Child, Youth and Family Trauma Counselor -1 year Contract

JOB SUMMARY

The Child, Youth and Family Trauma Counselor (“CYFC”) uses a trauma-informed, feminist-based, anti-racist/anti-oppression and harm reduction lens in all aspects of intake and assessment, goal planning and case management including offering short-term counseling and facilitating group programs for children and youth residents of the shelter who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence (GBV, IPV, Child Abuse) and trauma.  The CYFC also participates on relevant committees and advocacy groups and attends and facilitates relevant workshops.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Trauma-Informed Intake and Assessment

• Conduct intake procedures for children and youth, inform residents of WHE services and programs
• Perform needs assessment of children and youth with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural competence, involving mothers/caregivers as active participants in their support when necessary.
• Conduct risk audits and on-going safety planning conversations using a trauma-informed approach with children over 8 years old and their mothers/caregivers regarding their children
• Work with children, youth and mothers/caregivers to develop safety plans for their younger children/dependents (7 and younger)
• Work collaboratively with the Child, Youth and Family Clinical Counselor (CYFCC) to support identified clinical needs of children and youth, develop or amend safety plans that includes identifying safe spaces, trusted adults and coping strategies to use in times of distress.
• Use a trauma-informed approach to provide crisis counselling and support to children and youth who have experienced abuse, trauma and/or witnessed violence.

Trauma-Informed Goal Planning and Case Management

• Develop a tailored plan based on the findings of the assessments, incorporating evidence-based interventions to address the child or youth's specific needs and goals.
• Work collaboratively with children and youth and when appropriate their mother/caregiver to develop goal plans and case management activities
• Work collaboratively with the CYFCC in case conferences with the mother/caregiver and/or external caseworkers as required to assess and provide case management planning
• Provide trauma-informed crisis and ongoing individual counselling during their stay at the shelter
• Provide support and assistance to children and youth throughout their stay at the shelter.
• Research, suggest and support awareness of external referral options and assist with accessing internal/external resources/referrals as needed
• Engage in harm reduction principles (collaboration, choice, resource/information sharing, safety, empowerment, non-judgmental, acceptance, minimize harm, community involvement, flexibility, etc.)  to support residents to increase safety and develop healthy coping strategies
• Address the impact of systemic barriers on the children and youth’s lives
• Collaborate with colleagues to refer children and youth to other counselors, support workers or other organizations as additional needs are identified (psychological, emotional, educational, developmental or physical health, etc)
• Work with the school system and daycare centres to ensure that children and youth are enrolled and placed appropriately.

Referrals and Systems Navigation

• Provide support with systems navigation to mothers/caregivers needed and critical resources for their children/dependents and act as an advocate when necessary, with child protection, schools or other children and youth service related resources, including accompaniments if needed and/or appropriate
• Arrange and work with cultural interpreters as appropriate.
• Liaise and maintain positive working relationships with children’s service providers, other shelters, children’s mental health agencies, school personnel, daycare centers and other community agencies.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Seek ongoing resident feedback to ensure residents’ needs are being met and goal plans remain relevant
• Provide initial check-ins with the resident and monthly check-ins depending on the needs of the resident
• Monitor progress of goal plans and check in at least every 3 months, or as needed
• Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure their safety and well-being over time.

Group Programming

• Collaborate with the other CYFC to develop Logic Models and other assessment tools to design group programming for the children and youth to explore and de-construct gender normative behaviors and values that promote unhealthy versions of masculinity and gender-based violence.
• Facilitate group programming where children and youth share their perspectives on healthy relationships while building confidence and supporting the development of coping, emotional regulation, leadership, life and critical skills.
• Facilitate March Break and summer outings as well as after-school group workshops to address such topics as: emotional regulation, healthy relationships, building self-esteem, self-advocacy, awareness of rights/options/choices, accessing services, developing a road map to a sustainable livelihood and independence, etc.
• Organize other special groups/events (e.g. birthdays, Halloween, etc.) that are of interest to resident population or based on feedback identified by residents

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Act as a resource for groups and individuals from the community requesting information or assistance in the area of gender-based violence
• Participate in speaking engagements on the topic of impact of intimate partner violence and domestic violence on children and youth and the services provided by WHE
• Represent WHE in the community on task forces and on working groups, as assigned by the Manager, the Executive Director or designate
• Liaise with colleagues in other Shelters to refer youth (16 years old and older)
• Represent WHE in all communications with residents, other community services and the general public that aligns with our mission, vision and values
• Participate in community meetings and events, as well as training and workshops where applicable.

