Summary
Settlement Assistance and Family Support Services is a trusted not-for-profit social services agency that has been serving and advocating for newcomers, refugees and victims of all types of violence since 1989. The need to address Violence against Women was the seed of the organization's establishment. However, while the organization was initially founded to support women and children who were victims of domestic violence, it has since evolved and expanded its services to support other identified needs. Our trained staff provide a range of services to a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-lingual community in a responsible and professional manner in a safe non- judgmental and confidential environment that fosters trust, respect and collaboration.
Responsibilities:
• Provide information, referral and access counselling with regard to services such as health, housing, employment, training and education, legal aid, finance, social services, and immigration
• Input data in the client management system (OCMS), and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada database (iCARE) for providing statistical and narrative reports on a regular basis
• Assist clients in understanding and integrating into Canadian society, practices and procedures, way of life/life skills, institutions, laws, healthy eating etc.
• Act as a liaison between clients, government departments and cultural/community groups
• Assist in the development and implementation of innovative programs and services relevant to the community that promotes access and equity and that will assist in the integration of refugees, immigrants and their families
• Plan and facilitate educational workshops/groups on settlement issues
• Document needs and gaps in services for newcomers
• Conduct community outreach to “hard-to-reach communities” and ensure maximum visibility of programs and services offered at the Centre to target groups
• Encourage volunteer participation; stimulate community discussion, support and network with those professional groups of similar interest to the targeted community and to work cooperatively in a staff team to advance the programs, services and work of the centre
• Prepare regular reports; maintain effective documentation and other administrative requirements relevant to this position
Qualifications:
• University degree, College diploma or Post secondary education in a relevant human services field or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• 1-3 years experience assisting newcomers with settlement issues
• Group Facilitation and workshop preparation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Spanish/French languages
• Experience working with newcomers/immigrants, unemployed/underemployed, and socially isolated women
• Understanding of barriers faced by ethno-cultural immigrants and newcomers
• Well-developed and professional skills in the areas of facilitation/educational curriculum delivery, and volunteer development and supervision
• Knowledge and ability to articulate an analysis of domestic violence as it is related to gender roles, socialization, the dynamics of power and control, and the effects of abuse on women and children
• Above average computer skills and knowledge of Word, email, Internet and data entry
Reports to: Settlement Program Manager
This is a full-time unionized position, based on a 30-hour week schedule from Monday to Friday.
How to apply:
Submit your resume & cover letter to: recruitment@safss.org
Your cover letter should be an answer to the following question. Please explain in no more than 500 words the role of a Settlement Counsellor and the process of settlement.
Settlement Assistance & Family Support Services is an equal opportunity employer and committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact the HR department at SAFSS. Only applicants who will be interviewed are contacted.