Settlement Counsellor

The Settlement Counsellor will provide initial settlement and case management services/support to residents to ensure they can successfully navigate the refugee claim process, systems, and access resources available to them. This is to make a sustainable transition into the larger community.

The individual would work in collaboration with the Shelter Manager and Shelter Program staff in planning and facilitating programming initiatives and daily operations of the Centre.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Settlement Support

• Conduct and complete action items as outlined under the Immigration Assessment consultations after a new family has moved into the shelter and received a Shelter Orientation.
• Provide information, advocacy and/or referrals regarding Legal Aid Ontario, immigration lawyers, immigration medical examinations, and permanent residency applications for all shelter residents.
• Assist shelter residents with completing forms (e.g. OHIP registration, School registrations, Work Permit, Study Permit, IFHP, and address change, etc.)
• Assist residents in understanding the Interim Federal Health Program and the medical services available (family doctor, specialist services, supplemental services & Emergency Room visits) as well as making referrals and booking medical appointments throughout residents stay at the Centre.
• Assist residents with access to school, ESL, and recreational programs (i.e., Welcome Policy) throughout their residency at the Centre.
• Provide settlement-specific case updates to Shelter Program staff so additional settlement services can be arranged following move-out.
• Make timely referrals to Shelter Program staff to register for social assistance and the Centre’s Housing Program.

Family Support

• Conduct and complete action items as outlined under the Family Assessment consultation after a new family has moved into the shelter and received a Shelter Orientation.
• Provide information, guidance, and assistance to residents with all childcare related needs throughout their resident stay at the Centre.
• Support and assist pregnant women and clients with infants in accessing prenatal services, parenting programs, and any other relevant community resources.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to situations involving family breakdown, domestic violence, child abuse, illness, etc., and report concerns to Management and appropriate supportive agencies, such as Children’s Aid Society (CAS), CCAS or Police when deemed necessary.
• Collaborate with Food Services staff to maintain accurate and up-to-date food accommodation records and the lunch bag list in the Centre’s kitchen.

Case management

• Conduct admissions and Shelter Orientation consultations to newly arrived residents who have moved into staff’s designated floor.
• Conduct monthly Client Service Plan and Client Savings Plan consultations to assist shelter residents in developing their settlement, housing, and financial goals.
• Complete Monthly Summary Case Notes for shelter residents to track case plan progress and services provided by Shelter Program staff.
• Update Shelter Manager and Shelter Program staff on shelter resident case management progress and/or challenges via weekly Shelter Program meetings.

Health Clinic Support

• Work in collaboration with Front Desk Shelter Administrator and other Settlement Counsellors to ensure that CRWC health clinic runs efficiently.
• Book resident’s doctor’s appointments through Inner City Health Associates (ICHA)’s booking system as needed.
• Cover the responsibilities of the Health Clinic Administrator when she/he is away on vacation.

Floor Supervision

• Provide basic needs supports to eligible shelter residents living on staff’s designated floor throughout their residency at the Centre.
• Conduct weekly apartment inspections to ensure that sleeping rooms, washrooms and common areas are being maintained in a suitable condition, and that shelter rules are being followed.
• Answer inquiries from shelter residents as it relates to day-to-day living at the Centre.
• Address concerns or complaints from shelter residents and conduct necessary follow-up in coordination with Shelter Manager and Shelter Program staff.
• Maintain Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA) forms up to date on the designated floors.
• Work with shelter residents to develop and maintain a sense of community and mutual respect on staff’s designated floor.

Shelter Operations

• Conduct quarterly checks on emergency supplies kept onsite in case of power outage or another emergency at Centre.
• Perform On-Call responsibilities to ensure that evening, overnight and weekend staff have access to support and assistance as required.
• Participate and assist with facilitating all Shelter Program special events offered to residents of the Centre.
• Assist floor supervisors with room set-up to accommodate new admissions, including crib set-up for families with infants.
• Participate as necessary on Toronto Shelter Standard mandated staff/resident committees

Programming

• Assess the initial health, education, and other needs of families to provide necessary programming and support.
• Organize, coordinate, and facilitate various special events and clientele-specific programming to address the needs of the residents

Advocacy and Community Partnership

• Build and maintain a working relationship with community agencies, school officials, and Children’s Aid Society (CAS/CCAS) representatives to connect residents with appropriate resources in order to achieve optimum family care at the Centre.
• Participate in relevant workshops, training, and meetings with focus on refugee children needs.
• Promote and advocate for the needs of refugee children in the broader social services community.

Administration, Reports and Statistics

• Complete all case management and settlement-related documentation for shelter residents on Shelter Management Information System (SMIS).
• Ensure that all case management services are tracked and updated on the Shelter Program’s statistical database.
• Provide pertinent communication to Christie Refugee Welcome Centre staff through the organization’s Communication Logbook.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A two-year diploma in social services or a degree in social sciences/social work, or relevant frontline experience within the settlement sector.
• 2-3 years of direct experience in the Housing/Settlement sector

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Highly developed relational skills, emergency first aid & CPR training, good knowledge of crisis intervention, event planning, report writing, the ability to multi-task, being able to work as part of a team.
• Great understanding of the plight of refugees and possess knowledge of newcomer issues.
• Frontline/shelter experience, multi-cultural experience, community/social services knowledge, the ability to speak a second language would be an advantage.

We also welcome interest from candidates with varying levels of experience, especially those from underrepresented groups. If you’re excited about this role, please apply and allow our team to assess your application.

Note:

• All applications are appreciated; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.