Counsellor, Mental Health, Social Work

Integrating an intersectional feminist framework and a harm reduction philosophy, the Counsellor is responsible for providing trauma-informed counselling services to women who have experienced gender-based violence. Services may be delivered in person, virtually, or by telephone, as mutually determined by the woman and the counsellor.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACTIVITIES
SERVICE DELIVERY

Provide individual supportive counselling to strengthen women's understanding of the impacts of gender-based violence

Support women in contextualizing their experiences through a trauma-informed approach

Engage in therapeutic modalities that promote healing, insight, self-awareness, and resilience

Provide counselling through a feminist empowerment model using evidence-based practices

Establish a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental counselling environment

Assist women in developing personal goals, safety plans, and action plans

Collaboratively identify service needs

Provide referrals and assist women in accessing community resources

Facilitate therapeutic and educational groups as assigned

Support women in developing self-advocacy skills and strategies

Respond to crisis situations and provide short-term crisis intervention where required

Provide ongoing counselling to support recovery from violence and trauma.

Be available to engage people at the door and on the phone and to attend to office tasks

COMMUNITY LIAISON AND ADVOCACY

Assist women in making connections with community resources including housing, medical, social assistance, basic needs resources and legal systems

Promote women's rights, empowerment, and safety through education and advocacy

Remain committed to initiatives that support the prevention and eradication of GBV

Build collaborative relationships with community partners and service providers

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Maintain accurate and timely statistics as per agency policies and procedures

Ensure client information is accurately entered into agency databases and reporting systems.

Participate in program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement by collecting information through survey distribution, feedback forms, etc. and identifying trends

Make recommendations regarding service improvements to program supervisor

Research resource materials to support the work and the needs of the participants

Participate in ongoing professional development, including approved workshops and trainings

TEAM AND AGENCY PARTICIPATION

Actively participate in staff and agency meetings

Collaborate with management, staff and community partners to enhance service delivery

Promote a healthy, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture

Participate in supervision, applicable training, and professional development opportunities

Practice open, direct, respectful, and professional communication

Perform other related duties as assigned

Adhere to all policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of Huronia Transition Homes

QUALIFICATIONS
Education

A relevant post-secondary degree/diploma (BSW/MSW preferred) and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience

Minimum 3-5 years of counselling experience working with survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and/or gender-based violence

Current First Aid/CPR Certification

WHMIS Certification

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Extensive knowledge of the issues & complexities of violence against women

Strong understanding of intersectional feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction frameworks

Knowledge of trauma-informed and evidence-based counselling approaches

Ability to work with women experiencing mental health and substance use issues

Strong counselling and assessment skills

Group facilitation and program delivery skills

Knowledge of social service, housing, healthcare, legal, and justice systems

Experience working with women from diverse cultural, racial, linguistic, socio-economic, and geographic backgrounds

Excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic client database systems

Demonstrated ability to meet individual and organizational goals and service targets

Working Conditions/Requirements

Office environment but may include non-standard workplaces

Reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and appropriate insurance

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods

Some flexibility in working hours may be required to meet client needs

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Teamwork

Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the organization; demonstrate the ability to cooperate in achieving organizational goals and work objectives; share information and communicate effectively with team members; use effective conflict resolution skills.

Service Delivery

Recognize, meet, and effectively communicate regarding the unique service needs of individual women and children in service; role model and…