POSITION: Wellness and Health Counsellor

REPORTS TO: Settlement Program Manager

WORK HOURS: 30 hours per week

RATE OF PAY: $28 per hour

EMPLOYMENT TERM: 1 year with possible extension

Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre (DBNC) is a leading, inclusive, welcoming, proactive, community-inspired agency. It is the organization that the community chooses because it meets their diverse and changing needs through empowerment, partnerships, active listening, engagement, and leadership. 

DEI Statement: 

We uphold and advance principles of diversity, equity and inclusion across the organization – every individual that engages with DBNC feels that their diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures are valued. Safe spaces and opportunities are created for all to voice their thoughts respectfully, to learn and develop a deeper understanding of one another. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Wellness and Health Counsellor is responsible to provide timely crisis assessment, evidence-informed crisis intervention, information and referral, and brief supportive counselling to newcomer families, refugees and youth. Newcomers to Canada may be experiencing emotional distress, PTSD, a mental health crisis, and/or seeking information on available resources. This position will also support the wellness and health of DBNC staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•       Provide evidence-informed crisis intervention and brief supportive counselling to newcomers, refugees youth and other family members who are experiencing a crisis

•       Manage interactions with those who experience crises while adjusting to life in Canada.

•       Develop holistic plans and implement crisis management strategies with clients

•       Utilize a resource referral database to provide information and referral assistance

•       Provide support and follow-up post crisis

•       Plan and facilitate group information sessions

•       Liaise with community partners to support recovery and connection to social networks

•       Form positive relationships with social services and mental health agencies to build an effective network of crisis services in the community

•       Facilitate regular support groups  

•       Support the agency on the Health and Safety and Committee

•       Support the wellness and health of staff

•       Maintain accurate record-keeping/documentation of client files

QUALIFICATIONS:

•       Degree in health services, social services, counselling, psychology or related subjects.

•       Experience facilitating support groups

•       Experience participating on a Health and Safety Committee

•       Minimum three years working experience with crisis intervention and newcomer mental health

•       Minimum one year working experience with newcomers

•       Knowledge of mental health issues, group process and facilitation techniques.

•       Proven ability in crisis assessment and facilitating resolution strategies

•       Experience with information-gathering and effective problem-solving skills

•       Empathetic and able to work well in stressful situations while maintaining a professional demeanor.

•       Proficient with Microsoft Office, database and Internet. iCARE database experience an asset. 

•       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

•       Fluency in English. Second language is an asset, specifically Ukrainian/Spanish/French.

•       A criminal/vulnerable sector check is required

DBNC thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) will be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

DBNC is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and DBNC Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information provided through the DBNC recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with DBNC. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).

Interested applicants should submit a resume quoting reference number: 025-019

By May 16th, 2025

Human Resources Department

Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre

3650 Dixie Rd. Suite 103, Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9

Email:

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre is an equal-opportunity employer.