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 Union contract position scheduled to work 35 hours per week. **

(Current incumbent is on maternity leave)

DUTIES       

• Provides initial intake and needs assessments for families/ individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Provides supportive counselling, crises intervention and  follow-up services.
• 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 and harm reduction support.
• Delivers orientation sessions on shelter rules, and settlement related topics.
• Advocates and case consults with other social service organizations and service providers.
• 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.
• Conduct room check to ensure safety and wellness of the clients.
• Administer first aid and naloxone if needed.
• Support other operational activities to ensure smooth delivery of services.

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 training, income support, legal support, etc.;
  • Emotional supportive counselling;
  • Experience in harm reduction support, crises intervention and de-escalation of violence.
• Previous case management experience is a must.
• Demonstrated experience providing services in the following areas; domestic abuse, mental health (diagnoses and undiagnosed), addiction, and chronic homelessness (singles and families).
• Knowledge of specific issues facing homeless the population and refugees in general.
• Familiarity of Toronto Shelter Standards and how to implement when proving services.
• 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. Speaking a second language will be considered an asset.
• Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR training certificate is required.
• Possession of a valid Naloxone training certificate or equivalent is required.
• Required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Police check. The VSS must have been completed within past 6 months.

**Hours of work shall be scheduled in accordance with Article 12.01and shall consist of five (5) seven (7) hour days, Monday to Friday.