Job Posting: Shelter Transitional Housing Support Counsellor
Herizon House is a 30 bed shelter for women and children leaving abusive relationships. We offer crisis intervention counselling, emergency shelter, a transitional housing program, outreach programs and child and family programs. We are located in Durham Region. We are seeking talented, energetic, reliable and passionate staff person to join our full-time team in this permanent position. The Shelter Transitional Housing Support Counsellor provides support and services to residents in the shelter. This position will use a case management model that includes support, advocacy, referral and information services to women to assist them in their transition from the shelter into the community. We are looking for individuals who have experience working with women who have experienced violence including: safety planning and supporting women to access housing, legal, financial and immigration supports.
DAYS OF WORK: Monday- Friday 9 am-5 pm, with some flexibility required.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Crisis Intervention Counseling and assessments both in person and over the phone.
- Participate in the overall case management of the shelter clients.
- Responsible for providing shelter clients with financial and housing information.
- Responsible for providing support and accompaniment to appointments related to financial and housing.
- Assist women to complete their housing applications and provide support with housing search.
- Provide referrals to community resources including: O.W., legal aid, immigration, etc. and accompany clients for support as necessary.
- To assist residents who require additional support in attending special personal needs appointments.
- Support both resident through the legal process including attending legal appointments and court.
- Accompany clients with neighborhood searches to enrich their familiarity with the community
- Advocate with other community agencies both in person and over the phone.
- Develop and coordinate effective working relationships with referral agencies and other professionals.
- Support shelter counsellors with day to day help including the crisis line, program coverage, shelter cleanliness, emergency drills, etc.
- Responsible to run workshops within the shelter
- Responsible for attending bi-monthly Case Management Meetings and providing updated, relevant information for each shelter residents case
- Work with women to implement a case plan that is informed by women’s goals.
- Complete, document and review regularly safety plans with women.
- Sit on various committees.
- Represent Herizon House at community presentations and/or events.
- Complete the necessary documentation, case notes and statistics as required by the agency and the funder.
- Meet service targets
- Represent agency in a professional manner at all times.
- Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services or related field and/or a combination of education and work experience.
- Understanding of and experience in working with women leaving abusive relationships.
- Ability to be flexible as required to meet client needs.
- The ability to work with a culturally diverse population and awareness of cultural, religious, economic and other barriers to leaving an abusive partner.
- Non-judgmental and feminist approach in working with women
- Strong Case Planning, Case Management, Problem Solving and Advocacy Skills.
- Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
- Working knowledge of Tenant Protection Act, Employment Law, Ontario Works, Legal Services, etc.
- Knowledge of community resources in Durham Region.
- Possess a Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
Herizon House is a CUPE unionized workplace.
Herizon House seeks to be an equal opportunity employer. As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act we will provide assistance to applicants who request accommodation through the recruitment process.
Starting Salary: $22.94 per hour
To apply please email your resume and cover letter to: jobposting@herizonhouse.com