Overview Relief Child, Youth and Family Trauma Counselor

Relief Child, Youth and Family Trauma Counselor

Part-Time | Casual | Varied Hours

JOB SUMMARY:

The Relief Child, Youth and Family Trauma Counselor uses a feminist based, trauma-informed, antiracist/anti-oppression and harm reduction lens in all aspects of intake and assessment, goal planning and case management including offering short-term counseling and facilitating group programs to children and youth residents of the Shelter and/or children who access our Outreach services who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence (GBV, IPV, Child Abuse) and trauma. The Relief Child, Youth and Family Trauma Counselor facilitates relevant children’s programming at Outreach during adult programming. The schedule varies and includes day, afternoon, evening, weekday, weekend shifts and statutory holiday shifts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Trauma-Informed Intake and Assessment

Conduct risk audits and on-going safety planning conversations using a trauma-informed approach with children over 8 years old and their mothers/caregivers regarding their children
Work with children, youth and mothers/caregivers to develop safety plans for their younger children/dependents (7 and younger)
Work collaboratively with the Child, Youth and Family Clinical Counselor (CYFCC) to support identified clinical needs of children and youth, develop or amend safety plans that includes identifying safe spaces, trusted adults and coping strategies to use in times of distress.
Use a trauma-informed approach to provide crisis counselling and support to children

Trauma-Informed Goal Planning and Case Management

Develop a tailored plan based on the findings of the assessments
Work collaboratively with children and youth and when appropriate their mother/caregiver to develop goal plans and case management activities
Work collaboratively with the CYFCC in case conferences with the mother/caregiver and/or external caseworkers as required to assess and provide case management planning
Provide support and assistance to children and youth throughout their stay at the shelter.
Research, suggest and support awareness of external referral options and assist with accessing internal/external resources/referrals as needed
Engage in harm reduction principles (collaboration, choice, resource/information sharing, safety, empowerment, non-judgmental, acceptance, minimize harm, community involvement, flexibility, etc.)
Address the impact of systemic barriers on the children and youth’s lives
Collaborate with colleagues to refer children and youth to other counselors, support workers or other organizations
Work with the school system and daycare centres to ensure that children and youth are enrolled and placed appropriately.
Work collaboratively with mothers/caregivers to address challenges regarding the relationship with their children/dependents.

Referrals and Systems Navigation

Provide support with systems navigation to mothers/caregivers needed and critical resources for their children/dependents and act as an advocate when necessary, with child protection, schools or other children and youth service related resources, including accompaniments if needed and/or appropriate
Arrange and work with cultural interpreters as appropriate.
Liaise and maintain positive working relationships with children’s service providers, other shelters, children’s mental health agencies, school personnel, daycare centers and other community agencies.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Seek ongoing resident feedback to ensure residents’ needs are being met and goal plans remain relevant
Provide initial check-ins with the resident and monthly check-ins depending on the needs of the resident
Monitor progress of goal plans
Provide ongoing support and follow-up

Group Programming

Collaborate with the other CYFC to develop Logic Models and other assessment tools to implement group programming
Facilitate March Break and summer outings as well as after-school group workshops
Facilitate group work to explore and share strategies to address the impact of domestic violence and trauma on parenting.
Organize other special groups/events (e.g. birthdays, Halloween, etc.)

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Act as a resource for groups and individuals from the community requesting information or assistance in the area of gender-based violence
Participate in speaking engagements on the topic of impact of intimate partner violence and domestic violence on children and youth and the services provided by WHE, as requested
Represent WHE in the community on task forces and on working groups, as assigned by the Manager, the Executive Director
Liaise with colleagues in other Shelters to refer youth (16 years old and older)
Liaise and maintain positive working relationships with service providers, other shelters, mental health agencies, other community agencies, etc.
Represent WHE in all communications with residents, other community services and the general public that aligns with our mission, vision and values
Participate in community meetings and events, as well as training and workshops where applicable.

