Child and Family Social Worker

About Sojourn House

Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care

Why This Role Matters

As the Child and Family Social Worker, you will provide settlement programs and services to refugee families and their children within our Emergency Family Shelter and, as needed, as they transition into the community. Working from an integrated anti-racism, access and equity framework, you will provide effective interventions and coordinated case management, while connecting children and families with programs, services and community supports.

What you’ll do

• Plan and deliver trauma-informed individual and group counselling, programs and supports for refugee children and families.
• Complete intake, assessments and case plans, and provide coordinated case management throughout families’ stay and transition into the community.
• Connect families with schools, childcare, settlement services and other community resources, including supporting applications and referrals.
• Advocate for children and parents, including school outreach, meetings, accompaniment and follow-up support as needed.
• Design and facilitate child and family programming, including after-school, life-skills, educational, recreational and parenting programs.
• Identify service gaps, contribute to program planning and evaluation, and support the development of new program initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files, case notes, service statistics, program records and required reports.
• Build collaborative relationships with community partners, schools, service networks and coalitions, and represent Sojourn House through outreach and community engagement.
• Mentor and support student placements and volunteers.
• Identify and communicate program risks and concerns.

What You’ll Need

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
• 3+ years of practical experience in child and family service programs.
• Knowledge of refugee children and families, the refugee determination and settlement process, and the complex issues that may affect individuals and families who have experienced trauma.
• Knowledge of child development, child and family services legislation, social work practices and ethics.
• Experience with case management, case coordination, crisis intervention, and individual, group and family counselling.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply an integrated anti-racism, access and equity framework in your work.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, conflict-resolution and issue-management skills.
• Knowledge of community networks and resources, with the ability to work effectively with trained interpreters.
• Proficiency with computers and digital communication tools.

What to expect

• A hands-on role combining counselling, case management, advocacy, programming and community outreach.
• Regular interaction with refugee children and families navigating complex settlement, adjustment and support needs.
• Work primarily in an office/shelter environment, with some work in schools, community organizations and other non-standard workplaces as required.
• A role requiring compassion, sound professional judgment, strong boundaries and the ability to respond effectively to challenging situations.
• Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day, based on a set schedule.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits, including life insurance, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, and employee and family assistance supports.
• Group RRSP with employer contributions.
• Paid vacation with increased entitlement based on years of service.
• Up to 18 paid sick days per year
• Paid Float Days after one year of continuous service

Sojourn House thanks all applicants but will contact only qualified candidates selected for interviews

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a request for accommodation will be accepted throughout the hiring process. Interview candidates are required to provide their accommodation needs at least three business days before the assessment date.

Sojourn House is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from all equity seeking groups.