Mental Health (Trauma-Informed) Settlement Worker - Full-Time

at  Community Development Council Durham

Job title: Mental Health (Trauma-Informed) Settlement Worker
Department: Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Ajax
Reports to: Manager, Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Ajax and Team Lead, Ajax Welcome Centre & Settlement Services

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Mental Health Services or related area of study.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW), College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is mandatory.
• 3+ years’ experience in the settlement sector working with newcomers, newcomer youth and immigrant-serving partners.
• Written and Oral fluency in English and proficiency in Dari and Farsi language is required.
• Current and up-to-date knowledge of Durham social service providers and social laws.
• Demonstrates understanding of issues faced by marginalized populations we serve.
• Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the multicultural communities.
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to make presentations, conduct workshops and network with partners.
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and virtual platforms such as Zoom.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and ability to instill trust.
• Detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to keep accurate records, write reports and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience working with or providing services to the LGBTQ2S community is an asset.

INTERPERSONAL UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Desire/ability to understand others attitudes/interests/needs/feelings/nonverbal behavior, incorporating empathy, listening skills, and diagnostic understanding, understanding strengths/limitations of others. Communicates and interacts effectively with individuals and groups in the provision of professional services. Gives full attention to what other people are saying by being active listeners who value the opinions of their workers. Capable of using their communication skills to successfully gather information that they need. They are also people whom are trusted and can build relationships with others.

PRESENTATION SKILLS

Effective in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings; commands attention and manages group process during the presentation; is cognizant of audience response and able to adapt content and style accordingly.
Ability to work in a team environment and independently
Has a strong capability to work in a team environment and support the separate functions that make a team, as well as work on individual tasks that support that overall program.

COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE

Ability to express vast knowledge of the Durham Community, as well as knowledge in social, government, and community services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, and occasionally on weekends (one Saturday per month).
• Class G driver’s license and access to own reliable vehicle.
• Successful candidate must provide an acceptable vulnerable sector check and certificate demonstrating proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment.
  APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectations, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.
  Please submit applications to Mental Health (Trauma-Informed) Settlement Worker at: https://communitydevelopmentcouncildurha.easyapply.co
  CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.
  CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.
  CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
  As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

JOB PURPOSE

Using Trauma-informed and Gender-equity approaches, the Newcomer Mental Health Settlement Worker is responsible for assessing client needs and facilitating settlement and integration by working with immigrants, and newly-arrived individuals and families. The successful incumbent will be required to conduct outreach activities and presentations to raise awareness of mental health and support clients in navigating through mental health and wellness support systems and challenges.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide information to support wellness needs and mental health of newcomer male clients, including newcomer youth (13-24 years).
• Provide short-term therapeutic and non-therapeutic counselling, as necessary (including social, mental health, emotional, psychological counselling) to male clients.
• Provide clients with adequate resources to aid in their transition, such as crisis intervention or referrals for long-term counselling.
• Provide clients with information and referrals to specialized mental health services and programs based on the specific needs of the newcomer male clients.
• Conduct promotional sessions and outreach activities in newcomer communities to promote awareness of the service and raise awareness of mental health and other settlement-related issues faced by newcomers.
• Develop presentations and facilitates orientation sessions on mental health-related topics.
• Collaborate with Welcome Centre staff and with other external community partners to facilitate effective delivery of mental health support services.
• Assist male clients with specific settlement needs to resources relating to mental health, economic, social, cultural, educational, recreational and other services that contribute to initial settlement.
• Support clients in coping with everyday living requirements such as housing, transportation and access to health and social services.
• Share information with clients about their rights and obligations.
• Determine the needs of clients and the support that is appropriate for each client through the use of approved assessment tools and methods.
• Maintain accurate client records and update information on local program database and iCARE system.
• Meet the minimum target numbers stipulated by the funder.
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports as required.
• Ensure that workplace conduct, and activities are in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Participates in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.