Orientations & Information - Settlement Counsellor

**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
18. Organize special events that will enhance the program, as directed
19. Assist in outreach activities to recruit specific newcomer client groups, as directed
20. Develop partnerships with relevant services, organizations, companies to bridge services
21. 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
22. Attend staff, department and committee meetings as required
23. Assist Settlement Manager as required
24. Other duties as required
Qualifications & Requirements
1. Post-secondary education in social work, counselling or psychology
2. 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
3. Extensive knowledge of the immigration and refugee system and services available
4. Current knowledge of legislation, policies and practices affecting newcomers
5. Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques
6. Comfortable communicating with representatives from all segments of the community, government and human services
7. Skilled in working with diverse clientele in terms of socio-economic factors, education, income, culture, immigration status, etc.
8. 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
9. 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
10. Knowledge and experience assisting internationally trained professionals with: job search, resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, self-assessment, goal setting, placement and other strategies leading to employment
11. Identifying the needs and barriers of clients that may enhance/impede settlement
12. Researching resources, workshops and other tools/material to enhance the counselling/settlement process
13. Developing creative and practical resources and workshops
14. Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (especially Word, E-mail, Internet)
15. Certified Information and Referral Specialist (CIRS) certification a plus
16. A valid driver license and access to a vehicle is an asset
17. Knowledge of iCARE and OCMS systems is highly recommended
18. Second language of Arabic or Spanshi considered an assest

**Other qualifications**:
1. Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills
2. Take pride and initiative in work to ensure a high standard of work
3. Be goal-oriented & highly organize