DS-U26-44 Program Counsellor - SOAR

Springboard•Scarborough, ON

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Counsellor position works within the SOAR program, facilitating groups, providing life skills instruction for groups of up to 12, and assisting individuals in developing and achieving their goals. SOAR is a Vocational and Life Skills day program with community-based programming focused on the development of job and life skills, as well as community integration. Travel to other locations due to programming is required. Programming is offered virtually and in person.

Requirements

A post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services, Social Work and/or related field.
Strong knowledge in computer applications, i.e. MS, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
Valid First Aid and Safe Management certifications.
Minimum two (2) years of recent work-related experience in Development Services sector in the following areas: Working with individuals with developmental disabilities or dual diagnosis.
Conflict management, job coaching, providing individualized support and supervising community/ recreation outing, group facilitating in both classroom and community setting with 10 or more individuals at a time.
Counselling, teaching, conflict resolution, individual facilitation, and assessment.
Use of computers such as MS Suite and multimedia teaching tools such as Smart Board.
Thorough understanding of the Social Inclusion Act and the Act for the Supports of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2008).
Working knowledge of the Developmental Services sector.
Knowledge of relevant counselling practices and effective counselling skills to ensure optimum service for participants.
Knowledge of community resources, both internal and external.
Working knowledge and skills in using a computer and computer systems (e.g. MS Suite).
Proven group facilitation skills to lead individuals regarding educational, vocational, and life skills issues within a classroom setting and in the community.
Skills in: Counselling, teaching, group and individual facilitation, communication, conflict resolution, and administrative.
Assessment skills required for both the delivery of service to participants and daily operational/ programming issues, including determination of suitability and risk.
Program planning skills to implement, evaluate and modify new and existing programs, as needed.
Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse confrontational situations. Ability to work well under pressure to ensure minimal interruption in service delivery.
Written communication skills in English, to communicate ideas, instructions, and information in a clear, concise manner- adjust to the receiver's need for various levels of communication.
Verbal skills in English to communicate ideas, instruction, and information in a clear concise manner. Ability to adjust to the receiver's need for various levels of communication.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in French, verbally, and in written form.

Responsibilities

Facilitate and teach life skills programming to individuals with developmental disabilities or dual diagnosis; manage challenging behaviors in a classroom setting.
Coordinate and supervise community/ recreational outings for a large group of participants, including how to access TTC during peak and off-peak hours safely.
Manage challenging behaviors of individuals, including offering support and suggestions on how to support them.
Provide onsite and offsite direct support to participants in various work/volunteer environments.
Provide counselling and support to clients with developmental disabilities and their families in reaching their individual goals.
Ensure security and safety of the program and the participants in various work/ volunteer settings.
Provide clerical/ reception and administrative support to the program. Maintain office in an organized and secure manner, including documentation and compilation of internal and external reports, statistical data, logbooks, and office communications, and receive/distribution of correspondence.