Family Services Counsellor

**Building Healthy Families**

**Family Services Counsellor**

Background

Roots Community Services Inc. (RootsCS) and Peel Children's Aid Society (Peel CAS) are collaborating to implement strategies to provide culturally appropriate services to address the overrepresentation of Black youth in child protection.

This initiative supports the positive development of youth and will help youth and families facing barriers develop strong emotional and social skills. The services offered are grounded in a client-driven approach, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities the youth and their families face. Clients will be engaged in individual counselling and group sessions to help them in their social and emotional growth.

The Role

RootsCS is seeking a Family Services Counsellor who will deliver culturally sensitive intervention, navigation, and support to Peel CAS-referred children, youth, and their families.

Term of work: Full-Time Contract March 2025 (renewable upon funding)

Hours of work: Full-time (35 hours a week)

**Salary**: $60,000 to $65,000 annually plus benefits

Major

**Responsibilities**:
These will include but are not limited to:

- Being knowledgeable in a variety of evidence-informed treatment modalities, including anti-black racism, anti-oppression and other culturally sensitive approaches to intervention;
- Providing skilled assessment and treatment services to youth and their families/caregivers;
- Developing, implementing and evaluating comprehensive treatment plans according to individual client and family/caregiver needs;
- Collaborating with other professionals and community resources to ensure effective service delivery on behalf of each client;
- Ensuring the availability of required information for all clients by maintaining concise case records and data in a timely manner;
- Having the ability to effectively assess, manage, design, and implement a plan to ensure the safety of the client;
- Organizing group sessions monthly comprising seminars/workshops and presentations;
- Using high levels of oral and written communication skills, time management and critical thinking skills with a strong understanding of role boundaries;
- Participating in quality improvement and program evaluation initiatives;
- Being knowledgeable of and adhering to agency policies and procedures as well as relevant legislation for children's services;
- Completing intake referral, initial assessment and evaluation of each client;
- Conducting family sessions and providing advocacy and support to families;
- Preparing surveys, monthly statistical and summary reports of activities;
- Working cooperatively and collaboratively as a member of the RootsCS team with staff, volunteers and community partners to meet the objectives of this project.

Skills and Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in social work or related discipline.
- Three years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Understand community resources, child welfare and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services legislation.
- Strong understanding of the specialized needs of Black youth who may be experiencing challenges related to anti-Black racism.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences, diverse needs, identities, and cultural backgrounds of Black youth in underserved communities.
- Knowledge of the community includes understanding culture and local programs and services to refer Black youth, such as mental health and counselling supports.
- Experience working and engaging within the Black community, specifically Black youth and their families.
- Interpersonal skills are necessary to deal effectively and compassionately with Black youth, stakeholders, volunteers, and the community.
- Excellent administrative, organizational and report-writing skills.
- Current, clean Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Possess a valid Ontario G driver's license and use of a reliable vehicle.
- Ability to work flexible hours.

As a team-oriented and inclusive organization, staff are asked to participate in special assignments. These include fundraising, strategic planning, and other related activities that contribute to Roots Community Services Inc.'s continuous development and expansion.

Pay: $60,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brampton, ON L6V 1A2