Position Title:                            Wellbeing Counsellor - NSLT

Organization Structure:            Reports to Program Coordinator

Job Classification:                    Counsellor

Job Status:                                 Full-time Contract until December 31, 2024

Location:                                     Peel Region

Number of Positions:                1

Wage:                                          $27.47/hour for 35 hours/week

                                                     Shifts are 10am-5:30pm or 11am-6:30pm

This is NOT a bargaining unit position.

We advise all applicants with work permits that obtaining employment with Polycultural will not guarantee the approval of any application for Permanent Resident status and emphasize that Polycultural’s positions do not currently qualify under the government’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) initiatives.

About Polycultural

Be a part of Polycultural Immigrant and Community services! Founded in 1993, Polycultural is dedicated to hosting an open and inclusive environment for all. We are a multicultural melting-pot perfectly reflecting Canada’s diversity. We are like a family, have a culture filled with care and genuine connection with a very inclusive environment for all. With a diverse range of programs and services, we help individuals and families build a brighter future in Canada. Serving clients from over eight different locations across the GTA and Orangeville in more than 20 languages.

Scope

Responsible for delivering crisis and mental health counselling that provides guidance and support to clients who are facing challenges and dealing with various problems, crises/stress of adjusting to life in Canada, or due to high needs and situations. The Counsellor provides short-term support and service planning to clients and effectively link these clients to the appropriate mainstream services as applicable, including referring them to support groups, professional or clinical counselling services, and peer networks. Familiarity with other services and resources in the community to work together with other organizations to provide accurate information and support is a requirement. Also, the Counsellor provides education to individuals and groups in the community with a focus on high-risk populations to promote mental health awareness and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides in-person counselling and support services to individuals and families experiencing crisis/stress, including conducting assessments, individual, family, or group counselling sessions, and making referrals to appropriate professionals
• Conducts assessments to identify clients’ needs and situations
• Develops a plan of support and goals that is client-centred and tailored to their needs
• Provides supportive counselling that supports clients in coping well with stress, substance abuse, family violence, grief, crisis intervention, trauma, and other issues
• Develops effective relationships with clients and helps them build support systems
• Organizes and leads support groups as needs arise, with a focus on women, seniors, and youth
• Facilitates special groups on topics like parenting, adaptation to social changes, and migration stress
• Facilitates referrals to appropriate internal and external resources
• Develops partnerships and collaborates with health and community support systems in the area to enhance the delivery of the service
• Works as a member of the team to ensure that the program operates efficiently and effectively
• Maintains a close and collaborative working relationship with other service professionals and institutions to facilitate comprehensive care for clients
• Using a client-centered approach, advocates on behalf of clients in association with their community support network
• Provides accurate and timely reporting for supervisor outcomes and program activities
• Participates in community outreach to promote program services
• Attends professional development workshops as required
• Actively participates in the professional development initiatives aimed at continuous growth and improvement in wellbeing counselling practice
• Submits monthly statistical and narrative reports as required to monitor program impact
• Must meet targets set by Program Coordinator, ensuring the program achieves its objectives
• Performs other related duties as required to support the program
• Stays updated on current research, best practices, and emerging trends in crisis counselling through continuous learning and professional development, integrating new knowledge and techniques into counselling strategies to enhance the quality of services provided

Competencies

Adaptability

Changes behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Communications

Uses a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communication and the exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoids problems, and develops entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Service

Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of clients, co-workers, managers, or community members, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology from an accredited educational institution
• 3-5 years of experience working in mental health counselling, addictions and crisis intervention, and case management
• Ability to assist in complex client live circumstances and maintain healthy boundaries
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively within a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Creates a safe, comfortable environment for clients
• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and attendance
• Excellent communication skills - verbal and written
• Strong time management skills
• Fluency in a second language is a definite asset (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Somali, Hausa, Yoruba)

Other Requirements

• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when an offer is made) 

In support of persons with disabilities, Polycultural asks that job applicants with disabilities who require accommodation in the recruitment and selection process, to please advise Human Resources if contacted for an interview/testing so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. (In compliance with AODA, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards). If you require assistance in sending your resume due to a disability, please contact Human Resources directly.

We thank everyone for their interest in Polycultural; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.

No phone calls please.