Family Support Counselor

OVERVIEW

A growing, community-based organization that provides residential and outreach support for homeless youth in Peel Region.

They are a leading organization recognized in the community for its commitment to providing youth in need with a safe environment and access to services to help them achieve independence and foster growth.

EDI-B VALUES

The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities.

Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders.

Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.

MISSION

The candidate will empower youth through prevention, intervention, and support in accessing safe and sustainable housing.

The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a trauma-informed, compassionate, and hands-on leader to fulfill the role of the Family Support Counsellor.

PRIORITIES

• Meet with youth entering the shelters to explore safe alternative living arrangements.
• Mediate conversation between youth and their families’ to help open up lines of communication.
• Provide counselling to youth and their families’ to prevent homelessness and breakdown through solution focused supports, and diversion.
• Participate in client care reviews and team meetings to ensure effective delivery of support services and continuity of care
• Facilitate social and emotional skills groups for youth in shelters and community.
• Collaborates with other agencies that work in the areas of youth homelessness and family support, by participating in meetings and community events.
• Utilize assessment tools to provide accurate care planning, outcomes, and client center goal development.
• Supports youth and family with referrals to appropriate professional services.
• Compiles statistical information and prepares monthly reports as required for program evaluation and development.
• Maintain detailed and appropriate documentation for care planning and record keeping, progress notes, and care management plans.
• Participates on committees with other agencies to enhance and ensure coordinated services.
• Actively network within the community to promote the program and services by conducting presentations, attending information sessions, and sitting on committees.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements

TALENTS & EXPERTISE

• BSW or equivalent degree (i.e. : BSc Psychology, BA CYC, BSc Family and Social Sciences) in an accredited program
• Member in good standing with appropriate regulatory body preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience supporting youth at risk
• 2 to 4 years’ direct counselling experience in evidence-based brief therapy modalities (Solution-focused, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of family systems theory.
• Strong understanding of and experience with Diversion Strategies and Housing First for Youth.
• Understanding of the barriers faced by youth both within their identified families.
• Supports and counsels through trauma informed care.
• Works from an anti-oppressive framework and must be culturally competent.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently, as well as part of a counselling team.
• Demonstrated and proven ability to engage youth facing complex barriers, as well those who may have been victimized
• Ability to work rotating shifts including some weekends and holidays.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s License, access to a vehicle and $2,000,000 (minimum) liability car insurance coverage are mandatory.
• Valid CPI / UMAB and First Aid / CPR certifications.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
• Must be flexible to travel between locations.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject toapplicable legislation.

THE POD GROUP

• The Pod Group (PG) is a creative consulting group that provides customized and innovative solutions to support our client’s growth and ultimate success while promoting the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in creating culture and engagement.
• We balance strategy and people to help community organizations make better use of their resources by focusing on building the competencies to promote people-centric organizations.
• The Pod Group has great success in serving a number of community sectors, including health, social services, developmental, housing, mental health, and community health care.
• We promote a unique approach while incorporating marketing and human resources as an integral component of strategy, mission, and vision.

This focus aligns strategy with the development of a culture that embraces all stakeholders and a community spirit while ensuring an effective plan that meets the requirements of the organization.