Well-Being Counsellor

About ACCT

The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) registered in 1974 is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status and is non-political and non-sectarian. The ACCT's mission is to enable and empower individuals, families and communities to lead informed, productive and culturally sensitive lives.  As a non-profit model of excellence, we honour our Arab Canadian heritage through community building and service to those in need of every heritage.   

Responsibilities:

• Provide short-term counselling for immigrants and refugees through identifying the problem presented, goals and available options
• Provide mental health assessment and evidence-informed crisis intervention to newcomers and their families who are in emotional distress
• Provide crisis intervention for emergency situations and make appropriate recommendations, information and referrals for ongoing treatment
• Provide case management by coordinating with the appropriate additional supports and services needed to ensure optimum care within the boundaries of confidentiality and disclosure
• Support newcomers in developing and implementing effective crisis management strategies
• Provides one-on-one case management and counselling to clients requesting information concerning: advocacy, translation & interpretation and civic participation and community engagement, orientation, referral (internally and to appropriate programs/services within the community) and non-therapeutic counselling regarding services such as health care, housing, employment, training and education, legal aid, finance, social services, etc.
• Provide information about immigration application guidelines and transcribe client information into forms as necessary
• Provide initial crisis intervention/mental health support when required with appropriate referrals
• Ensures all clients and the community feedback and concerns are addressed in a timely manner and recorded according to ACCT’s policies and procedures
• Plans, organizes and facilitates group workshops and orientation sessions that support clients in understanding and integrating into Canadian society, practices and procedures; advise on way of life, institutions, laws, rights, responsibilities, civic participation, etc.
• Plans, prepares and evaluates appropriate material for group facilitation & workshops in collaboration with other teams and programs within the agency.
• Collect statistics; submit monthly reports and input client data into iCARE and other internal databases, including but not limited to, OCMS and Excel
• Develop monthly work plan and activities
• Liaise with community partners for client’s recovery and integration into the society, work with families, crisis intervention/prevention, referrals to other services, etc.
• Make appropriate referrals to longer-term community support services and/or mental health services as required
• Plan, organize and facilitate group activities and orientation sessions on mental health-related topics
• Conduct outreach activities in newcomer communities to increase awareness of the service and raise awareness of mental health
• Form strong collaborations with mental health and social service agencies to facilitate effective delivery of crisis support services in the community
• Assist in the operation of agency's programs & services including information updating, filing, compiling monthly statistics, activity and outcome report monthly, quarterly, yearly basis
• Participate in team meetings and relevant internal/external committees for program needs and opportunities

Qualifications:

• University degree in social work, psychology or related field
• Minimum two years of experience working with individuals and families that have experienced trauma, violence or mental health issues  
• Possess knowledge of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy
• Demonstrated experience providing culturally competent services among ethnically diverse population
• Knowledge, understanding, and sensitivity to issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities
• Strong knowledge of community resources
• Demonstrate high degree of initiative, judgement and problem-solving ability
• Proficiency in planning, implementing and evaluating group activities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes occasional evenings to accommodate clients
• Proficient in both English and Arabic languages
• Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector is required as part of the hiring process
• Must have own transportation, driver license and valid insurance to use your vehicle for job related travelling