Settlement Counsellor

JOB TITLE: Settlement Counsellor – Internal/External Posting
STATUS: Full-time
SALARY: $42,630 per year
REPORTS TO: Manager of Settlement Services
CLOSING DATE: Friday, November 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. EDT

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact in our community while growing personally and professionally? Consider joining the Sault Community Career Centre (SCCC) as a Settlement Counsellor! At SCCC, we recognize the significance of a thriving labour market and are committed to providing tailored support to job seekers, employers, and newcomers in our community. Our inclusive workplace fosters support and collaboration, where you can gain valuable experience and be part of a dedicated team. We emphasize a healthy work-life balance, offering a generous vacation allotment and paid sick days. Join us in an organization that champions innovation, collaboration, and growth, with ample opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic environment.

JOB SUMMARY

As part of the Settlement Team, the Settlement Counsellor plays a pivotal role in supporting newcomers to Canada by providing comprehensive settlement services designed to facilitate their successful integration into the community. Settlement Counsellors work closely with clients to assess their immediate needs, identify short and long-term settlement goals, and develop personalized action plans. Responsibilities include offering information, orientation resources, and tailored programming to address various settlement challenges, such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education.
In addition to client-facing duties, Settlement Counsellors will manage administrative tasks and data entry with accuracy and confidentiality, ensuring the integrity and security of client information. In this role, you will collaborate with community partners and other service providers to coordinate support and referrals, advocating on behalf of clients to ensure they receive the necessary resources and services. This role is crucial to empowering clients to achieve their settlement goals and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment that promotes their overall well-being and integration into Canadian society.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

INTAKE AND ASSESSMENT

• Conduct needs assessments to obtain case history and provide referrals that respond to the immediate needs of clients
• Assist newcomers with identifying short and long-term settlement goals
• Coordinate the provision of services through case management, settlement action plans, and advocacy
• Develop and provide required life skills orientation sessions
• Assist clients with applying to and accessing federal and provincial programs
• Prepare clients to actively access networks and navigate Canadian systems
• Provide appropriate and relevant information and referral services on community and government programs and services such as medical services, mental health support, housing, employment, transportation, financial services, etc., and accompany clients if required
• Develop and deliver life skills orientation sessions to equip clients with essential skills and knowledge for successful settlement.
• Provide practical information, orientation resources, and programming that address the immediate needs of clients; prepare them for longer-term integration challenges; inform them of available services and supports, including content tailored to specific client groups (e.g., youth, seniors)
• Assist in preparing documentation, form-filling, interpretation/translation, and other related services
• Conducts financial orientation, informing clients about their financial responsibilities to ensure that they understand the fundamentals of the Canadian banking and financial systems and the key entitlements and obligations of their budget, thereby increasing their financial literacy
• Provide support to ensure a seamless and rapid transition to broader settlement support services, minimizing disruption to the client and facilitating their transition toward a productive role in Canadian society and the economy
• Collaborate with various community partners in support of programming; identify and refer appropriately to SCCC programs and other community services and resources
• Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

ADMINISTRATION

• Accurately maintain and update client records in the appropriate database system, including case notes and service plans, ensuring that all information is properly documented and easily accessible.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with clients to monitor their progress and provide additional support as needed
• Follow established protocols and standards to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of all data entered
• Accurately compile and organize physical client files, ensuring all relevant documents and information are included and properly filed in accordance with established protocols

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

LANGUAGE

• Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is required
• Proficiency in additional languages, including French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto and Spanish, etc., is considered an asset

EDUCATION

• Post-secondary Degree, Diploma, or Certificate of Qualification in a related discipline

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals with complex needs from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds is strongly desired
• Experience in counselling and needs assessment to engage clients effectively is strongly preferred
• Time and resource management skills; effectively and accurately manage client caseload, client data, and document client progress
• Knowledge of de-escalation tools and techniques
• Awareness of and respect for cultural diversity, with effective interpersonal and intercultural communication techniques
• Ability to design and deliver orientation workshops
• Support and promote community-based development initiatives to assist with the integration of clients
• Effective interpersonal and intercultural communication techniques
• Experience with conflict resolution, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a diverse team
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Workspace and Adobe Acrobat (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PDF, etc.); ability to learn other programs as needed
• Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and on a team
• Ability to adapt to changing situations in a calm and professional manner
• Strong commitment to privacy and confidentiality

OTHER

• Demonstrated passion for providing an exceptional client experience for newcomers
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license and clean driving record are required
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Comply with SCCC’s vision, values, policies, and procedures
• Participate in Settlement program-related training opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume as one PDF document by email no later than Friday, November 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, with the subject line: SETTLEMENT COUNSELLOR APPLICATION to: applications@saultcareercentre.ca

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Sault Community Career Centre is an inclusive employer committed to an application and interview process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Accommodation is available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code/AODA. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the application or interview process known in advance by contacting the Director of Operations and Resources at (705) 759-0909 ext. 4261.