Counsellor - CST

Job Description Join the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre and be part of a passionate team dedicated to improving lives, while making a tangible impact on your community. WOCRC values the diversity of its employees and the knowledge, skills and contributions that each brings to the organization. Our work is meaningful, fulfilling, and can be demanding, so we are committed to offering our staff compensation that is fair and competitive for our industry along with a comprehensive suite of benefits to support staff health, wellness, and financial security.

Subject to status of position, we offer generous paid time off policies, including 4-weeks annual vacation, 3-weeks annual sick leave, salary top-up plans, a superb Employee Assistance Program, Health, Dental and Disability Insurance, a world-class Pension Plan (HOOPP), discounted gym memberships and a flexible, supportive work environment. We believe in providing what staff need to thrive, grow, and feel connected and included in our mission.

This is a unionized position.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Manager, the Crisis Counsellor provides crisis and brief intervention services, information, assessment and referral to clients of the WOCRC.

HOURS OF WORK AND ACTUAL SALARY RANGE: This is a permanent part‑time position at 28 hours per week (4 days per week). Please note that the salary listed above reflects the full‑time annual rate for this role. The pro‑rated salary range for 28 hours per week is $43,319.20 to $44,185.60.

Employees in this position are eligible for benefits and pension participation following the standard waiting periods set by the employer and the insurance provider.

This role is part of the CUPE Local 5530 bargaining unit.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Provide Direct Service

Provide initial contact to all new clients of the WOCRC, establish rapport, assist in identifying needs and provide information about services;

Provide crisis intervention services through telephone contacts and on a walk‑in basis;

Provide brief intervention counselling;

Provide short term counselling using evidence‑based techniques.

Connect clients with appropriate internal and community resources;

Assist clients in accessing desired services.

May include facilitating concrete services such as child care, transportation, etc.;

Assess level of risk and provide follow‑up as required;

Facilitate education and support groups as required.

Advocate on behalf of clients

Participate in advocacy and coordination committees about services available, gaps in services, and issues affecting individuals, couples and families;

Promote participation of clients and community in general, in activities designed to educate and/or advocate for prevention.

Participate in community education concerning social issues and services

Act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding crisis services in the Ottawa area;

Respond to community requests for information;

Present to community groups;

Participate as a staff member in public relations and fundraising events, as requested.

Ensure coordination of policy and service

Participate as a direct intervention team member at internal and external meetings;

Advocate for coordinated planning of services;

Establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies to facilitate referrals and positive working relationships;

Coordinate inter‑agency referrals.

Serve as a staff resource for training and development

Offer in‑service training to colleagues;

Provide training to community groups;

Provide support and training to students as required;

Provide support and training to volunteers as required.

Ensure evaluation of service

Participate in WOCRC evaluation processes;

Prepare and maintain all necessary documentation and statistics related to crisis intake activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

All WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations. These include :

Ensuring that the commitment to WOCRC’s vision, mission and beliefs are understood and respected;

Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected. This includes diversity of culture, language, faith expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio‑economic resources and degrees of physical (dis)ability;

Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training;

Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered;

Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC, (, Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct);

Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures;

Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies, procedures and regulations;

Attending/chairing team and staff meetings as required.

Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience

Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training;

Two‑year pertinent experience in direct service, crisis intervention and brief therapy.

Obtain and maintain membership in CRPO or the college of Social Workers.

Language

Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written; required

Ability to communicate fluently in French, an asset

Word processing – Intermediate

Clinical note taking and documentation.

Other

Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of community‑based model of intervention and health equity principles;

Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act;

Knowledge of the Mental Health Act;

Knowledge of social services delivery in Ottawa;

Strong organizational and communication skills;

Strong public speaking and popular education skills;

Multitasking abilities;

Demonstrated commitment to an anti‑racist/anti‑oppression principle;

Ability to work well in a team environment.

WOCRC has an accommodation process in place that provides accommodations for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need, please do not hesitate to let us know how we can best accommodate you.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business and job requirements. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment based on individual qualifications, without regard to age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status (including single status), gender identity, gender expression, record of offences (in employment only), sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Ontario.

Note:

WOCRC may use AI‑enabled tools to support the recruitment process including application tracking and/or resume screening, etc.

This role represents an existing vacancy.

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