming.
- Support both women through the legal process including attending legal appointments and court.
- Provide referrals to community resources including: O.W., legal aid, etc. and accompany clients for support as necessary.
- Develop and implement supportive groups for women. This position is responsible for facilitating at least 2 groups per year either in shelter or community.
- Provide parenting tools through the lens of parenting after violence.
- Develop and coordinate effective working relationships with referral agencies and other professionals.
- Play an active role in our community collaborations and represent Herizon House in various committees and/or events.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community programs and resources.
- Complete the necessary documentation, case notes and statistics as required.
- Meet service targets as required.
- Provide outreach and public education activities specific to Herizon House services.
- Represent agency in a professional manner at all times.
- Provide coverage in shelter as necessary
- Other duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in a Social Services and/or related field with related experience working with women.
- Demonstrated experience in working with women who have experienced violence/abuse.
- Understanding of and experience in working with women leaving abusive relationships
- Knowledgeable of local housing programs & services
- Ability to be flexible as required to meet client needs.
- The ability to work with a culturally diverse population and awareness of cultural, religious, economic and other barriers to leaving an abusive partner.
- Demonstrated experience in feminist framework, harm reduction approach in working with women.
- Expert Case Planning, Case Management and Advocacy Skills.
- Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and manage priorities.
- Ability to work independently with mínimal supervision.
- Expert knowledge of Tenant Protection Act, Employment Law, Ontario Works, Legal Services, etc.
- Knowledge of community resources in Durham Region.
- Possess a Valid Ontario Driver’s License, have a road worthy vehicle with a minimum of two million liability insurance.
- Second language desired

**All staff are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.**

**Herizon House is a CUPE unionized workplace.**

Herizon House seeks to be an equal opportunity employer. As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act we will provide assistance to applicants who request accommodation through the recruitment process.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract

**Salary**: From $22.71 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Employee assistance program
- Flextime
- On-site parking

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift

COVID-19 considerations:
Licence/Certification:

- Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle? (required)

Work Location: One location