Counsellor (1 Contract Position)

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Director of Programs and Services, the counsellor works directly with service users in the Halton community, assisting them to lead safe lives free from violence. This position provides support to Two-Spirit, women, men, trans, non-binary and gender diverse individuals to locate and access appropriate resources within the community and participate in community initiatives that address the needs of the individual.

This position is also responsible for delivering quality educational, social and informative workshops to community agencies and closed groups operating from an integrated anti-racist, anti-oppressive, harm-reduction, and feminist trauma-informed approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one service user support, case management and trauma-informed counselling; and act as an advocate with emphasis on developing appropriate resources and connections to community supports and services.

Provide effective short-term, solutions focused, supportive counselling, and conflict mediation and de-escalation skills.

Possess a solid understanding of the Gender-Based Violence Sector, Rent-Geared-to- Income Special Priority Program, Victim Impact Statements, Child Protection legislation, Legal system and the systemic and political barriers facing individuals experiencing violence.

Provides individual and group counselling care, including (but not limited to) crisis management, counselling, education/employment/skills development, and connection to community-based resources for service users.

Facilitate supportive counselling with closed groups.

Partner with community agencies to facilitate groups and promote awareness of gender-based violence.

Develop curriculum, content, and evaluations for support groups.

When needed, provide one-to-one crisis intervention, counselling, and referrals to individuals within the program.

Provide interactive programming to build resilience, increase self-esteem, and decrease isolation for each member.

Under the direction of the Director of Programs and Services, identify and participate in community committees, networks and initiatives that address systemic issues related to community violence.

Participate in conducting intake assessments and managing telephone and email inquiries.

Create a collaborative and supportive work culture.

Maintain timely documentation of all contact, interactions, referrals, and outcomes with service users in client data management system complying with all standards and requirements.

Submit monthly statistical data (trackers) as required.

Provide monthly programs reports as required.

Create and submit quarterly work plans.