Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke - Child and Youth Trauma Counselor

Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke - Child and Youth Trauma Counselor

Posted on Sep 19, 2024

Job Posting

Position : Child and Youth Trauma Counselor

Classification : Non-Management

Type : Full-Time Contract until August 2025

HOURS : Monday 9-5pm,

Monday 9-5pm,

Tuesday 11 : 30am-7 : 30pm,

Wednesday 10am-6pm,

Thursday 10am-6pm,

Friday 9am-5pm,

one Saturday or Sunday each month from 9am-5pm (Friday shift not worked for this week)

Reports to : Manager of Programs and Client Services

Direct Reports : None

AGENCY SUMMARY :

Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke (WHE) is a feminist, multi-service, community-based organization in South Etobicoke, serving diverse women and their dependents experiencing violence and poverty since 1978.

WHE offers transformational services and programs to address the impact of violence and poverty on women and their dependents.

JOB SUMMARY :

The Child and Youth Trauma Counselor provides direct service to children and youth in residence, including crisis intervention, counseling, information and referrals, advocacy, enrichment programming, and assessments as necessary.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Intake and Assessment :
• Provides crisis intervention and counseling for children and youth who have experienced and / or witnessed violence.
• Conducts children’s intake procedures.
• Researches and suggests appropriate referrals for mothers and their children.
• Case Management and Ongoing Service :
• Provides support and assistance to children and youth throughout their stay at the shelter.
• Provides assistance and resource information to mothers.
• Provides safety plans for children.
• Maintains and protects the confidentiality of client information.
• Plans and supervises a variety of in-house program activities.
• Works with the school system and daycare centers to ensure that children and youth are enrolled and placed appropriately.
• Works with mothers individually and in groups to assist with parenting challenges.
• Provides advocacy for mother and child.
• Arranges and works with cultural interpreters as appropriate.
• Liaises and maintains positive working relationships with children’s service providers, other shelters, children’s mental health agencies, school personnel, daycare centers, and other community agencies.
• Provides brief follow-up with children and youth after their departure from the shelter.
• Administration and Planning :
• Sets program goals and objectives with the Program Manager in conjunction with the strategic objectives of the agency.
• Maintains appropriate records and statistical information regarding the child and youth program.
• Maintains up-to-date client records including relevant case histories, interventions, and daily program activity reports.
• Attends staff meetings and case management meetings.

CORE COMPETENCIES :

• Ensure that Health and Safety guidelines are followed in accordance with the policies and procedures of the agency.
• Ensure appropriate notification of child abuse as required by the Child and Family Services Act.
• Adhere to and abide by Women’s Habitat’s harm reduction philosophy.
• Ability to conduct trauma-informed work when dealing with agency clients.
• Understand and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code at all times and in all aspects of their work.
• Understand and implement anti-oppression and equity principles in all aspects of their work.
• Ability to respond to a crisis in ways appropriate to one’s role at Women’s Habitat.
• Demonstrate willingness and the necessary skills to attend to conflict and tension with colleagues and non-client stakeholders.
• Engage in constructive communication with peers, staff, clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders, share information in an appropriate and timely manner and adhere to the agency’s confidentiality agreement.
• Ability to critically examine how they carry out their role and take responsibility for the impact of their behaviors on others.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in order to ensure the delivery of high-quality service.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an effective team to best meet the evolving needs of clients and advocate on their behalf.
• Build strong working relationships and communication with colleagues, the management team, and other stakeholders to ensure optimal efficiency and fulfillment of Women’s Habitat’s mandate.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication with regards to Women’s Habitat and / or program-specific policies and procedures.
• Able to manage competing and conflicting priorities effectively and efficiently.
• Flexible and open to learning new concepts.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS :

• Diploma / Degree in Child and Youth counselling
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in counselling, including group work
• Extensive knowledge of the issues of woman abuse, child abuse, and the impact of witnessing violence on children.
• Extensive knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Sensitivity and awareness of cultural, racial, economic, and socially diverse communities.
• Ability to work evenings and some weekends.
• Ability to assess a situation quickly and take appropriate action that will ensure the safety of all residents.
• Vulnerable Sector Check and First Aid CPR AED certification is required.
• Ability to perform harm reduction supports are required for this position and may include but are not limited to : administration of Naloxone.
• Experience working within a feminist / anti-oppression framework.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and substance use issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Second Language is an asset.

Hourly Wage : Starting at $25.48 per hour

Application : To apply for this position please forward your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at [email protected].

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