Settlement Counsellor - Asylum Claimant Response

Position Title: Settlement Counsellor - Asylum Claimant Response (ACR)

Organization Structure: Reports to Program Coordinator

Job Classification: Counsellor

Job Status: Full-time Contract until October 31, 2024 with possibility of month-to-month extension

Location: Peel Region

Number of Positions: 1

Wage: $26.45/hour for 35 hours/week

              Shifts are 10am-5:30pm or 11am-6:30pm

This is NOT a bargaining unit position.

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provides the full range of settlement services in-person to eligible ACR clients
• 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 provides accurate reporting to supervisor
• Ensure accuracy in data entry collection and reporting
• Meets targets set by the Program Coordinator
• Actively participates in the professional development initiatives to enhance skills and knowledge

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 communication 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, avoid problems, and develops entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead 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 Psychology or Social Work, and at least two 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)
• Comprehensive knowledge of Polycultural’s Service Delivery Manual
• 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
• 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
• Proficient in one or more of the languages: French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Somali, Hausa, or Yoruba
• Ability to work flexible schedules on an as-needed basis

Other requirements

• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when an 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 get in touch with 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.