Settlement Counsellor

Applications are invited for the following position:
Position: Settlement Counsellor (Two Years Contract)

Language: Second Language Required

Duration: Two Years Contract

Hours: 35 Hours/Week

**Reports to: Manager, Settlement Department**

**Start Date: ASAP**

**About Newcomer Centre of Peel**:
Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP) is a nonprofit, charitable, multi-service agency that assists the entire newcomer family in achieving settlement and integration. With experience and expertise in English language training; employability and business start-up and comprehensive settlement services including programs for women, children, youth and seniors; NCP offers a dedication to service quality. Through innovation and a progressive attitude, we leverage the broad experience of our staff and community partners to overcome settlement barriers.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
1. Conduct in-depth intake interviews and a comprehensive needs assessment to identify client’s needs and issues related to their settlement/crisis/mental health needs

2. Work closely with the client to prepare an action plan appropriate to their settlement needs outlining client goals (short, intermediate and long term) and documenting outcomes

3. Provide information, orientation, referral (internally and to appropriate programs/services within the community) and non-therapeutic counselling regarding services such as health care, housing, employment, training and education, legal aid, finance, social services, etc.

5. Assist client with other community forms related to their settlement

6. Assist clients in understanding and integrating into Canadian society, practices and procedures; advise on way of life, institutions, laws, rights, responsibilities, civic participation, etc.

7. Provide information packages to clients on a need’s basis (including informing newcomers of web-based information sources)

8. Act as a liaison between clients, government departments and cultural and community groups

9. Design and facilitate workshops on settlement issues

10. Document needs and gaps in services for newcomers,; make recommendations to enhance the program and to ensure a client-centered model of delivery

11. Translate client documents

12. Interpret for clients in accessing services where language is a barrier

13. Assist with resume preparation and job searching tools; refer to other employment/job search interventions as needed

14. Provide initial crisis intervention/mental health support when required with appropriate referrals made to NCP Crisis Intervention Support Worker

15. Follow-up on client’s progress on a consistent basis, within designated timeframes, and intervene whenever necessary to ensure their adaptation needs are met and there are holistic settlement outcomes

16. Prepare timely, clear and effective case management notes and settlement action plans

17. Collect statistics; submit monthly reports and input client data into iCARE and other internal databases, including but not limited to, OCMS and Excel

Organize special events that will enhance the program, as directed

Assist in outreach activities to recruit specific newcomer client groups, as directed

Develop partnerships with relevant services, organizations, companies to bridge services

Continue professional growth through attendance at workshops, conferences, etc. in all areas of settlement, including areas you specialize in. The information acquired/learned should be shared with all team members

Attend staff, department and committee meetings as required

Assist Settlement Manager as required

Other duties as required

**Qualifications & Requirements**

Post-secondary education in social work, counselling or psychology

Proven experience in assisting newcomers with settlement issues and to identify the crisis symptoms at an early stage along with strong assessment, advocacy, psycho-education, supportive counseling skills, and Life Skills coaching

2. Extensive knowledge of the immigration and refugee system and services available

3. Current knowledge of legislation, policies and practices affecting newcomers

4. Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques

5. Comfortable communicating with representatives from all segments of the community, government and human services

6. Skilled in working with diverse clientele in terms of socio-economic factors, education, income, culture, immigration status, etc.

7. Good organizational skills, ability to multi-task while maintaining high level of accuracy in data collection; good understanding of confidential issues and privacy law/requirements

8. Self-motivated, creative, and energetic; an ability to work as part of an effective team with other program staff, committee members, community members and other community professionals

Knowledge and experience assisting internationally trained professionals with: job search, resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, self-assessment, goal setting, placement and