Primary Counsellor

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Brampton, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. The purpose of the expectation task list is to identify and clarify what management expects from the incumbent. The following expectations and tasks will be part of the annual performance appraisals; your merit increase will be based on the level of performance in each of the following areas. Expectations may change year to year and both parties should use the annual performance appraisal to determine realistic and equitable goals and outcomes for the upcoming performance year.

Requirements

The successful job applicant will have completed an Undergraduate University degree with a Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent experience with specialized training in woman abuse.
Knowledge of violence against women and children and the effects
Crisis intervention, problem solving and assessment skills
Good written/oral communication skills
Ability to work independently, cooperatively as a team member
Knowledge and understanding of, and a commitment to anti-racism and anti –oppression
Ability to conduct group counselling
Strong organizational skills
Strong and supportive counselling skills
Basic knowledge of community resources and/or how to access them
Ability to work within a Christian perspective
Possess a supportive, caring and non – judgmental approach to all clients
Valid Class 'G' Driver's License
Valid WHMIS and First Aid and CPR certification

Responsibilities

Read and initial daily Communication Log as part of a team effort to coordinate the plan and progress of clients
Counsels clients/residents individually/in a group setting; develop and implement case management of assigned clients/residents (i.e. regularly counsels in establishing goals, monitors progress and prepares discharge plan)
Presents case reports and progress of clients/residents at regularly scheduled case planning meetings; has input to case management of client/resident through case management meetings
Maintains and updates all appropriate documentation related to clients/residents
Completes all reports/stats required by the Ministry and the Salvation Army
Refers clients to appropriate resources (internal and external) for the purpose of housing, employment, educational, practical everyday needs and other recovery needs
Arrive 15 minutes prior to shift to receive verbal report and remain, when necessary, in crisis situation
Models appropriate behaviour; intervenes in crisis situations provides counselling, and advocates as required
Engages in the development of inter-personal relationships that promotes dignity and respect
Liaises with Police, Ministry, court personnel, community agencies, family and other staff members
Provides guidance and support to students and newly hired staff
Encourage client attendance to all ‘in house’ groups
Encourage clients in the maintenance of good personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, and general living skills
Provide motivational counselling by ensuring clients are fulfilling their responsibilities by abiding by the Centre’s Administration Criteria
Conduct ‘Crisis Counselling’ to outside clients when necessary
Assist Intake Worker by covering Front Desk during breaks and peak periods
Complete admission and discharge procedures as assigned and ensure recordings are in the appropriate places
Enforce Honeychurch Family Life Resource Centre House Expectations on a consistent and regular basis
Facilitate groups as assigned
Advocate for clients with outside agencies, services, and landlords
Conduct ‘On-Call Supervisor’ Responsibilities as scheduled
Respond to ‘in house’ Crisis Situation in an appropriate manner
Continually and regularly update self and follow through with all Centre Policy and Procedures
Performs other duties as assigned
Conduct “Information Sessions and Facility Tours” as scheduled
Participate in Centre Planning sessions and other assigned tasks
Represent the Centre at “Public Speaking Engagements”, Community groups and other areas as requested
Actively involved in Supervision with Supervisor
Actively involved in on-going Professional Development
Attend Staff Meetings, Team Meetings, Case Planning Meetings and other scheduled meetings
Agree to sign the Confidentiality statement
Agree to sign all necessary Human Resources forms
Function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
Adhere to standards that are consistent to the values and philosophy of The Salvation Army
Engage in formal Evaluations Sessions with Supervisor at three (3) month during first year of employment and annually thereafter.
Read and adhere to the Policy and Procedures Manual and the Employees Handbook.
Make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Management.
Represent the organization in a professional manner and attitude.