Outreach Counsellor

Job Summary

Integrating an intersectional feminist framework and a harm reduction philosophy, the Outreach Counsellor is responsible for providing short term counselling services for survivors of sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. This service may be delivered in person, virtually, or over the phone, as mutually determined by the woman and the counsellor. RESPONSIBILITIES & ACTIVITIES

SERVICE DELIVERY Provide individual, supportive counselling to strengthen women’s understanding of the impacts of violence against women and or sexual abuse/sexual assault and to contextualize and normalize their experiences Engage in therapeutic modalities to support women in gaining insight and understanding about the impacts of trauma Provide therapy from a feminist empowerment model approach using evidence-based or evidence-informed therapy models Establish a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment to facilitate women’s empowerment and ability to make change Assist women in developing personal goals and action plans Provide advocacy and support on behalf of women with collateral agencies and within systems, as requested by women Provide referrals and assist women in making connections with community resources, including housing, medical, and justice systems Facilitate groups as requested and scheduled

COMMUNITY LIAISON AND ADVOCACY Assist women in making connections with community resources, including housing, social assistance, medical services, basic needs resources and justice systems; Remain committed to education and advocacy as a means to ending violence against women Advocate on behalf of the women we serve, with their approval, in accessing relevant community resources Support the women we serve in developing self-advocacy strategies PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION Record statistics as per agency policies and procedures Research resource materials to support the work of the program. Make recommendations to the Program Supervisor. Participate in program planning and evaluation

TEAM & AGENCY PARTICIPATION Actively participate in staff and agency meetings Work collaboratively as a team member in the identification, development and recommendations of changes for improved service delivery Work collaboratively with management, staff and volunteers to ensure effective support and service provision Promote a healthy and respectful workplace Participate in applicable training, supervision and team meetings Practice open, direct, respectful communication Perform other duties as assigned Abide by all policies, procedures, rules and regulations of HURONIA TRANSITION HOMES

Qualifications

Education Post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant discipline (BSW/MSW preferred) and a minimum of 3 to 5 years relevant work experience. First Aid/CPR Certification WHIMIS Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of the issues and complexities of the impact of violence against women, including sexual assault An understanding of social services, housing, medical, and justice systems, with knowledge regarding procedures for access An understanding of, and an ability to work with, diverse women, including women from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds Group planning and facilitation skills Strong counselling and assessment skills Excellent problem solving and conflict resolution skills Excellent organizational and time management skills Ability to work independently and as a team member Knowledge of anti-racist/anti-oppressive harm reduction practices and application, and a solid feminist analysis Tact, sound judgment and multi-tasking ability Excellent oral and written communication skills Demonstrated skill in meeting individual and organizational targets Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and an ability to learn to operate the organization's database