Permanent, Fulltime, Frontline Counsellor

To provide feminist (diverse intersectional)-based compassionate and innovative daily supports, strength-based counselling, referrals, and advocacy with women living in or seeking services at the shelter. Major responsibilities will include: provision of case management and planning for women who fleeing abuse and are residing in the shelter; assuming responsibility for these clients caseloads; responding to crisis calls; providing short-term strength-based counseling and service to women who attend the shelter for non-residential supports; promoting and implementing safe, secure and comfortable shelter, carrying out all organization and administrative functions associated with the assigned caseloads. To develop strong partnerships with women’s services stakeholders and to provide public presentations from time to time.

Sound working knowledge of stages of change, motivational interviewing, trauma informed modalities used in counseling practices. Ability to work collaboratively with community partners and a working knowledge of networking, case planning that supports women and children’s safety, and can work at various locations in community. Sound system navigation. Experience with group development and facilitation and public speaking engagements and educational presentations.

Position Description

Key ActivitiesTo adhere to Interval House policies, philosophies, procedures, and work practices.Provide support and services to women/children accessing emergency shelter.-
Provide general and VAW specific counseling and groups to women, with a focus on safety.Use risk assessment tools to assess risk of harm and lethality and safety plan accordingly.Case management and case planning including crisis prevention/intervention, safety planning, housing, supportive counseling, parenting support, educational upgrading, job training, income support, health, and wellness services.Support the physical, emotional and safety needs of children to ensure that they are receiving the necessary intervention, protection, and support.Develop and coordinate good working relationships with referral agencies and other outside professionals, specifically including regional housing authorities, women’s and children’s counseling services, educational programs, job training programs, income support worker and health and welfare services.Working knowledge of various housing options including non-profit, private, co-op and housing benefit programs.Refer, advocate and network within the various systems.Attend and participate in staff meetings, community meeting, committees, and related activities.Coordinate and perform various operational and administrative responsibilities such as preparation of comprehensive statistical reports, data collection and providing research to support special projects including the preparation of the program reports as required by funders.
- Assist with the preparation of meals, kitchen duties, housekeeping, and general operational tasks.
- Other related duties as assigned.
- Action oriented
- Approachability & Humor
- Person-centered
- Compassion
- Creative
- Decision quality and results driven
- Diversity and inclusion practice
- Ethics and Values
- Problem Solving
- Demonstrated Reliability
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Knowledge of feminist based counselling
- Integrity & Trust
- Interpersonal Savvy
- Listening
- Sound knowledge of legislation affecting women and their children
- Technical Skills
- Manage competing demands

Skills and Competencies

Education Post Secondary Education, Diploma or Degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related discipline(s). Preferred Social Work background. Experience Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with women who have experienced abuse/violence; preferably work experience in shelter/community counseling/criminal or victim services work environment. Experience with case management and record keeping. Experience with community shareholder engagement and presentation/group facilitation. Experience working with high-risk women and working with modalities including Stages of Change, motivational interviewing, and practice experience using an intersectional feminist and trauma informed lens related to gender-based violence is an asset. Experience with group development and facilitation. Stats collection and analysis to meet performance targets (some noted in position summary). Other Valid: Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Clearence, First Aid/CPR+AED, WHMIS, Bill 168, AODA, Safe Food Handlers, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, Danger Assessment, ASIST, proof of valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a fully insured roadworthy vehicle with an insurance minimum of two million in collision/personal liability (if applicable) and/or able to meet all travel requirements of the position. Able to meet COVID-19 vaccination policy. Fluency in a second language is an asset.

A busy environment in a women’s emergency shelter, as well