Relief Crisis Counsellor

Job Title
RELIEF CRISIS COUNSELLOR – ROSEWOOD SHELTER

Reports To
Program Supervisor – Shelter Services

On Call

Integrating an intersectional feminist framework and a harm reduction philosophy, the Relief Crisis Counsellor is responsible for advancing the mission of HURONIA TRANSITION HOMES by providing immediate and responsive crisis counselling, in person and by telephone, to women who have experienced domestic violence, working on an on-call basis. Service components include: providing information, clarification, emotional support, grounding, practical assistance, safety planning, identification of resources, referrals and access assistance.

• Provision of telephone and in-person crisis counselling services, available in English and/or French
• Provide a safe environment, counseling and support to all women and children we serve, including, but not limited to, the provision of information, clarification, emotional support, safety planning, practical assistance, and referrals to both internal and external resources
• Complete assessments and intakes in person and by telephone
• Establish a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment to facilitate women’s empowerment and ability to make change;
• Perform problem-solving and decision-making in accordance with policies and procedures, consulting with Program Supervisor as required
• Adhere to Health and Safety measures and emergency procedures at all times
• Work from an intersectional feminism and harm reduction approach in all service delivery

• Completion of program administration: tracking/logging, intake, information sharing and shift exchange
• Participate in program planning and evaluation
• Record statistics as per agency policies and procedures
• Record and report relevant information on the Service Delivery Sheet
• Contribute to the development of an annual job plan in consultation with the Program Supervisor and/or Director of Operations

• Assist women in making connections with community resources including housing, social assistance, medical services, basic needs resources and justice systems;
• Liaise with other relevant personnel/resources within the agency and the community
• Remain committed to education and advocacy as a means to ending violence against women
• Advocate on behalf of the women we serve, with their approval, in accessing relevant community resources
• Support the women we serve in developing self-advocacy strategies

• Active participation in staff and agency meetings
• Work collaboratively as a team member in the identification, development and recommendations of changes for improved service delivery
• Work collaboratively with management, staff and volunteers to ensure effective support and service provision
• Promote a healthy and respectful workplace
• Participate in applicable training, supervision and team meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Abide by all policies, procedures, rules and regulations of HURONIA TRANSITION HOMES

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant discipline (BSW/MSW preferred) and a minimum of 3 to 5 years relevant work experience.
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• WHMIS

• Knowledge of issues and complexities contained within the violence against women framework
• Experience in crisis counselling in a similar environment
• Strong counselling and assessment skills
• An understanding of how best to access local social services, housing, medical, and justice systems
• An understanding of, and an ability to work with, diverse women including women from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to provide information, support, practical assistance, safety planning,…