Settlement Counsellor - Arabic Speaking

Job Type: Contract Full-time

Schedule: Day, Contract until March 31, 2027

Number of Positions: 1

Salary: $26.98 (35 hours per week)

This is a bargaining unit position.

All applications are reviewed by our hiring team. We do not use AI in the screening or selection process.

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 comprehensive benefits including employer paid Extended Health and Dental, RRSP match, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)!

Scope

Responsible for the provision of settlement and orientation services for eligible newcomers; delivering group orientation sessions on settlement topics, individual, and family settlement counselling, including needs assessment, solution-focused counselling, orientation, referrals to community and government programs, interpretation, case management, and follow-ups.

In-person services must be delivered at both Scarborough office locations - 4 days/week from Eglinton Ave East and 1 day/week from Midland Ave.

Responsibilities

• Provides the full range of settlement services to eligible newcomers
• Conducts thorough settlement needs assessments for each client
• Provides solution-focused counselling by setting settlement goals and developing a plan of action for every client
• Connects clients with internal and external programs and services
• Provides interpretation for languages tested to facilitate effective communication between clients and service providers
• Conducts regular follow-ups to assess the progress of clients in meeting their goals
• Organizes and facilitates information group sessions on settlement topics
• Organizes and facilitates support groups and clubs for target community
• Provides information and referral to external programs and services
• Provides comprehensive information on orientation to the Canadian society
• Maintains and expands client’s base through outreach, community engagement and itinerate functions, which includes off-site visits, developing of outreach materials, and promoting community networks
• Maintains strong working relations with agency programs, partner organizations, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination of service
• Effectively tracks services in internal and external databases and provide accurate reporting to supervisor
• Ensure accuracy in data entry/collection and reporting
• Achieves the targets set by the Programs Manager
• Actively participates in the professional development initiatives to enhance skills and knowledge
• Other duties as designed

Competencies

Adaptability

Changes behavioural 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.

Communications

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

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoids problems, and develops entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Service

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

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Social Work or Counselling, 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
• Knowledge of immigration and refugee services and of the ethno-specific programs and services in the GTA
• Knowledge of community resources, services, and programs available to newcomers
• Fluency in Arabic is required
• Familiarity with issues facing immigrants and refugees in Canadian urban setting and systemic barriers 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

Other requirements

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

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of newcomers and diverse communities, we invite you to apply today and be part of our dedicated team at Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services!

Important Notice to Job Applicants

We strongly advise all applicants to apply for positions only through official and verified channels. Please ensure you are using legitimate links—either from our official website or trusted job platforms. Avoid third-party links or unsolicited messages and never share personal or financial information outside of secure, authorized application portals.

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.