Settlement Counsellor (Contract)

Catholic Social Services is currently recruiting for a (40 hours/week) Settlement Counsellor in Red Deer that speak the Arabic language.

This is a contract position with a contract end date of July 31, 2027.

Job Summary

The Settlement Counsellor for the Resettlement Assistant Program plays a vital role in the initial stages of the resettlement of the Government-Assisted Refugees. This role involves a broad spectrum of responsibilities with a significant focus on arrival (welcoming newcomers at the airport - flexible schedule(after-hours arrivals)) and housing support alongside other essential RAP settlement services. These counsellors will place a particular emphasis on arrivals and housing.

Job Duties

• Assess client’s needs and determine the types of services required and develop a service plan.
• Respond to the assessed needs by providing services or referrals for service to meet critical needs (e.g. shelter, food, finances, health, education, parenting, safety, language) as well as assistance in understanding how to access mainstream services if necessary, provide clients with practical information and cultural and social orientation to life in Canada; provide or obtain interpretation and translation support as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with institutions, employers, landlords, schools, etc.
• Plan and coordinate settlement related activities and programs for groups of newcomer clients.
• Conduct case management meetings to ensure that clients’ needs are met.
• Assist in the production and delivery of orientation and outreach materials and sessions for the designated population.
• Establish networks with other Settlement Counsellors, community groups and centres, faith communities, cultural organizations, schools, day cares, etc.
• Collect client feedback (e.g., distribute surveys, workshop evaluations, etc.) to track outcomes of settlement services.
• Documentation, including client files, reports, and statistics.
• Understands funding requirements and expected service targets.

What This Job Requires

• Diploma or degree in Human Services/Social Sciences/Social Work or equivalent
• 2 years of experience working with newcomers to Canada
• Proficient with computer software including Microsoft Office and have the ability to learn new programs
• Certification through AAISA is considered an asset
• Clear and Current Drivers Abstract
• A vehicle and valid class 5 driver's license – requirement to transport clients in your personal vehicle
• Proof of Vehicle Insurance showing $2 million liability coverage
• Proof of Vehicle Registration for insured vehicle
• Vulnerable Sector Check from local RCMP or city police detachment
• Child Intervention Record Check
• In addition to English, you are required to be fluent in Arabic language

What We Offer

• The compensation for this position begins at $26.77 and is based on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits available when eligible.
• Work within a highly collaborative, team-oriented organization, where your ideas are heard, and you can see your impact daily.
• Growth Opportunities: apply and grow your skills within a dynamic, innovative and expanding Agency that is taking a leadership role in our industry.

About Catholic Social Services

CSS is an established Agency that is guided by faith to care for and bring hope to people in need with humility, compassion and respect. With more than 60 years of service delivery, Catholic Social Services is one of the largest multi-function social services agencies in Canada, with more than 1900 staff, and hundreds of volunteers delivering 130+ programs throughout Central Alberta.

“As a Catholic social services agency, we are guided by faith to care for and bring hope to people in need with humility, compassion and respect.”

Our values are at the core of everything we do!

• Humility: We acknowledge with gratitude our human abilities and limitations. We demonstrate humility by doing the best that we can with the resources that we have.
• Compassion: We respond to people in need with love. We demonstrate our compassion by caring for people without judgment and without condition.
• Respect: We demonstrate our respect by being personally present, open and attentive to those we care for and by honouring their dignity and freedom.

We thank all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Catholic Social Services is committed to fostering a diverse and representative workforce. In an effort to enrich our agency and reflect the communities we serve, we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all diverse groups and backgrounds.