Job Position: Settlement Counsellor - ACES (Arabic Speaking)

Department: Family Services

Status: Full-Time – 35 hours per week
Contract position until March 31, 2022, with the possibility of an extension)

Location: Mississauga & Brampton

Compensation: $25.00 per hour

Indus Community Services is an accredited, not-for-profit community benefit organization that has served local communities for over three decades. We are a registered charity, supported by our donors and by all three levels of government. Through our professional staff, we are a leader in the provision of culturally responsive services to newcomers, families, women & seniors.

Vision: To be leaders in building strong and inclusive communities.
Mission: We are a community benefit organization focused on building resilient and healthy communities by offering person-centered, anti-oppressive programs and services.

Position Summary:

Under the general guidance of the Manager – Crisis Counselling, the incumbent will provide settlement services to newcomer families and refugees, addressing their settlement needs including advocacy, counselling, empowerment and safety (ACES) needs through appropriate workshops, and one-on-one settlement counselling support.

Responsibilities and Duties: (but not limited to)

Settlement Services – Information & Referral

• Provide culturally and linguistically specific information, referral, orientation and counselling services to meet the social, cultural, economic and educational needs of refugees; such as accessing health care, housing, education, legal and social services
• Assist clients in understanding and adapting to Canadian society, practices and procedures; guidance on way of life, institutions, laws, etc.
• Work with community and government agencies regarding services to ensure quick and seamless integration of refugees into Canadian society
• Facilitate appropriate referrals and access to services in the community
• Plan and facilitate educational workshops on settlement issues
• Document needs and gaps in services for refugees
• Interpret for clients where language is a barrier

Crisis Counselling

• Provide crisis intervention and short-term supportive counselling and emotional support to newcomers, refugees and their families experiencing crisis
• Work with newcomer women to assist them to transition to a violence free life and regain stability
• Assist clients experiencing crisis to assess their situation, provide information and assistance in naming appropriate strategies, provide information and referral to appropriate community resources
• Conduct assessment, intake and assume case management responsibilities
• Complete risk assessments and assist in developing safety planning for clients and their children
• Input client information into database, document accurate record of abuse and maintain up-to-date records of service delivery and client case files
• Develop individually tailored safety and transition plans, goal setting, problem solving and conflict resolution for clients at risk
• Provide individual and group counselling and support services
• Identify community resources and provide court support
• Organize and conduct case conferences for clients
• Participate in community-based committees and collaborate with community groups to respond to clients’ needs
• Liaise with community & network partners, agencies & groups to enhance working relationships & promote the organization’s services & programs
• Plan and facilitate the “Women’s Wellness” groups and HEAL groups
• Complete all required statistical and narrative reports
• Train and mentor volunteers and student placements
• Participate in staff and team meetings, and professional development opportunities as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Service Worker, Sociology, Human Services, with previous work experience in settlement services and crisis counselling
• Demonstrated experience in the client-centred case management service delivery approach
• Extensive knowledge of the immigration system, and services available to assist newcomers, refugees and their families
• Well-developed knowledge and sensitivity of settlement, social and cultural issues and barriers experienced by women and children, who have experienced abuse and a demonstrated capacity to develop and implement programs to effectively respond to these issues and barriers
• Demonstrated skills in case management, assessment and intervention, clinical writing, advocacy, conflict resolution techniques, mediation, anger management and non-violent crisis management
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, VAW/CAS, other relevant legislations and resources/support services available to women and children in the community
• Ability to maintain confidential records and documentation, in addition to writing objective and descriptive contact notes
• Ability to multitask while maintaining high level of accuracy in data collection
• Ability to network & liaison with internal programs and external service providers & facilitate the development of partnerships
• Solid interpersonal, administrative, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, analytical and research skills
• Self-directed, self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills with strong group facilitation and presentation skills
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and a strong understanding of inclusive and equitable service delivery
• Demonstrated verbal & written English communication skills and Arabic is required
• Computer proficiency in Windows Office Suite, email, internet and experience using a database system
• Proficiency in MS Office, Email and internet applications
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and to work from any one of Indus’s sites
• A Police Vulnerable Sector Check and iCARE Clearance will be required from the successful candidate

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a complete resume of qualifications and experience, electronically to by 12:00pm, April 16th, 2021. Please ensure your application email has the subject heading of “Settlement Counsellor - ACES (Arabic Speaking)” - (insert your name)’

This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Indus Community Services is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment process. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.