Settlement Counsellor (1.5 Month Contract)

at  Sojourn House

ABOUT SOJOURN HOUSE

Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care.
In support of its commitment to a healthy, safe, workplace and community it is recommended all staff have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19 with a vaccine approved for use in Canada.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & COMPETENCIES:

• Minimum 2-year Community College Diploma in Social Service Worker or Community Service Worker; or a combination of post-secondary education in a similar field, and work-related experience.
• 2 to 3 years minimum experience working in non-profits delivering social or settlement services - experience in shelter/residential-care environments are assets.
• Current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate required
• Relevant training, or commitment to undergo training, in trauma informed, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and de-escalation is required
• Knowledge of client groups – refugee children, youth and separated youth and refugee families requiring high maintenance and supports
• Knowledge of refugee and settlement issues; lived experience of settlement and/or the refugee-determination process, are assets
• Knowledge of social work practices and ethics
• Working knowledge of community resources to assist in refugee settlement

We are currently looking for a Settlement Counsellor for 250 Queen Street East on a short term contract ending March 31, 2025 to support the 24/7 Shelter Program team experienced in the provision of trauma informed case management and settlement services to refugees from an integrated anti-racism, access and equity framework.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Program Planning – develop work plan to meet program goals including but not limited to providing individual supports to refugees in the Shelter Program ensuring compliance with Conflict of Interest and other organizational policies
• Program Evaluation – identify service gaps and communicate same to the Shelter Manager to develop new initiatives
• Program Implementation – ensure the services complies with all Agency policies
• Crisis Intervention – provide crisis intervention and supports related to the complexities of issues presented by refugees seeking assistance related to relevant population issues
• Coordinated Case Management – initiate and conduct intake and assessment to identify needs and coordinate with the assigned Housing Counsellor and Outreach Social Worker
• Information Based Counselling – from a trauma informed framework to provide options that address settlement needs in relation to: health, legal, education and employment etc.
• Program Administration – maintain client files, maintain daily log and appointment calendar, maintain updated case file notes, maintain service statistics, maintain up to date resources and walk the floor
• Exiting Shelter Program – coordinate smooth exit from shelter program in compliance with policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with Fire Regulations/Emergency Protocols and maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and security in the facility
• Compliance with Agency Operational, Organizational Policies – demonstrate ability to understand and to comply with Sojourn House policies and procedures, Shelter Hostel Standards, Code of Conduct and Social Work Ethics and all legislated statutory regulations and Acts
• Attend training, staff meetings etc. as directed
• Other Duties - as may be required