Resettlement Counsellor - RAP

Position Title: Resettlement Counsellor

Organization Structure: Reports to the Programs Manager

Job Classification: Counsellor

Job Status: Full-time

Number of Positions: 1 Vacant position

Location: Mississauga - RAP Centre

Wages: $26.45/hour for 40 hours/week 

This is a bargaining unit position.

We advise all applicants with work permits that obtaining employment with Polycultural will not guarantee the approval of any application for Permanent Resident status and emphasize that Polycultural’s positions do not currently qualify under the government’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) initiatives.

About Polycultural

Be a part of Polycultural Immigrant and Community services! Founded in 1993, Polycultural is dedicated to hosting an open and inclusive environment for all. We are a multicultural melting-pot perfectly reflecting Canada’s diversity. We are like a family, have a culture filled with care and genuine connection with a very inclusive environment for all. With a diverse range of programs and services, we help individuals and families build a brighter future in Canada. Serving clients from over eight different locations across the GTA and Orangeville in more than 20 languages.

Polycultural offers a comprehensive benefits, including paid time off at Christmas (for eligible employees), employer paid Extended Health and Dental, RRSP match, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and WorkPerks!

Scope of Position    

Responsible for the delivery of all components of Client Support Services (CSS) program and supporting resettlement of government assisted refugees for one year after their arrival to Canada. This will include the provision of centralized case management, service coordination, coaching, and regular follow-up to ensure that refugees are connected to and participate in local programs that address their needs.

RAP Program Summary

RAP Centre is designed to provide immediate and essential services to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) during the initial period after the refugee family arrival in Canada, with the focus of equipping GARs with accommodation and daily necessities, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as connections with broader community to live safely and independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide the full range of case management services under the CSS program to refugee families referred by the Reception Centre for 12 months after their arrival
• Work closely with Peel Halton Integrated Services Reception Centre to ensure smooth transition of refuges to CSS program
• Conduct needs assessment to identify the immediate and settlement needs and potential barriers for each family member, so that service delivery can be tailored to meet client needs
• Responsible for service planning to develop a settlement plan and identify the internal and external referrals needed to achieve set goals
• Support clients in the decision-making process through information provision and supportive counselling
• Conduct facilitated referrals and linkages to address the needs and barriers identified
• Responsible for regular follow-ups to check on progress, identify emerging needs, additional services needed, changes to the plan, and further linkages and referrals
• Deliver Service Coordination with community partners, utilizing existing partnership and establish new connections with local service providers to effectively respond to refugees' needs
• Deliver settlement services additionally assigned to support government assisted refugees at RAP center
• Organize and facilitate information group sessions
• Conduct program promotion sessions to reach immigrants and to promote public awareness of the program and settlement issues
• Maintain strong working relations with agency programs and partner agencies
• Effectively track services in internal and external databases and provide accurate reporting for supervisor
• Achieve the targets set by Programs Manager
• Actively participate in the professional development initiatives

Competencies

Adaptability

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Communication

Using a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communication and the exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis.

Planning & Organizing/Time Management

Establishes a systematic course of action for self or others to ensure accomplishment of a specific objective; Sets priorities, goals, and timetables to achieve maximum productivity.

Service

Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of co-workers, managers, clients, or community members, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.

Continuous Learning

Demonstrates eagerness to acquire necessary technical knowledge, skills, and judgment to accomplish a result or to serve clients’ needs effectively; Has desire and drive to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to perform job more effectively.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Social Work, Counselling, or Education, and at least three years of experience working with immigrant communities or a combination of experience and education that fulfills the requirements
• Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a definite asset
• Language Proficiency certificate identifying the fluency of English and target language skills (for ATIO members: present the certificate of membership)
• Knowledge of immigration and refugee services and of the ethno-specific programs and services in the GTA
• Familiarity with issues facing newcomers in Canadian urban setting and systemic barrier facing integration in education, social, cultural, and economic aspects of Canadian life
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience in outreach, community development, and marketing of program and services
• Ability to work flexible schedules on an as-needed basis
• Fluency in another language is an asset

Other requirements

• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when offer is made)

Polycultural reserves the right to post internally and externally. 

In support of persons with disabilities, Polycultural asks job applicants with disabilities who require accommodation in the recruitment and selection process, to please advise Human Resources, if contacted for an interview/testing, so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. (In compliance with AODA, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards). If you require assistance in sending your resume due to a disability, please contact Human Resources directly.

 We thank everyone for their interest in Polycultural; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services hires based on merit and is committed to employment equity.

No phone calls please.