CharityVillage

Job purpose

A Community Counsellor provides counselling support and services for vulnerable parents, including pregnant and parenting youth, with children between the ages of 0-6yrs. The incumbent is responsible for providing emotional support and case management; assisting clients to identify goals that will enhance their family's well-being; and supporting clients to develop strategies and access resources to realize those goals.  The incumbent empowers clients to set goals, refers clients to other services in the community and advocates on their behalf when necessary.

This is a 2 year contract position.

Duties and responsibilities

Caseload Management (60%)

• Conduct client intake, assess client needs and provide ongoing support and case management through Vita Centre programs & services.
• In accordance with established standards, consistent with assessment and in conjunction with clients, identify priority needs and develop goals, objectives, necessary support and/or referrals. Following the client’s lead, help them to monitor their progress and modify their plan as required.
• Conduct individual counselling sessions with clients in accordance with their plan; provide clients with feedback, support or encouragement to address family, social or personal problems
• Provide client-centered counselling focused on listening, responding empathetically and engaging in problem solving
• Perform case management and services as client advocate, and liaise with social services, education, employment or other community services. Maintain rapport with local community resources to ensure effective referral options and contacts.
• Assist in the facilitation of education programs, workshops, group activities on scheduled topics related to life skills and so forth.
• Manage the distribution of care supplies to clients.

Program Development (20%)

• Ongoing community engagement to ensure we reach our target audience.
• Work closely with the Vita Centre team to deliver services based on the needs of clients.
• Participate in liaison work with various schools, community agencies and the public to educate them on the services Vita Centre provides.

Agency Responsibilities (20%)

• Compile monthly statistics on clients and generate monthly reports.
• Conduct semi-annual client satisfaction survey.
• Maintain up-to-date files on clients.
• Support student placements with learning opportunities.
• Network in the community and represent Vita Center at meetings and community events.
• Attend job specific training sessions offered within and outside of organization to enhance job skills and knowledge.
• Maintain current knowledge of and integrate best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work or related field.
• At least one year’s experience in human/social services (can include school placement experience).
• Client-centered, strength-based approach and ability to respect confidentiality.
• Sensitivity to issues around vulnerable parent populations.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Excellent listening, communication and presentation skills.
• Well organized, able to work independently.
• Adaptable, flexible and resourceful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle and relevant insurance.
• Vulnerable Sector Record Check (within the past six months) is required.
• Basic first aid/CPR certificate is an asset.

Working conditions

• The job requires the incumbent to work both in the office and in the community. 
• The job will require some travel to client residences, community events and off-site client meetings.

Physical requirements

• The incumbent will have to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers.  The incumbent may also have to do some lifting of supplies and materials from time to time.