102-26: Mobile General Counsellor

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

35

Union:

No

Work Shift:

Remote Type:

Duration:

August 24, 2026-December 31, 2026

Job Description:

The Mobile Settlement Services (MSS) program delivers coordinated, culturally responsive support to refugee claimants across York Region’s emergency shelters, transitional housing, and drop-in centers. Using a mobile, community-based approach, MSS operates on a daily/weekly rotation, providing on-site support at various locations (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Markham, East Gwillimbury and Georgina) to meet individuals where they are and ensure equitable access to services regardless of their temporary housing situation.

This is a full-time non-union contract position scheduled to work 35 hours per week. The successful candidate will have a designated home base at one of the following locations: Vaughan, Richmond Hill, or East Gwillimbury. While the position allows for a primary work location, it requires regular mobile, on-site work across multiple service locations in York Region, including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Markham, East Gwillimbury, and Georgina.

(Monday- Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)

DUTIES

• Deliver services at multiple sites across York Region, requiring weekly travel between various locations.
• Conducts intake and assessment of client needs, barriers and assets to asylum seekers and refugee claimants who are homeless.
• Through a Case Management service model, assist clients with information, referral, documentation, follow-up and supportive counselling services using anti-oppressive, empowerment-based practices.
• Works one on one with clients to develop a settlement plan and connect them to supports and services in the community.
• Provides information and referrals for to a wide array of community agencies, professional services, settlement and social services, etc. for additional settlement support.
• Provides supportive counselling, crises intervention and de-escalation e.g in case of conflict.
• Delivers one on one and group orientation sessions on settlement related topics.
• Liaises and advocate with government, community and social service agencies
• Participates in case conferencing with other social service providers.
• Provides crisis intervention and counselling e.g. in case of conflict
• Maintain thorough documentation of client cases, services and activities, prepare necessary reports and input data using COSTI and HIFIS databases.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Social Service Worker diploma or post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Community Services), with relevant practicum experience.
• Minimum of twelve (12) months full time experience providing initial settlement, case management and counselling for asylum seekers and refugees claimants including:
  • Identifying settlement needs through initial assessments.
  • Development of settlement plans.
  • Referrals to programs and other social service organizations, such as language training, income support, health supports, etc.
  • Emotional supportive counselling.
• Must have previous experience working with asylum seekers and refugee claimants.
• Thorough knowledge of settlement issues facing homeless population and refugee claimants.
• Previous case management experience.
• Access to reliable transportation for weekly travel between multiple York Region service locations (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Markham, East Gwillimbury and Georgina)
• Knowledge of settlement, community and government services and resources, with an emphasis on the services and resources that exist within York Region.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively across diverse service environments, including shelters, transitional housing, and out of the cold drop-in centers.
• Experience in completing immigration and various government application forms
• Demonstrated experience organizing and facilitating orientation sessions.
• Strong customer service skills and demonstrated ability to liaise with government and community organizations
• Demonstrated experience in data-entry, documentation and reporting.
• Sound knowledge of databases, Internet, Email and Windows Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly developed organizational skills, ability to multi-task and set priorities independently.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English is required.
• Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR training certificate and a valid Naloxone training certificate
• Must have a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) completed within the past 6 months.

Hourly Rate:

$32.19-$33.75

COSTI encourages applications from individuals reflecting the diversity of our community. COSTI is committed to fair and accessible employment practices and when requested, will make reasonable effort to accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes when filling positions.

#J-18808-Ljbffr