Settlement Counsellor and Case Manager

The Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District (LDATD) is a chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) serving the amalgamated City of Toronto. LDATD is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a society in which people with learning disabilities (LDs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are able to achieve the full expression of their intellect and abilities.

Program: Settlement Team
Position: Settlement Counsellor and Case Manager

Specifics: Settlement counsellor/ case manager will provide settlement services in a supportive and culturally sensitive manner to diverse LD community, and perform a variety of tasks that have two primary components: individual and group services to newcomer clients

Strong preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate proven understanding and knowledge of the LD community and individuals with disabilities.

Areas of Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

• Intake, needs assessment and action plan development process for clients
• Deliver frontline supportive settlement services customized to client needs including accommodated clients
• Providing information and referral services, advocacy, interpretation, case management
• Promoting, developing and delivering settlement support through information sessions, groups, and workshops on a variety of settlement issues including newcomer settlement, multicultural events, and educational activities
• Effective administrative and record tracking skills in ICARE
• Working collaboratively with community partners and linkages/agencies and service providers in GTA
• Preparing monthly progress reports and ensuring target goals are met
• Collects newcomer client feedback (e.g. surveys, workshop evaluations, user needs assessment, etc.) to track outcomes of settlement services
• Contribute to the settlement team meetings and events, general staff meetings, supervision and agency activities

Detailed Duties:

• Conduct a thorough needs assessment and provide links between eligible clients with specific settlement needs to available resources in the LD community
• Using specialized techniques, provides solution focused programming and support to clients encountering difficulties in adjusting to life in Canada and assisting them in the resolution of these difficulties.
• In coordination with the program team, plans and coordinates settlement related activities and programs for groups of newcomer clients and provides workshops and information sessions on pertinent issues.
• Coordinates information, activities, and linkages with other LDATD programs
• Informs LDATD administration and colleagues about emerging settlement related issues, including a profile of the community

Required Qualifications:
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work in collaboration with diverse group of stakeholders, with demonstrated awareness of cultural diversity, settlement and integration knowledge and current issues pertaining to newcomers to Canada is essential.
• Understanding Learning Disabilities (LDs) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD(H)D), barriers individuals face in everyday life, services that are available to assist integration and accommodation for those with disabilities
• Competency in understanding the core needs, issues and challenges of vulnerable groups
• Understanding of GPA plus principles in service delivery
• Competency in case management, needs assessment and facilitation skills to work effectively with people with LD and AD(H)D.
• University Degree or College Diploma in Social Science, Humanities or related field
• Related expertise or experience of 3 -5 years in a settlement environment, with minimum 3 years actively supporting newcomers and referring newcomers, refugees and immigrants
• Able to synthetize, summarize and deliver information that will benefit newcomer client and able to facilitate groups, using variety of delivery tools for adult, newcomer and LD communities
• Demonstrated knowledge working with community social services networks, not-for profit organizations to address barriers faced by newcomers with disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills including emotional intelligence & cross-cultural communication, cultural & linguistic sensitivity, and effective communication skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team and work independently as assigned
• Proficiency with MS Office Professional with Word, Excel, Power Point and MS Outlook (including calendar & scheduling, mails, task and contacts sharing), OCMS and iCARE
• Flexibility with hours and location of work (may work occasional weekends and evenings)
• Use of a reliable vehicle for travel within GTA is an asset

TERMS:
Work hours:
• 37.5 hours (Full-Time)
• Start date: ASAP
• Pay Rate: $26.39
• Fixed-term contract position