Child & Youth Councellor

**Classification**: Union

**Status**: Full-time

**Location**: Milton

**Posting Closes**: Open until Filled

**Start Date**: TBD

**Number of Positions**: 2 - One Full Time for each location (Milton and Burlington)

**Salary: As per the Collective Agreement**

**Hours of Work**:Monday 9-5pm / Tues and Wed 12-8 / Thurs and Fri 9-5 - or a variation of**
- Must be available to flex schedule as required._

**JOB SUMMARY**

As a Child and Youth Counsellor you will be adept in conflict resolution, crisis intervention and collaborative problem solving. You are a caring individual who leads with empathy and seeks to understand. You possess the ability to quickly establish positive rapport and can confidently and constructively manage group dynamics. Ultimately, you effectively support shelter children & youth to make and/or sustain positive behavioral outcomes. As a team member you will be responsible for planning, motivating and enthusiastically leading the children & youth in a wide variety of educational and physical activities.

The Child & Youth Counsellor works with children and women who may be anxious, frightened, angry, injured and, on occasion, uncooperative, aggressive, abusing substances, suicidal and/or depressed. The job requires the ability to assess the needs, safety, and action to be taken with children.

**DUTIES**
- Ensures a safe, secure and healthy environment within the shelter in accordance with shelter policies and procedures (e.g. confidentiality, safety, cleanliness, etc.)
- Provides crisis intervention and counselling for children and/or their Parent, including information on the impact of violence on children, child abuse, parenting skills and parenting issues, separation anxiety, and behavior management.
- As per the “Duty to Report” the Child & Youth Counsellor in consultation with the Supervisor, Client Services and Manger of Programs & Services, will be required to report instances of neglect and/or abuse to the Children's Aid Society.
- In consultation with Supervisor, Client Services, you will plan, prepare, and supervise children's programs, including in-house activities (group, art, recreational, etc.) and outings; o children's program to include daily planned activities. o posts schedule of activities for residents.
- In consultation with Supervisor, Client Services, make appropriate referrals for children and/or their Parent.
- Familiarizes themselves with resident files. o Completes intakes with children and their Parent and maintains up-to-date and accurate case notes and records appropriate information in the logbook.
- Provides Parent, with information and resource material on children's health and nutrition as well as provide resource materials on child development, behavior management, community services, recreation information, etc.
- Checks children's equipment (highchairs, toys, and cribs) for safety and reports problems to the Supervisor, Client Services.
- Assists the CIC (Crisis Intervention Counsellors) with telephones and reception, as requested by the Supervisor, Client Services.
- Actively participates in both full staff and child & youth meetings.
- Completes monthly report and submits to the Supervisor, Client Services.
- Light housekeeping of children’s areas
- Completes other tasks that from time to time may be assigned by the Supervisor, Client Services.

**JOB REQUIREMENTS**

This position requires in-depth knowledge of children’s and women's issues and the dynamics of violence against women and children from a feminist perspective. It requires in-depth knowledge of child development, behavior management and the impact VAW has on children. The incumbent is expected to stay updated and informed on relevant issues regarding women and children. A clear understanding of the needs of homeless women and their children and knowledge of community agencies and resources is required.

It is essential to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with children, adult residents, non-residents, and other professionals, the public, and colleagues. The job requires flexibility to effectively respond to the changing population and needs of the residents. The position requires excellent assessment skills, planning, problem solving and organization.

**Job Types**: Permanent, Full-time

Benefits: Upon completion of probationary period
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match