Scope of Position

Under the supervision of the VAW Manager and participating as part of the Violence Against Women team, the VAW counsellor will provide short-term counselling individually and in groups for women referred to the Violence Against Women Program.   Specifically to intervene in crisis, provide short-term counselling and co-facilitate support groups. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Direct Service

• provide short-term counselling for individuals
• intervene in crisis and refer as needed
• assess client safety needs and develop a safety plan
• provide appropriate referrals to additional resources, including transitional support and housing workers, and collaborate with other service providers

Advocacy

• advocate on behalf of client, and client group
• participate in advocacy and coordination committees about services available, gaps in services and issues affecting women, and children and their families
• promote participation of clients, and community, in general, in activities designed to educate and/or advocate for prevention

Community Education

• act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding specific client area
• present to community groups on issues and services
• participate in internal and external meetings, public education events and media contacts as required

Coordination of Policy and Service

• coordinate inter-agency referrals
• advocate coordinated planning for individual services
• establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies to facilitate referrals and positive working relationships

Training and Development

• provide training to community groups
• provide opportunities to students to practice skills with appropriate supervision
• support and train volunteers as needed
• offer in-service to co-workers on staff development opportunities, and/or areas of expertise

Evaluation

• prepare and maintain all necessary documentation and statistics related to all activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis
• participate in WOCRC evaluation processes
• participate in the development and implementation of client and/or program evaluation as required

Other

All WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations. These include:

• Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected. 
• Working in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health
• Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training;
• Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered;
• Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC ( Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct);
• Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures;
• Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies,
• procedures and regulations;
• Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk in keeping with Privacy and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures.
• Supporting the Centre’s student and volunteer placement programs
• Working during both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by the Centre;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training;
• Minimum of 2 years experience direct work with abused women; 
• Demonstrated commitment to community based social service delivery and health equity principles;
• Knowledge of Violence Against Women issues and counselling principles;
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills;
• Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, employment and training resources in the community;
• Experience in community development;
• Knowledge and proficiency in program development, delivery and evaluation;
• Strong public speaking and public education skills;
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Multitasking abilities;
• Demonstrated ability to identify and serve the needs of diverse communities;
• Ability to promote teamwork and strength in a volunteer and staff group.

Language Competencies

• Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written; required.
• Ability to communicate fluently in French, spoken and written; required.

Computer Competencies

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products
• Familiarity with Data Management Systems

Salary/Hours

• Starting salary is $50,545 per annum
• Hours are Monday to Friday with some evenings or weekend work
• 35 hours per week