Counsellor

Huronia Transition Homes•Barrie, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
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
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.
Recognize, meet, and effectively communicate regarding the unique service needs of individual women and children in service; role model and mentor others to develop the ability to apply a woman-centred approach to service delivery which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, beliefs and aims, anti-racist/anti-oppression/harm reduction framework.
Thoroughly understand and apply appropriate organizational and operational policies, principles, procedures, methodologies, rules, guidelines and interpretations in all aspects of daily work.
Demonstrate ability to analyze relevant information and evaluate alternate courses of action within scope of position; anticipate consequences and assume responsibility for actions taken.
Demonstrate initiative to respond effectively to challenges and responsibilities; demonstrate flexibility when considering concepts, ideas and work practice; able to initiate new ideas and recommend innovative methods, processes and strategies.
Demonstrate the ability to practice active listening; to understand scenarios as they occur, and to respond appropriately when interacting with individuals and groups; liaise effectively and respectfully with team, supervisors, co-workers, service users and the general public.
Able to achieve or surpass identified goals with appropriate use of supervision; consistently produce quality work by establishing priorities, implementing, monitoring and adjusting in order to meet objective and deadlines.
Appropriately and efficiently use office equipment; use technology with fluency and ease; resolve routine problems without assistance; learn new technologies quickly and adapt to change easily; comply with computer and equipment use policy.
Provide all services and supports using an intersectional feminist approach which recognizes that social norms are set by the dominant social groups, and work towards dismantling those norms; recognize women’s individual and unique social locations and experiences of oppression; understand identities of gender, sex, sexual orientation, class, race, ethnicity, religion or spirituality, immigration status, and ability; understand the complexity of these identities, and connect these social locations to the multi-layered experiences of power, privilege and oppression, and how various social norms give or diminish power; Understand how oppression contributes to systemic injustice and social inequality; demonstrate a strong understanding of all forms of gender-based violence; demonstrate a commitment to continuing education as it relates to feminism and violence against women.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles as an evidence-based framework; understand use, effects and impacts of substances and able to communicate both practical and functional aspects of harm reduction practices to the women we serve; meet women “where they are at” with a non-judgmental approach; demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in regards to trends, strategies, legislation etc.

Nice To Haves

BSW/MSW preferred

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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