Settlement Counselor

About ACCT 

The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT), established in 1974, is a non-profit charitable organization that is non-political and non-sectarian. ACCT’s mission is to enable and empower individuals, families, and communities to lead informed, productive, and culturally sensitive lives. As a model of excellence in community service, ACCT honours Arab Canadian heritage while serving individuals and families of all backgrounds and cultures across the Greater Toronto Area. 

Position Summary 

ACCT is currently seeking a dynamic and client-focused Settlement Counselor to join our Settlement team. Reporting to the Settlement Manager, the Settlement Counselor will provide direct settlement, orientation, information, referral, needs assessment, and case management services to newcomers, immigrants, and refugees to support their successful integration into Canadian society. 

The successful candidate will deliver individualized client support, facilitate group workshops and orientation sessions, conduct outreach and community engagement activities, maintain accurate case notes and statistical records, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure coordinated and responsive service delivery. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct individual and family assessments using the National Standardized Assessment Template for Needs and Assets Assessment and Referral Services (NAARS).
• Develop personalized settlement plans to support clients in accessing essential services.
• Identify client needs and facilitate appropriate internal and external referrals to community resources and services, including employment support, language training, housing, healthcare, and other settlement-related supports.
• Conduct follow-ups within 3-6 months to reassess needs and adjust settlement plans as required.
• Identify cases requiring intensive case management and facilitate referrals to IRCC-funded case management services, as well as other internal and external community support services, when necessary.
• Explain documentation requirements, eligibility criteria, and processes for accessing various services.
• Assist with document gathering, form completion, and application submission to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Deliver timely and accurate settlement information to clients to support informed decision-making.
• Facilitate group orientation sessions on key settlement topics such as housing, healthcare, employment, education, financial literacy, digital literacy, legal rights in Canada, and other settlement-related topics based on clients’ needs and interests.
• Prepare presentations, educational materials, and outreach resources in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Conduct outreach and promote programs and services within the community through community events, presentations, and partnerships.
• Use Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to tailor information sessions to meet the unique needs of diverse client groups.
• Assist clients in navigating settlement services and overcoming barriers.
• Maintain accurate client records of interactions, assessments, referrals, and services provided.
• Input and manage client data using databases and reporting platforms including OCMS, iCARE, Excel, and other internal systems.
• Track service delivery outcomes to ensure annual targets are met.
• Prepare progress reports and participate in evaluations to assess service effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funder guidelines, privacy legislation, and collective agreement requirements.
• Perform administrative duties, including data entry, filing, and other duties as needed.
• Support clients with interpretation, translation, digital support, and other support services, where applicable.
• Work within an anti-racism, anti-oppression, and culturally sensitive framework.
• Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and Centre-wide initiatives.
• Engage in training, professional development, the annual general meeting, community activities, and special initiatives.
• Support community development, and engagement initiatives that enhance newcomer participation and empowerment.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

  Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Community Development, Humanities, Counselling, Social Sciences, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience providing direct client service, settlement support, case management, or group facilitation.
• Strong understanding of newcomer and refugee experiences, settlement challenges, anti-oppression principles, and cross-cultural service delivery.
• Knowledge of Canadian immigration and refugee systems, community resources, and government services.
• Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, and community outreach activities.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and documentation skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using databases and reporting systems such as OCMS, iCARE, and Microsoft Office applications is considered an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in Arabic or another language commonly spoken by newcomer communities is considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, empathy, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills. 

Working Conditions 

• This position may require occasional evening and weekend work based on program and community needs.
• The successful candidate may be required to work from multiple ACCT locations and community sites.