Counsellor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Gender Based Violence Team Manager and participating as part of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) team, the GBV Counsellor will provide short-term counselling individually and in groups for those referred to the GBV Program. Specifically to intervene in crisis, provide short-term counselling and co-facilitate support groups.

POSITION DETAILS:

Permanent Part-Time (28 hours/week, 0.8 FTE)
Salary: $43,319.20 to $44,185.60 per year

Benefits: Eligible employees may participate in the organization's extended health, dental, and wellness benefits programs, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), paid vacation, and sick leave benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and eligibility requirements.

This position is primarily office-based. Occasional travel within the community may be required. Access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver's licence are considered assets.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Direct Service

• Provide short-term counselling for individuals
• Intervene in crisis and refer as needed
• Assess client safety needs and develop a safety plan
• Provide appropriate referrals to additional resources, including transitional support and housing workers, and collaborate with other service providers

Advocacy

• Advocate on behalf of client, and client group
• Participate in advocacy and coordination committees about services available, gaps in services and issues affecting women, and children and their families
• Promote participation of clients, and community, in general, in activities designed to educate and/or advocate for prevention

Community Education

• Act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding specific client area
• Present to community groups on issues and services
• Participate in internal and external meetings, public education events and media contacts as required

Coordination of Policy and Service

• Coordinate inter-agency referrals
• Advocate coordinated planning for individual services
• Establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies to facilitate referrals and positive working relationships

Training and Development

• Provide training to community groups
• Provide opportunities to students to practice skills with appropriate supervision
• Support and train volunteers as needed
• Offer in-service to co-workers on staff development opportunities, and/or areas of expertise

Evaluation

• Prepare and maintain all necessary documentation and statistics related to all activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis
• Participate in WOCRC evaluation processes
• Participate in the development and implementation of client and/or program evaluation as required

Other:

All WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations. These include:

• Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected
• Working in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health
• Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training
• Acting as an \"ambassador\" for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered
• Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC ( Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct)
• Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures
• Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies
• procedures and regulations
• Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk in keeping with Privacy and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures
• Supporting the Centre’s student and volunteer placement programs
• Working during both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by the Centre
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training;
• Minimum of 2 years experience direct work with abused women;
• Demonstrated commitment to community based social service delivery and health equity principles;
• Knowledge of Gender Based Violence issues and counselling principles;
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills;
• Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, employment and training resources in the community;
• Experience in community development;
• Knowledge and proficiency in program development, delivery and evaluation;
• Strong public speaking and public education skills;
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Multitasking abilities;
• Demonstrated ability to identify and serve the needs of diverse communities;
• Ability to promote teamwork and strength in a volunteer and staff group.

Languages

• Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written;
• Ability to communicate fluently in French, spoken and written, an asset.

Computer Competencies:

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products;
• Familiarity with Data Management Systems.