Counsellor, Crisis Counselor, Social Work

Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Manager, the Crisis Counsellor provides crisis and brief intervention services, information, assessment and referral to clients of the WOCRC.

Hours of Work and Actual Salary Range
This is a permanent part‑time position at 28 hours per week (4 days per week). The pro‑rated salary range for 28 hours per week is $43,319.20 to $44,185.60. Employees in this position are eligible for benefits and pension participation following the standard waiting periods set by the employer and the insurance provider. This role is part of the CUPE Local 5530 bargaining unit.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties

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

Additional Responsibilities

Ensuring that the commitment to WOCRC’s vision, mission and beliefs are understood and respected

Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected. This includes diversity of culture, language, faith expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio‑economic resources and degrees of physical (dis) ability

Maintaining up‑to‑date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training

Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered

Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC (Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct)

Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures

Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies, procedures and regulations

Attending/chairing team and staff meetings as required

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

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

Language

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

Ability to communicate fluently in French, an asset

Computer Competencies

Word processing – Intermediate

Clinical note taking and documentation

Other

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

Excellent assessment skills

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

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