Settlement Counsellor – Canada Summer Jobs 2024

Job title: Settlement Counsellor – Canada Summer Jobs 2024

This is a Canada Summer Jobs 2024 posting. In order to be eligible, candidates must:

• Be between 15-30 years of age at the start of employment
• Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an individual to whom Refugee Status has been granted/conferred for the duration of employment
• Be legally entitled to work in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations

International students, and those who are here in Canada on a work, youth, or visitor visa/permit are not eligible for the program.

Hourly wage: $18.00

Required Hours per week: 35

Length of Position: 8 weeks

Anticipated Start Date: Mid to late May/beginning of June

Organization Overview: Margaret's mission is to provide the continuum of housing and support services for individuals with mental illness through innovative programming, advocacy, and education which empowers them to build and reclaim their lives.

Job Overview: The Settlement Counsellor will provide services for asylum seekers, refugees, and newcomers (“settlement clients”) who request supports as they transition to the Toronto/GTA community. The incumbent will receive information in an 'active learning' environment, training, and hands-on practical experience, with support from the staff team and the On-Site Coordinator, who will work alongside them during all client-related interactions.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Assist in providing coordinated, integration-related assistance to clients resettling in Toronto from various regions in the world
• Research and develop potential client connections at related agencies
• Work with clients to access social, cultural, economic, and political information related to settlement and integration issues (e.g., language training, housing, unemployment, education, healthcare, education, and social welfare, among others)
• Connect clients with government and community resources, programs, and services
• Provide research and resource assistance for staff who work directly with settlement clients, accessing relevant and culturally informed services that will help these clients navigate their lives in a new country
• Assist in the organization and delivery of relevant weekly activities/information sessions, taking part in group-specific support sessions (e.g. for Refugee Women, Youth, LGBTQ+, etc.), where clients may share experiences, challenges and successes
• Solicit feedback and recommendations from staff as well as settlement clients, and participate in regular team meetings
• Perform additional tasks as required

Required Skills and Competencies

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, a degree in Social Work/College Diploma in Social Services, with a specialty in mental health and addictions or equivalent experience
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, in a social service setting preferred
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior interpersonal skills with a high level of social and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in all interactions
• Must demonstrate values of anti-oppression and anti-racism, and operate from a non-judgmental, client-centered framework
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care, with a commitment to upholding their dignity and respecting their autonomy
• A strong desire to contribute to a community-based organization and the improvement of the quality of life for a marginalized community
• Good Crisis management and Conflict Resolution skills
• Approachable and sensitive to the needs of others
• Knowledge of available resources in the community an asset
• Ability to speak a second language an asset

Working Conditions:

• The incumbent will be working in a low-barrier setting, in close communication with designated clients and other individuals from the community who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues
• Possible exposure to loud noises and crowded areas on-site

Margarets is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need accommodation for the interview process, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to your scheduled interview.