Vocational Counsellor

**Job Position: Vocational Counsellor**
**Department: Family Services**
**Status: Full-Time - 35 hours per week**

**This posting is for an active vacancy.**
**Location: Mississauga & Brampton**

**This role is on-site and/or community based.**
**Compensation: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour plus benefits**

Indus Community Services is an accredited, not-for-profit community benefit organization that has served local communities for over three decades. We are a registered charity, supported by our donors and by all three levels of government. Through our professional staff, we are a leader in the provision of culturally responsive services to newcomers, families, women & seniors.

**Vision**: To be leaders in building strong and inclusive communities.

**Mission**: We are a community benefit organization focused on building resilient and healthy communities by offering person-centered, anti-oppressive programs and services.
**Position Summary**: As part of a multi-disciplinary team at the Brampton Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, in partnership with CMHA Peel Dufferin and various agencies in Peel Region, the Vocational Counsellor will provide vocational assessment and support to individuals with mental health and/or addiction concerns, and/or experiencing homelessness. They will support clients in developing the knowledge and skills to improve job readiness and to navigate employment programs.

**Responsibilities and Duties: (but not limited to)**
- Conduct comprehensive standardized vocational assessments to develop employment-related goals, identify strategies, and address barriers to employment.
- Provide individual and group employment counselling for job readiness skills, interview preparation, job search techniques, resume development, and career exploration.
- Support clients in building empowerment and self-advocacy skills, addressing stigma, and increasing confidence.
- Regularly assess for risk and respond with mitigation strategies, including crisis intervention and de-escalation supports and connecting to crisis services when appropriate.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment and labour market trends, including job openings and skill requirements
- Work with prospective employers to identify and development employment opportunities for clients and provide education to both clients and employers about mental health in the workplace.
- Connect and refer clients to community resources, supports and groups that align with vocational and recovery goals. Facilitate recovery-focused, vocational, or skills-based groups as needed, including developing new materials, designing new offerings, and providing backup facilitation when required.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to create care plans that support recovery goals and vocational goals, and contribute vocational expertise in team discussions.
- Actively participate in staff meetings, team huddles, supervisions, case conferences, training, committees, communities of practice, professional development, and organizational events as required.
- Update all client documentation within 24 hours of contact and complete required statistical and narrative reports accurately and on time.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- Post-secondary education in health or social services, career/work counselling or education.
- Registration with a regulatory college considered an asset.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in vocational rehabilitation with individuals experiencing complex barriers to employment.
- Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team and the ability to collaborate and partner effectively.
- Working knowledge and an understanding of multiple disciplines; including but not limited to mental health, substance use, harm reduction, newcomer challenges and barriers faced by marginalized populations.
- Knowledge of evidence-informed treatment modalities including motivational interviewing and trauma informed practices.
- Experience engaging with clients requiring sensitivity and empathy; exercising excellent judgement, and discretion; and operating within culturally sensitive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional frameworks.
- Ability to maintain confidential records & documentation, including writing objective and descriptive contact notes.
- Strong verbal & written communication skills in English.
- Excellent organization skills, attention to detail and flexibility to mage changing priorities.
- Proficiency with Windows Office Suite, internet research and database systems.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and to work from any one of Indus’ sites.
- Valid Driver’s License with reliable transportation is required.

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

Pay: $30.00-$33.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- Vision care