Trauma Counsellor

Major Responsibilities

Trauma Counselling, Crisis Intervention and Case Management

• Provide services from a trauma-informed, integrated feminist, anti-racist, anti-colonial, and anti-oppression framework.
• Provide counselling and emotional support (individual, group, and drop-in) to survivors (adult and youth) of sexual violence and sexual exploitation.
• Support stabilized survivors of sexual exploitation with realizing options for long-term healing, education, employment, economic and professional development.
• Work with diverse and marginalized survivors within York Region from WSN’s office in Newmarket and from community spaces, including schools across York Region.
• Assist survivors to assess their situation, particularly with reference to their safety; provide information and assistance in naming appropriate strategies; provide referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Coordinate and co-facilitate a support group for the support people and caregivers of survivors.
• Coordinate client case conferencing/management with other service providers; advocacy (i.e., legal, housing, social services) and provide accompaniment as required.
• Coordinate and participate in the delivery of the annual Safe Passages Healing Retreat (e.g., screen and assess applicants, cofacilitate pre/post groups, coordinate retreat logistics and stay on site to cofacilitate the evening restorative program).
• On a 1-week rotational basis, perform the role of staff back-up for volunteers responding to calls on WSN’s 24-hour crisis line.

Outreach, Education, Training and Resource

• Act as an advocate and resource person for the agency on trauma, sexual violence, and sexual exploitation.
• Represent WSN on applicable community committees, situation tables, and coalitions.
• Outreach to other service providers and support warm transfers into WSN’s counselling program.
• On a rotational basis (once a month), participate in the delivery of WSN’s bingo fundraiser in Newmarket (Sunday 3:45pm-6pm).
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• Theoretical and practical understanding of sexual violence and commercial sexual exploitation of women and youth across diverse intersections (e.g., race, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identities)
• Minimum of 3 years related experience providing counselling to survivors with complex trauma who have experienced sexual violence, including sex trafficking, childhood sexual abuse, and incest.
• Minimum of 3 years related experience coordinating and co-facilitating trauma groups and developing group materials.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience providing program coordination and support staff supervision, including volunteers/student interns in the women’s anti-violence sector.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (i.e., the Child and Family Services Act), regional and provincial services.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing a tri-phasic model of trauma recovery.
• Demonstrated experience working with survivors from trauma-informed, integrative feminist, anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppression frameworks.
• Knowledge of community, financial and government supports stabilized survivors (i.e., options for education, economic and professional development).
• Experience outreaching to and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management, conflict management, and interpersonal skills.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Computer proficiency and experience completing reports and client related advocacy letters.
• A second language other than English and French is an asset; Bilingualism is a strong asset.
• A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance are required.
• Related post-secondary education and experience.
• Current registration with OSWSSW, CPRO or another counselling related regulatory body is an asset.

These positions will remain open until they are filled.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Jeen maria Joseph at jjoseph@womenssupportnetwork.ca

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. WSN is committed to a staff team that reflects the diversity within the community. We encourage Indigenous, Black, women of color, immigrant women, differently abled, francophone, lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, and trans women to apply.