Administrative and Planning

In absence of primary counselor set program goals and objectives with the Manager
Conduct programming evaluations and report to the Manager
Keep the Manager apprised of service delivery and issues.
Develop and implement shelter related programs and its components
Maintain up-to-date selection of resource materials
Participate in supervision, staff and case management meetings as scheduled Responsible for the supervision of students and volunteers when necessary
Complete an annual self-evaluation form as part of the organizational performance management process
Maintain and protect the confidentiality of resident information and maintain confidential case records as appropriate
Participate in training and workshops where applicable.
Responsible for other duties as assigned

Data Collection, Reporting and Evaluation

Document and collect data and maintain an up to date record keeping, per WHE documentation policies
Report on case management and client goal progress
Conduct pre- and post- programming evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the effectiveness and impact of our services
Conduct annual evaluation to assess overall program outcomes and measure against annual targets
Report on program progress to the Manager

Discharge/Closure

Complete client departure form to:
- Update, store and close relevant client information in the database

Outreach Responsibilities (Outreach only)

Outreach Children’s Programming

Collaborate with the primary counselor leading the adult program to plan, develop and implement programming for children of the adult participant
Plan, set up materials and the space for programming
Maintain sign-in and check-out information
Conduct evaluation before, during and after programming
Independently lead children’s programming
Tidy up programming space
Debrief with primary counselor on any issues
Assist in preparation of snacks according to dietary and allergy restrictions
Maintain and protect the confidentiality of children’s information
Maintain the health and safety of the programming space
Attend internal meetings as required

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

A Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Child and Youth Worker, or similar children’s mental health and development fields, from recognized post-secondary institutions
Minimum of 1 year experience in child and youth trauma-informed counselling, including group with children and youth
A minimum of 1 year experience working with children and youth who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence (GBV, IPV, Child Abuse) and trauma, with demonstrated knowledge of the issues and impacts of gender-based violence on children and youth
Demonstrated ability to develop safety plans for children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence
An in depth understanding of the social influences and challenges children and youth face including peer pressure, physical image, substance use, bullying (cyberbullying), social media/internet use, online communication, sex/human trafficking, social isolation, etc.
Knowledge and understanding of child and youth development and child and youth mental health issues.
Experience working in a harm reduction model would be an asset.
A critical understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, feminist, anti-oppression, antiracist principles and frameworks and the demonstrated ability to incorporate them in all aspects of their work.
Working knowledge of legislative systems that impact the lives of clients including but not limited to: Mental Health Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Child Protection Act, etc.
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, including resources for individuals with precarious immigration status, relevant legislation and social justice issues.
Demonstrated knowledge of various systems impacting or intersecting with the lives of clients who have experience violence (eg. legal, child protection, immigration)
Demonstrated knowledge and application of the intersections of violence, trauma, mental health and addiction
Knowledge of and application the intersections of colonialism, oppression and marginalization and experiences of trauma.
Extensive and applied knowledge of crisis management including, crisis prevention, intervention and problem solving that supports client and colleague safety and promotes overall health and safety
Maintain the confidentiality and security of client-related and agency information.
Ability to respect and promote an inclusive work environment to uphold the Culture of Wellness
Ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Ability to work equitably and collaboratively with cultural, racial, economic and socially diverse communities.
Be a dedicated and flexible team player, able to interact with team members and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
Ability to work evenings and one Saturday shift each month
Excellent written and verbal communication skills that considers the child or youth developmental capacity
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Proficient with MS Office Suite, Internet search and navigating database systems.
A Trauma Awareness/Trauma Informed Practice Certificate is an asset
Vulnerable Sector Check and valid First Aid CPR AED Certification, required
Ability to perform harm reduction supports are required for this position and may include but are not limited to: administration of Naloxone.
Must be available for weekday and evening shifts.

Ready to Apply?

Apply now and join us to make a difference in our community.

Need help?

HR Manager

hr@womens-habitat.ca

Women’s Habitat Hours

Monday – Friday

9:00am-5:00pm

Women’s Habitat is unionized through CUPE Local 3877 and this position is within the bargaining unit.

Hourly Wage: starting at $20.68/hour increasing to $21.42/hr after 250 hours worked. + 4% vacation pay, + 6% pay in lieu of benefits.

Application: To apply for this position please forward your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@womens-habitat.ca or apply on the site.

Artificial Intelligence: AI is not used in any part of the recruitment and selection process