Women's Trauma Counselor

Women's Trauma Counselor

6 Week Contract, Full-Time (37.5hrs)
(Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm
Tuesdays from 12pm-8pm)
Contract Term: October 21, 2024-November 22, 2024

**Reports to**: Manager of Programs and Client Services
**Collective Bargaining Unit Position CUPE Local 3877**:YES
**Direct Reports**: None

**AGENCY SUMMARY**

Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke (WHE) is a feminist, multi-service, community-based organization in South Etobicoke, serving diverse women* and their dependents experiencing violence and poverty since 1978. In 2006, WHE opened an outreach centre to respond to the increasing needs for services for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

WHE offers transformational services and programs in two distinct locations to address the impact of violence and poverty on women and their dependents which includes, safety audits, safety planning, trauma-informed crisis and ongoing counseling services, housing support services, advocacy and referrals to settlement and community resources, as well as skills and capacity building for promoting healthy relationships and prevention of gender-based violence.

*self-identified individuals

**JOB SUMMARY**

The Women's Trauma Counselor provides on-going, short term counselling and education to former residents of the shelter or women in the community who have or are experiencing gender based violence.

**Responsibilities**:
Direct Service
- Assists women in developing awareness of options, developing a safety plan and a plan of action, and providing the necessary support and assistance in following through on these options
- Provides individual counselling and organizes and facilitates evening support groups for women
- Ensures complete and accurate intake of client history; arranges for appropriate referrals to community resources if necessary
- Organizes and facilitates workshops, drop-ins and other special events that would be of interest to client population
- Acts as an advocate when necessary, including accompanying clients to service appointments such as family court, social assistance offices, social housing interviews etc.
- Assists clients to locate and utilize community resources as appropriate
- Maintains and protects confidentiality of client information

Community Service and Public Education
- Acts as a resource for groups and individuals from the community requesting information or assistance in the area of woman abuse
- Participates in speaking engagements on the topic of woman abuse and the services provided by Women’s Habitat
- Represents Women’s Habitat in the community on task forces and or working groups, as assigned by the Outreach Manager, the Executive Director or her designate
- Liaises with Outreach counsellors in other Shelters to do advocacy and share resources for abused women
- Represents Women’s Habitat in all communications with clients, other community service professionals and the general public

Administration and Planning
- Works in co-operation with Outreach team in assisting clients
- Sets program goals and objectives in conjunction with the Outreach Manager, Executive Director and service committees of the Board
- Develops and maintains the program and its components i.e. individual counseling and support, group sessions, referrals, advocacy, workshops and community support
- Assessing other areas of client need and determining how best to meet those needs
- Maintains up-to-date record keeping system for the program, including type of service delivered, hours involved and appropriate case histories and reports this as required
- Maintains up-to-date selection of resource materials for client use
- Reports on program progress as required
- Participates in supervision, staff and case management meetings as scheduled
- Responsible for the supervision of students and volunteers when necessary
- Participates in community meetings and events, as well as training and workshops where applicable.
- Responsible for specific area, assigned by the Outreach Manager, or her designate, that is integral to the delivery of a comprehensive service at Women’s Habitat
- Responsible for other duties as assigned

**CORE COMPETENCIES**:
Each employee will adhere to, and reflect in all areas of their work, the policies, procedures, mission, vision and values of Women’s Habitat. Therefore, each employee will have the following competencies:

- Ensure that the Health and Safety guidelines are followed in accordance with the policies and procedures of the agency.
- Ensure appropriate notification of child abuse as required by the Child and Family Services Act.
- Adhere to and abide by Women’s Habitat’s harm reduction philosophy.
- Ability to conduct trauma-informed work when dealing with agency clients.
- Understand and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code at all times and in all aspects of your work.
- Understand and implement anti-oppression and equity principles in all aspects of your work.
- Ability t