The Residential Counsellor (Full Time)

The Full Time Residential Counsellor will report to the Shelter Manager to assist in the operation of the shelters in accordance with agency policies and procedures. Which includes the following duties; maintaining appropriate record keeping, complete intake/discharge forms, maintaining security for residents/staff/facilities, goal setting and referrals to other resources, informal individual and group counselling, promote co-operative living, participate in housekeeping duties including food preparation and cleaning.

Agency Profile:

This shelter’s mission is to provide safe and supportive shelter and services for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. We are a not-for-profit registered charitable agency governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, has been an integral part of our community providing essential emergency shelter services. We serve all of our community through our Family Shelter, Men’s Shelter, and Youth Shelter.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum SSW or 2-year college diploma in a human services program.
  • Experience working with the homeless or similar population.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Fluency in a second language.
  • Experience in telephone and in-person counselling.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
  • Understanding and delivery of anti-oppressive practices.
  • Ability to deal effectively with conflict and crisis.
  • Able and willing to work all shifts (eg night, day and evening)
  • CPI, CPR and Vulnerable Screening Clearance (Police Check).
  • Reliable vehicle, valid driving license and insurance.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides appropriate professional understanding and intervention in response to emotional, behavioural, physical needs of clients.
  • Maintains and supervises established routines and procedures.
  • Assists residents to establish and achieve individualized goals
  • Utilizes effective conflict resolution skills.
  • Maintains confidentiality of residents.
  • Participates in design and implementation of program activities.
  • Participates in research/evaluation/quality assurance activities that would enhance the efficiency and/or effectiveness of service delivery.
  • Fosters positive relationships with community programs and individuals as necessary.
  • Provides referrals and follow-up as necessary.
  • Provides support to all agency program areas as requested.
  • Participates in shift change and staff meetings as required, shares information in a respectful, non-judgemental manner.
  • Exercises good judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential information.
  • Completes all necessary documentation, including written records/reports and provides statistics as requested.
  • Performs other organizational duties as assigned.
  • Learn and understand health and safety standards, regulations, policies and procedures and comply with them.
Publication Date: 
2014