HALDIMAND & NORFOLK WOMEN’S SERVICES
Elementary School-Based Counsellor
Summary of Position: To provide counselling to children and youth who have witnessed woman abuse in their homes. This counselling shall take place in the student’s own school following the program criteria and procedures which have been developed in consultation with the school boards in Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk.
Overview:
Our organization is currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Community Educator and Counsellor. This position is for an existing vacancy within the shelter. Starting wage is $26.85. This is a one-year contract position with potential for renewal and/or transition to permanent.
Responsibilities:
- Provide individual counselling and advocacy.
- Provide information and referrals to appropriate services
- Liaise with school personnel to facilitate the development of emotional support for the students within the school.
- Provide information, support and referrals, as appropriate, to the mother of the child who has been referred to the school-based Counselling Program.
- Carry out the services with the safety of the student and the safety of the student’s mother as the integral consideration in all actions of this program.
- Follow the procedures for carrying out this program in the elementary schools as agreed upon by the school systems in Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk.
- Attend the community meetings which are necessary to support this program.
- Provide presentations to elementary school students about issues of woman abuse as requested
- Maintain and record accurate and up to date client records
- Become familiar with and effectively document all required information in WISH database
- Participate in regular supervision and program specific meetings
- Review and understand all Policies and Procedures including but not limited to Staff Code of Conduct and confidentiality
- Provide group facilitation for mothers and children as required
- Provide support as necessary to the 24-hour Residential Service, including but not limited to answering phones, supporting walk in clients
- Assume other duties as deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
Completed post-secondary Child and Youth focused education and training
3-5 years direct experience in counselling women and children who have experienced woman abuse
Experience in program development
Understanding and knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act
An excellent understanding of child development.
Excellent communication skills.
The ability to function independently and as part of a team.
Ability to perform within a woman centered organization that bases its services on a feminist analysis of woman abuse
Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate
Closing Date: January 12, 2026
Please send your resume including cover letter in confidence to:
Vanessa Dion, Community Services Manager
vanessa@hnws.on.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our clients/customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
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