Counsellor, CST

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, safety, and inclusion across far west Ottawa. Since 1986, WOCRC has supported individuals and families through a wide range of community, social, and health services designed to strengthen and empower the communities we serve. Our programs support children, youth, families, newcomers, seniors, and individuals experiencing crisis or social isolation through counselling, housing and violence against women services, community development initiatives, health promotion, and family support programming.

At WOCRC, we are committed to fostering healthy, inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

About the Role
Under the supervision of the Manager, the Crisis Counsellor provides crisis and brief intervention services, information, assessment and referral to clients of the WOCRC. Please note, this is a unionized position with CUPE 3350. A current Police Records Check is required for this position. Candidates who do not currently possess one must be willing to obtain it upon hire.

Responsibilities
Provide Direct Service

Provide initial contact to all new clients of the WOCRC, establish rapport, assist in identifying needs and provide information about services

Provide crisis intervention services through telephone contacts and on a walk-in basis

Provide brief intervention counselling

Provide short-term counselling using evidence-based techniques

Connect clients with appropriate internal and community resources

Assist clients in accessing desired services. May include facilitating concrete services such as child care, transportation, etc

Assess level of risk and provide follow-up as required

Facilitate education and support groups as required

Advocate on behalf of clients

Participate in advocacy and coordination committees about services available, gaps in services, and issues affecting individuals, couples and families

Promote participation of clients and community in general, in activities designed to educate and/or advocate for prevention

Participate in community education concerning social issues and services

Act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding crisis services in the Ottawa area

Respond to community requests for information

Present to community groups

Participate as a staff member in public relations and fundraising events, as requested

Ensure coordination of policy and service

Participate as a direct intervention team member at internal and external meetings

Advocate for coordinated planning of services

Establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies to facilitate referrals and positive working relationships

Coordinate inter-agency referrals

Serve as a staff resource for training and development

Offer in-service training to colleagues

Provide training to community groups

Provide support and training to students as required

Provide support and training to volunteers as required

Ensure evaluation of service

Participate in WOCRC evaluation processes

Prepare and maintain all necessary documentation and statistics related to crisis intake activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis

Qualifications

Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training

Two-year pertinent experience in direct service, crisis intervention and brief therapy

Obtain and maintain membership in CRPO or the college of Social Workers

Required Skills

Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written, required

Ability to communicate fluently in French, an asset

Word processing – Intermediate

Clinical note taking and documentation

Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of community-based model of intervention and health equity principles

Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act

Knowledge of the Mental Health Act

Knowledge of social services delivery in Ottawa

Strong organizational and communication skills

Strong public speaking and popular education skills

Multitasking abilities

Demonstrated commitment to an anti-racist/anti-oppression principle

Ability to work well in a team environment

Pay range
$54,149.00 - $55,232.00

Equal Opportunity Statement
Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. WOCRC welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2

SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers, and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the…