 Administration and Planning

• Set goals and objectives with the Manager in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Agency.
• Keep the Manager apprised of service delivery and issues.
• Develop and implement shelter related programs and its components i.e. individual counseling and support, group sessions, referrals, advocacy, workshops and community support
• Maintain up-to-date selection of resource materials
• Participate in supervision, staff and case management meetings as scheduled
• Responsible for the supervision of students and volunteers when necessary
• Complete an annual self-evaluation form as part of the organizational performance management process
• Participate in training and workshops where applicable.
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of resident information and maintain confidential case records as appropriate ensuring all documentation is stored in the database
• Responsible for other duties as assigned

Data Collection, Reporting and Evaluation

• Document and collect data and maintain an up to date record keeping, per WHE documentation policies, that includes each stage of engagement including but not limited to: intake and assessment results, safety plans, risk audits, resident histories, goal plans, counseling notes, case management, discharge information and resident outcomes, type of service delivered and hours involved, program and service evaluation and resident feedback/satisfaction, and any other information stipulated by WHE and program funders (socio-demographic).
• Conduct pre- and post- programming evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the effectiveness and impact of our services throughout each stage of engagement (intake/assessment, goal planning, case management, group programming, discharge), resident outcomes and overall resident satisfaction
• Report on program progress to the Manager including quarterly reports outlining outcomes for mothers/caregivers and their dependents
• Conduct annual evaluation to assess overall program outcomes and measure against annual targets

Discharge/Closure

• Complete resident departure form to:
  • Review with children/youth goal plans and identify areas completed and areas outstanding that require internal or external referrals
  • Collaborate with the Shelter Trauma Counselor and offer families the opportunity to connect with them to determine sustainability of the supports given 2-4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after their departure from shelter
  • Conduct a post service evaluation prior to departure
• Update, store and close relevant resident information in the database

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

• A Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Child and Youth Worker, or similar children’s mental health and development fields, from recognized post-secondary institutions
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in trauma-informed child and youth counselling, including group work with children and youth
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children and youth who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence (GBV, IPV, Child Abuse) and trauma, with demonstrated knowledge of the issues and impacts of gender-based violence on children and youth
• Demonstrated ability to develop safety plans for children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence
• An in depth understanding of the social influences and challenges children and youth face including peer pressure, physical image, substance use, bullying (cyberbullying), social media/internet use, online communication, sex/human trafficking, social isolation, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of child and youth development and child and youth mental health issues.
• Experience working in a harm reduction model would be an asset.
• A critical understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, feminist, anti-oppression, anti- racist principles and frameworks and the demonstrated ability to incorporate them in all aspects of their work.
• Working knowledge of legislative systems that impact the lives of residents including but not limited to: Mental Health Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Child Protection Act, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, including resources for individuals with precarious immigration status, relevant legislation and social justice issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various systems impacting or intersecting with the lives of residents who have experienced violence (eg. legal, child protection, immigration)
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the intersections of violence, trauma, mental health and addiction
• Knowledge of and application the intersections of colonialism, oppression and marginalization and experiences of trauma.
• Extensive and applied knowledge of crisis management including, crisis prevention, intervention and problem solving that supports resident and colleague safety and promotes overall health and safety
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of resident-related and Agency information.
• Ability to respect and promote an inclusive work environment to uphold the Culture of Wellness
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Ability to work equitably and collaboratively with cultural, racial, economic and socially diverse communities.
• Be a dedicated and flexible team player, able to interact with team members and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work evenings and one Saturday shift each month
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that considers the child or youth developmental capacity
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, Internet search and navigating database systems.
• A Trauma Awareness/Trauma Informed Practice Certificate is an asset
• Vulnerable Sector Check and valid First Aid CPR AED Certification, required
• Ability to perform harm reduction supports are required for this position and may include but are not limited to: administration of Naloxone.

Salary and Benefits: Starting at $26.24/hr, increasing to $27.35/hr after 3 months. Group health, dental, vision, life LTD insurance available after completion of the probationary period.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: hr@womens-habitat.ca