Child and Family Settlement Counsellor, Family Shelter

**About Sojourn House**

Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care.

In support of its commitment to a healthy, safe, workplace and community it is recommended all staff have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19 with a vaccine approved for use in Canada.

**About the Role**

Reporting to the Family Shelter Manager at the **165 Grange Avenue** shelter, **the Child and Family Settlement Counsellor** is responsible for the provision of settlement and housing case management focused services to refugee families and couples, from an integrated anti-racism, access and equity framework in the emergency Family Shelter program of Sojourn House. This fulltime position works in the Family Shelter **Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM**.

The position ensures highly effective and efficient interventions and case management of the issues of resident refugee claimant children and their parent/s and couples in compliance with all legislative requirements, including but not limited to the Refugee Protection and Child and Family Services Act.

The Child and Family Settlement Counsellor ensures coordinated case management with the various programs in the internal and external community of Sojourn House.

**Key Responsibilities include**:

- **Plan the Program**
- Develop a work plan to meet the goals of the program including but not limited to enhanced case management leading to access to permanent housing and facilitating the clients’ transition from shelter to housing
- Contribute to program planning by identifying gaps in services and to communicate the same to the Senior Director of Shelter and Housing in developing new program initiatives
- Participate in direct service networks and coalitions to promote and advance the organization, its program and services and the issues of refugee children, youth and their families
- Identify, develop and participate in partnerships related to children and families programming and services

**2. Implement the Program**
- Comply with all agency policies including operational programs and services
- Complete intake and assessment of children, youth and, parent/s
- Develop and implement case plans, including exit surveys
- Provide individual and family counselling related to settlement issues that are age specific and by appointment
- Provide information and referral to community supports and services, including but not limited to school, Day Cares, including set up of Day Care and school registrations
- Liaise and advocate for refugee children, youth, parent/s and provide support and accompaniment as required
- Plan and implement group programs for children, youth and parent/s including but not limited to Life Skills, educational and social recreational programming
- Incorporate and mentor student placements and volunteers
- Design and implement a parenting support group for parents facing difficulties in a changed racial/cultural context
- Outreach - visit schools to ensure the successful integration of children.
- Attend parent child meetings as may be required to support the family
- Housing - Make a referral to the Housing Counsellor to proceed with housing [search upon completion of the PIF or in exceptional cases in consultation with management] at least three months prior to the scheduled move out date
- In coordination with the staff team provide assistance to resident to facilitate a supportive move into the community

**3. Administers the Program**
- Maintain children and family files and completes all case management related forms
- Ensure documentation in case files meets the rigors of legal standards and case file notes are fully updated and current
- Maintain service statistics
- Maintain accurate record for tokens, program expenses, etc.
- Report writing as required

**4. Control the Program**
- Complete draft reports on time
- Communicate any risks in program activities to the Senior Director of Shelter and Housing or to the Emergency Family Shelter Coordinator
- Communicate complaints to the Coordinator and/or the Senior Director of Shelter and Housing for investigation - the Director People Services shall be notified of complaints involving the Human Rights Code

**5. Community Relations/Advocacy/Education and Outreach**
- Establish positive working relationships and collaborative partnerships with community groups and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the program and organization
- Participate in Public speaking engagements to educate the community on the needs