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Job Title
 RELIEF CRISIS COUNSELLOR – ROSEWOOD SHELTER
Reports To
 Program Supervisor – Shelter Services
On Call
Job Summary

Integrating an intersectional feminist framework and a harm reduction philosophy, the Relief Crisis Counsellor is responsible for advancing the mission of HURONIA TRANSITION HOMES by providing immediate and responsive crisis counselling, in person and by telephone, to women who have experienced domestic violence, working on an on-call basis. Service components include: providing information, clarification, emotional support, grounding, practical assistance, safety planning, identification of resources, referrals and access assistance.

Responsibilities and Activities

SERVICE DELIVERY

  • Provision of telephone and in-person crisis counselling services, available in English and/or French
  • Provide a safe environment, counseling and support to all women and children we serve, including, but not limited to, the provision of information, clarification, emotional support, safety planning, practical assistance, and referrals to both internal and external resources
  • Complete assessments and intakes in person and by telephone
  • Establish a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment to facilitate women’s empowerment and ability to make change;
  • Perform problem-solving and decision-making in accordance with policies and procedures, consulting with Program Supervisor as required
  • Adhere to Health and Safety measures and emergency procedures at all times
  • Work from an intersectional feminism and harm reduction approach in all service delivery

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

  • Completion of program administration: tracking/logging, intake, information sharing and shift exchange
  • Participate in program planning and evaluation
  • Record statistics as per agency policies and procedures
  • Record and report relevant information on the Service Delivery Sheet
  • Contribute to the development of an annual job plan in consultation with the Program Supervisor and/or Director of Operations

COMMUNITY LIAISON AND ADVOCACY

  • Assist women in making connections with community resources including housing, social assistance, medical services, basic needs resources and justice systems;
  • Liaise with other relevant personnel/resources within the agency and the community
  • Remain committed to education and advocacy as a means to ending violence against women
  • Advocate on behalf of the women we serve, with their approval, in accessing relevant community resources
  • Support the women we serve in developing self-advocacy strategies

TEAM & AGENCY PARTICIPATION

  • Active participation in staff and agency meetings
  • Work collaboratively as a team member in the identification, development and recommendations of changes for improved service delivery
  • Work collaboratively with management, staff and volunteers to ensure effective support and service provision
  • Promote a healthy and respectful workplace
  • Participate in applicable training, supervision and team meetings
  • Practice open, direct, respectful communication
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Abide by all policies, procedures, rules and regulations of HURONIA TRANSITION HOMES
QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant discipline (BSW/MSW preferred) and a minimum of 3 to 5 years relevant work experience.
  • First Aid/CPR Certification
  • WHMIS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Knowledge of issues and complexities contained within the violence against women framework
  • Experience in crisis counselling in a similar environment
  • Strong counselling and assessment skills
  • An understanding of how best to access local social services, housing, medical, and justice systems
  • An understanding of, and an ability to work with, diverse women including women from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
  • Ability to provide information, support, practical assistance, safety planning, resources, referrals and advocacy for women as needed
  • Strong counselling and assessment skills
  • Knowledge of anti-racist/anti-oppressive harm reduction practices and application, and intersectional feminist analysis
  • Solid problem solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Tact, sound judgment, and multi-tasking ability
  • Ability to work independently and participate as a team member
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and an ability to learn to operate the organization’s database
  • Francophone /bilingual preferred

Working Conditions/Requirements

  • Office environment but may include non-standard workplaces
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekend and overtime/flex hours to accommodate position activities and requirements
  • Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance
  • Ability to sit or stand for varying periods of time
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Teamwork:

  • Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the organization; demonstrate the ability to cooperate in achieving organizational goals and work objectives; share information and communicate effectively with team members; use effective conflict resolution skills.

Service Delivery:

  • Recognize, meet, and effectively communicate regarding the unique service needs of individual women and children in service; role model and mentor others to develop the ability to apply a woman-centred approach to service delivery which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, beliefs and aims, anti-racist/anti-oppression/harm reduction framework.

Policy, Procedure and Process Adherence:

  • Thoroughly understand and apply appropriate organizational and operational policies, principles, procedures, methodologies, rules, guidelines and interpretations in all aspects of daily work.

Judgment/Decision Making:

  • Demonstrate ability to analyze relevant information and evaluate alternate courses of action within scope of position; anticipate consequences and assume responsibility for actions taken.

Adaptability/Innovation:

  • Demonstrate initiative to respond effectively to challenges and responsibilities; demonstrate flexibility when considering concepts, ideas and work practice; able to initiate new ideas and recommend innovative methods, processes and strategies.

Listening, Understanding and Responding

  • Demonstrate the ability to practice active listening; to understand scenarios as they occur, and to respond appropriately when interacting with individuals and groups; liaise effectively and respectfully with team, supervisors, co-workers, service users and the general public.

Achieving Results:

  • Able to achieve or surpass identified goals with appropriate use of supervision; consistently produce quality work by establishing priorities, implementing, monitoring and adjusting in order to meet objective and deadlines.

Technological Competence:

  • Appropriately and efficiently use office equipment; use technology with fluency and ease; resolve routine problems without assistance; learn new technologies quickly and adapt to change easily; comply with computer and equipment use policy.

Intersectional Feminist Analysis:

  • Provide all services and supports using an intersectional feminist approach which recognizes that social norms are set by the dominant social groups, and work towards dismantling those norms; recognize women’s individual and unique social locations and experiences of oppression; understand identities of gender, sex, sexual orientation, class, race, ethnicity, religion or spirituality, immigration status, and ability; understand the complexity of these identities, and connect these social locations to the multi-layered experiences of power, privilege and oppression, and how various social norms give or diminish power; Understand how oppression contributes to systemic injustice and social inequality; demonstrate a strong understanding of all forms of gender-based violence; demonstrate a commitment to continuing education as it relates to feminism and violence against women.

Work Within a Harm Reduction Philosophy:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles as an evidence-based framework; understand use, effects and impacts of substances and able to communicate both practical and functional aspects of harm reduction practices to the women we serve; meet women “where they are at” with a non-judgmental approach; demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in regards to trends, strategies, legislation etc.
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