JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: CRISIS COUNSELLOR
POSITION SUMMARY
Applicants must be available to work all shifts on short notice.
The crisis counsellor reports to the program manager and is responsible for providing counselling, advocacy, support services, and information for all clients accessing the Women and Youth Crisis Centre. The crisis counsellor will deliver services in a consistent manner, aligned with the goals and objectives of the Women and Youth Crisis Centre
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND SELECTED DUTIES
COUNSELLING AND COMMUNICATION:
Provide daily one-on-one supportive counselling to women, children, and youth, based on a thorough understanding of the Women and Youth Crisis Centre counselling philosophy, while adhering to program policies and procedures. The crisis counsellor is also expected to:
Provide over the phone crisis counselling
Coordinate and conduct intakes, admissions, and on-site assessments
Provide de-escalation and non-violent crisis interventions and support
Orient clients to house rules and procedures
Provide support with teaching life skills
Share information with clients about available supports through community agencies
Create service plans in conjunction with clients around areas such as employment, financial needs, medical needs, therapeutic needs, and provide referrals as needed
Provide wrap-around support for the client, including individualized mental health support, safety planning, harm reduction, complex special needs, and family/caregiver education
Initiate ongoing engagement with clients, and ensure their needs are met promptly while in the residence
Facilitate house meetings, groups, and program workshops
DOCUMENTATION AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT:
Accurately document all relevant activity of each client pertaining to their stay at the Women and Youth Crisis Crisis Centre documentation procedures.
Crisis Counsellors must:
Document all crisis calls
Organize all written work in a clear and concise manner
Document each client interaction and complete required paperwork
Accurately prepare and document intakes, discharges, safety plans, and risk assessments for all current clients
Accurately document clients’ goals and provide advocacy at team meetings
Accurately enter all statistics required by funders in agency database; understand and use available options
Complete daily checklists and to do’s as per shift requirements
Assist clients with completing forms
Track transportation provided (taxis service/bus ticket inventory)
Administer petty cash as defined by procedures
POLICIES, PROCEDURES, VALUES, AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
Adhering to all policies, procedures, and legal requirements, Crisis counsellors must:
Understand and apply relevant legislation and related tools (ie. VAW Emergency Standards, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Privacy Act, Employment Standards Act,)
Understand and follow agency protocols, policies, and procedures
Adhere to confidentiality and ethical practices of all clients and staff
Attend and actively participate in team communications and staff meetings
Engage in constructive problem-solving strategies with peers and management to continue developing and improving program delivery
Keep up to date mandated training and certification requirements
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Crisis counsellors provide support services for women, children and youth in residence, ensuring clients are safe and comfortable. With thorough knowledge of the Women and Youth Crisis Centre procedures, crisis counsellors are expected to:
Answer the door and telephone as per policies and procedures
Ensure the facility is always clean, orderly, and that supplies are well stocked
Complete housekeeping activities such as bed making, vacuuming, mopping floors, and cooking
Communicate any problems with management and submit maintenance requests pertaining to any issues
Implement alert, fire, safety, and health procedures as necessary
Promote a safe work environment
COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL AGENCY STAFF:
Maintain strict confidentiality of all client and staff information
Adhere to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and feminist practices
Take a client centred and collaborative approach when communicating with clients, using trauma informed and harm reduction methods
Maintain current awareness regarding issues such as violence against women, human trafficking, social justice, feminism, statistical and program information specific to The Women’s Centre, and issues related to the status of women and children in general.
Promote a harmonious and supportive relationship between staff, clients, board, volunteers and community agencies
Provide and accept constructive feedback on work-related issues
Participate in the evaluation of services as required
Assist with on-the-job training of new staff, placement students, and volunteers
Report child abuse in accordance with Child and Family Services Act
Complete other duties and projects as assigned and directed by the leadership team
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working alone with women, children, and youth who are in crisis
May be required to lift to 10 kg occasionally
May be required to move furniture or supplies occasionally
Climb stairs daily
May have to bend and reach overhead routinely
May have to sit and stand over extended periods
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must hold a university degree or college diploma in social work, child & youth, or a related field or have 5 years’ experience working in a related field
Must have sound working knowledge of violence against women, human trafficking, and issues related to at-risk youth
Must have previous experience or education in crisis and abuse-specific counselling
JOB REQUIREMENT
Must provide valid Standard First Aid/ CPR certification, or be willing to obtain
Must provide a clear and valid Vulnerable Sector police check
Must have, provide, and maintain a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and show proof of 2 million dollars in liability insurance
Must be available to work all shifts:
VAW Emergency Shelter and Studio Blue Youth Program: 12am - 8am and 7pm -7am
Shifts, schedules, and hours subject to organizational changes. Hours for this position are scheduled by the leadership team.
This is a Class II position within the LiUNA Local 3000 of the Women and Youth Crisis Centre Collective Agreement.
Why Owen Sound?
Known as the Waterfall Capital of Ontario, Owen Sound and the surrounding Grey County boast over 10 stunning waterfalls, including Inglis Falls, Jones Falls and Indian Falls. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just soaking in natural beauty, this is your playground.
And when it comes to community spirit, Owen Sound shines year-round with festivals like:
· TD Harbour Nights- live music by the bay
· Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival- a celebration of creativity and culture
· Festival of Northern Lights- a magical winter tradition.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $27.57 per hour
Work Location: In person
