COSTI REQUIRES GENERAL COUNSELLOR FOR ITS

SHELTER SERVICES

COSTI is a multicultural organization providing social services, settlement,
employment, and language training services. For more information about COSTI,
please visit our website at www.costi.org.

Shelter Services provide short-term accommodation and support services for vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness including but not limited to families, refugees, women fleeing domestic violence and singles

This is a fulltime non-union contract position scheduled to work 35 hours per week.

(Current incumbent is on secondment)

DUTIES       

• Provides initial intake and needs assessments for families/ individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Provides supportive counselling, crises intervention and follow-up services in special needs cases.
• Works one on one with clients to develop a case plan and connect them to supports and services in the community.
• Provides information and referral for legal support, income support (OW), employment support, education, health services etc.
• Delivers orientation sessions on shelter rules, and settlement related topics.
• Advocates and case consults with other social service organizations and service providers.
• Provides crisis intervention and counselling e.g. in cases of conflict.
• Documents services and activities in COSTI’s data base system and SMIS (Shelter Management Information System) and prepares necessary reports.
• Refers clients to community & social service agencies for additional support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Social Services Worker diploma or equivalent with relevant practicum experience.
• Minimum of twelve (12) months experience providing case management and counselling in shelters:
  • Identifying needs through initial assessments and basic mental health assessments;
  • Referrals to programs and education within COSTI and other social service organizations, such as language training, income support, legal support, etc.;
  • Emotional supportive counselling;
  • Experience in crises intervention and de-escalation of violence.
• Speaking a second language will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience providing services in the following areas; wife and child abuse, mental health, addiction, and victims of torture, war and displacement.
• Previous case management experience.
• Knowledge of specific issues facing homeless population and resettled refugees in general.
• Ability to negotiate and advocate with mainstream society and able to intervene during crisis.
• Demonstrated experience in data-entry, documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of Internet, Email and Windows software e.g. Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, organization and coordination skills.
• Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR training certificate is required.
• Possession of a valid Naloxone training certificate is required.
• Required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Police check. The VSS must have been completed within past 6 months.