Mobile Community Counsellor

Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin (CFSPD) is a dynamic, growing family service agency serving all areas of Peel and Dufferin. CFSPD is committed to providing a positive work environment for its employees and excellent services to its clients.

We are currently searching for a Community Counsellor – Safer Families who will be responsible for supporting the Safer Families and Community Counselling programs, as well as work with clients experiencing mental health and family and intimate partner violence. The incumbent will be responsible for working in collaboration with Peel Children's Aid Society (PCAS) staff to support individuals, couples and families who have experienced intimate partner and family violence. Additional responsibilities will include conducting detailed assessments (in-person, virtual or phone) and offer single session counselling, brief multi-session supportive counselling, group counselling and appropriate referrals to clients who are seeking access to services at CFSPD.

Are you looking to join a fun and dynamic team hoping to make a difference in the community? We want to hear from you

Why work with us?

At CFSPD, we believe in the value of community, compassion, and integrity. Join our dedicated team and contribute to meaningful initiatives that support families and individuals in need.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package (pension plan, extended health, dental & insurance benefits), professional development opportunities, and generous leave provisions. Our organization also provides work life balance and free parking

Position Summary

The Community Counsellor serves as the first point of contact for program participants, potential clients, and community members. In this mobile role, the Counsellor conducts detailed assessments (in-person, video, or phone), offers single-session counselling, brief multi-session supportive counselling, group counselling, and provides appropriate referrals to individuals seeking access to services at CFSPD. The incumbent also prepares and maintains all required administrative records in a timely manner, and develops and sustains collaborative relationships with community partners, agency service partners, and referral sources to ensure seamless service delivery across the region.

This position reports to the Program Supervisor and will be based in the Region of Peel.

Responsibilities:

Assessment, Counselling and Case Management

• Conduct trauma informed assessments to determine client service needs which could include crisis, support, safety planning, single sessions, short term case management, including referring clients to appropriate internal and external programs.
• Liaise and collaborate with PCAS to conduct assessments and case planning for the Safer Families Program. Assessments and counselling will often be conducted in client's homes or community settings.
• Participate in weekly Walk-in Counselling Clinics and offer assessment, service planning and single sessions as part of the Community Counselling team.
• Refer clients to ICF therapy services for Family and Couple therapy, Individual Trauma therapy programs, and group programming.
• Liaise with Community organizations that have made referrals to the agency.
• Provide telephone support crisis intervention, safety planning and follow-up with clients.
• Respond to telephone, email, and in-person inquiries from clients, prospective clients and community partners.
• As part of the Community Counselling Team, provide telephone coverage of the intake lines during business hours.
• Provide back up support for reception as required.

Counselling

• Provide supportive counselling and psychoeducational services such as single sessions, brief multi-session and group counselling to clients (including children 12 years and over).
• Collaborate with clients to set appropriate goals and service plans.
• Attend and actively participate in supervision meetings.
• Seek client feedback to determine overall effectiveness of services and bring forward recommendations to ensure optimal client outcomes.
• Liaise with collateral contacts to exchange information and/or advocate on behalf of clients.
• Manage and meet targets for client caseload and maintain direct service requirements.
• Design, implement, evaluate and facilitate or co-facilitate group programs.

Documentation and Administration

• Input client enrolment information into the agency client data management system including relevant demographic data.
• Keep accurate records and maintain client case files with all relevant information
• Schedule client appointments.
• Collect and record client fees and monitor client accounts.
• Ensure appointment schedules are kept up to date.
• Prepare, compile, submit data and additional relevant information in accordance with agency policy, and funding requirements.
• Train and support new staff, students and volunteers.
• Keep abreast of best practices and professional development through literature, consultation and training.

Other

• Positively and professionally represent the agency in the community by collaborating with community partners on various projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Participate in agency fundraising activities as deemed appropriate and necessary by agency management.
• Attend required agency activities and meetings.
• Required to have access to a reliable vehicle and possess a valid driver's license.
• Travel to satellite locations is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, Psychology, Counselling Psychology or related Social Service field. BSW graduates with relevant work experience would be considered.
• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with a health regulated college (e.g. College of Social Workers, Psychologists or Psychotherapists).
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience offering intake assessment, crisis counselling, supportive counselling, and case management services.
• Knowledge of the social service sector within the Region of Peel an asset.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of counselling, social work (especially family violence dynamics), family engagement (especially engagement of men/fathers), and case management.
• Experience offering supportive counselling to children, youth, parents and families
• Experience in supporting clients who experience Family and Intimate Partner Violence, mental health, substance abuse and homelessness.
• Knowledge of, and the ability to apply trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist practices.
• Knowledge and experience of risk management, risk assessment, safety planning, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a team environment with co- workers, community providers and stakeholders and clients.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to work under pressure to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Second language is an asset
• Proficient computer skills, and experience using Microsoft Office suite.
• Working knowledge of client database management systems, and virtual service delivery.
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to work independently.
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records check.

Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin. We will only contact those selected for consideration.