Shelter/helpline Counsellor

Job Information

Job Category:
Social Services

**Salary**:
$27.39 Per Hour

**Experience**:
2 - 5 years

**Education**:
Bachelor's Degree

**Neglect, violence and abuse are life-altering, terrorizing behaviours.**

This is why we became **FearIsNotLove**. These four words capture perhaps the most important thing you need to know about us. It’s who we are. And it’s what we stand for. We believe that every human has the right to live free of fearand feel safe, respected, supported and loved.
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. We have evolved from our beginnings as the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

**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.

We are looking for two relief Shelter/Helpline Counsellors to work in our Shelter Program. This position is a union position working on an on-call basis to cover a variety of shifts. Please note that applicants MUST be available for weekday overnight shifts, and working these shifts is a compulsory aspect of the position.

As a Relief Counsellor you will support your peers that work on a regular basis to provide coverage while permanent staff are required to attend staff meetings, retreats, training and other duties. The majority of shifts will be scheduled in advance but there will also be times when you will be called in on short notice.

If you are someone that enjoys working in a fast-paced crisis environment and you are able to juggle multiple priorities, process information quickly, and make decisions while facing the challenges of an ever-changing environment this job is for you

**WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING**
As a Relief Shelter Counsellor, you will provide crisis counselling (individual and/or group counselling), maintain case files daily, and develop safety plans. You will ensure residents feel safe at all times; screen phone calls, use electronic security systems, and meet daily to get to know each client and support them through their challenges.

You will not only act on behalf of your client, but in your role you will contribute to your team by consulting and working with staff and volunteers to facilitate the integration of all programs which clients may participate in, including child support, community, and other programs.

As a Relief Helpline Counsellor telephone skills are you’re biggest asset. You will provide telephone crisis counselling, assessment, and intervention to assist women who are fleeing family violence. How you sound on the phone will help clients feel safe and validated. As the first point of contact with our agency you will need to quickly gain a vast knowledge of the organization.

By joining our team you are joining a diverse culture that embraces the differences among us. Being open and willing to hear and listen to others is one of the biggest assets you can bring to our team.

**WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR MISSION**
- B.S.W. or B.A. in Social Sciences.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ previous experience in any of the following areas is required: domestic violence, Children’s Services, homelessness, or addictions/mental health issues.
- Previous experience working within Scott Miller’s Feedback Informed Treatment is an asset.
- Discretion, tact and ability to maintain confidential information.
- Self-motivated with strong self-management ability is essential.
- Team work philosophy of collaboration and cooperation is required as it is necessary to coordinate the involvement of other colleagues on the team and throughout the agency.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written) in English. A second language would be an asset.

Demonstrated effective and engaging interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills with strengths in prioritization and efficiencies.
- Able to multi-task and adapt to various situations.
- Keen attention to detail and strong work ethic.
- Counsellors must be comfortable with client-centred approaches and who are familiar with the response-based approach (Dr. Allan Wade and Dr. Linda Coates) and Feedback Informed Treatment (Dr. Scott Miller)

**IMPORTANT DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW**
- A flexible work schedule is essential, with the ability to work a variety of weekday and weekend shifts. Priority will be given to those that are able to work on weekends and overnight.
- CPR, First Aid, ASIST, and NVCI certification is required.
- Ongoing training and development is a r