Counsellor

Job Summary

EFry Hope and Help provides trauma-informed, inclusive and gender-responsive programs and services to support women and girls at risk or involved in the legal system in building stable lives

We are recruiting a full-time permanent Counsellor position who will provide assessment, case planning and implementation for clients of the program. The position aids the client in identifying, understanding and overcoming personal or family problems, and in establishing and achieving realistic goals.

Reporting to the Manager, this position requires successful candidate to work with individuals living in or experiencing difficult situations. Counselling is often related to stigma, exploitation, violence and problematic substance use. Some counsellors may work outside of normal office hours, depending upon availability of the client or at designated government offices such as probation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interviews clients, prepares case histories, assesses needs and outlines services provided by the organization. Refers clients to appropriate programs.
• Develops and implements counselling and intervention strategies to assist clients in determining goals and the means of attaining them. Plans, prepares and conducts psycho-educational groups, or Individual counselling sessions with clients, and develops and implements a plan for improvement in their personal or family needs.
• Provide wraparound therapeutic counselling services that will assist in addressing mental health and substance use, along with various barriers that impact their vulnerability to meet their basic needs
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counselling strategies and other programs or services and clients' progress. Resolves identified needs and moves towards defined objectives. Follows up results of counselling and clients' adjustments to interventions.
• May provide conflict resolution or problem-solving skills training. Teaches clients effective interpersonal skills through tasks individualized supports or groups.
• Acts as an advocate for the client, provides support for them while client is in the program and, as appropriate, provides follow up support to them upon leaving the program.
• Maintains accurate reports and records on clients and provides monthly reports to the supervisory position. Ensures that all required documentation is complete. Reports and discusses case planning and concerns to therapists, social workers and others as required.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of community resources to meet clients' needs. Provides liaison, education and advocacy to other professionals, other agencies and the community.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in social work, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, totaling 6 years.
• Direct program delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of developmental theory, life span perspective, settlement issues. Ability to provide multi-lingual service highly valued.
• Knowledge of legislation, policies and procedures pertaining to administrative fairness, child protection, income assistance, and gender pathways to homelessness, problematic substance use, legal system involvement, and exploitation.
• Valid First Aid / CPR certification.
• A clear Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) – criminal background check.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Well developed interpersonal, therapeutic counselling, oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient teaching skills.
• Good organization, time and general management skills.
• Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with other program staff, therapists, social workers, and other related staff.

Must Have:

• Standard First Aid / CPR certification.
• Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.
• Evidence of a Tuberculosis Test and compliance with the TB Control Program.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Review (Vulnerable Sector Search).
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Doctors note of fitness to perform the duties of the job.
• Valid Ontario driver's license, with satisfactory driving record.

EFry Hope and Help for Women is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of those we serve. We strongly encourage applicants that represent those we serve and welcome applicants with non-traditional educational backgrounds and field experience. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. We encourage applicants to self-identify if they wish to do so.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $26.69-$28.32 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person