Nisa Homes Looking for Supportive Counsellor (onstie) at Windsor, ON Full Time

• This is not a remote position*

Under the supervision of the House Manager, the Supportive Counsellor is responsible for providing mentorship, emotional support, problem-solving, goal setting, crisis risk assessment, and referrals to other community support. Supportive Counsellors promote empowerment and self-determination through non-judgmental listening and client-centred goal setting. The Supportive Counsellor will use the peer counselling model to assist residents in identifying and achieving life goals as part of their experience at Nisa Homes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CLIENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT

Conduct one on one peer to peer supportive counselling sessions with residents on a weekly basis to set and achieve goals, address challenges and refer where necessary to external resources

Develop and implement a regular mental health and wellness support group for the women and children, separately

Create a safe connection for the client to using high levels of trust and rapport building, sincerity and unconditional positive regard

TRAINING

Deliver life skills workshops on topics such as self-esteem building, empowerment, self-care strategies, addressing depression, anxiety and stress

Provide training to staff and volunteers on trauma-informed practices, mental health resources and other training where needed

Responsible for assigning and overseeing counselling volunteers to residents.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Participate in intake assessments to assess eligibility; flag for signs of addictions, mental illnesses and suicide.

Coordinate with caseworkers to ensure the best service and case management available to clients

REPORTING

Summarize/organize information for shura in event that a unique case has arisen for current residents for decision making

Provide weekly updates to House Manager for client progress

Maintain counselling notes, incident records and other documentation

OUTREACH

Liaise with other services, agencies and professionals

Maintain current knowledge of issues and resources related to abuse and violence to provide presentations and public awareness activities about services and issues of abuse

Facilitate community networking, attend meetings and workshops as needed

COMPETENCIES

Communication Skills & Active Listening

Positive Attitude

Building Trust

Emotional Intelligence

Conflict Management Skills

Crisis Intervention Skills

Counselling Skills

Assessment Skills

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

Must speak and write English proficiently.

Preferred Urdu and/or Arabic

Relevant degree such as Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related field especially with regard to homelessness and vulnerable women and will have a minimum of 2-3 years experience. Other combinations of education, experience and training may be considered;

Able to adhere to highest standards of ethical care and confidentiality policies;

Demonstrates a commitment to Professional Practice, adheres to professional code of ethics

Demonstrate Wellness Practices: Can identify personal stressors and knows when to ask for help. Can identify and manage signs of burnout.

Criminal record check and Vulnerable sector check prior to employment;

Strong understanding of the needs and issues of different social groups, including women experiencing or at risk of homelessness, women fleeing abuse, and newcomers.