Job description
Settlement Counsellor
Hiring Range: $50,552.25-$60,000.00 per year
Full Time- 37.5 Hours/Week
Position Description:
The Settlement Counsellor supports newcomers in their transition to life in Canada by conducting needs and assets assessments, developing settlement plans, and providing information and orientation services. This role includes assisting individuals and families in navigating healthcare, social benefits, housing, childcare, and other essential services. The Settlement Counsellor facilitates access to community resources, delivers both one-on-one and group orientation sessions, and ensures clients receive personalized support for a successful settlement process.
Accountability:
The Settlement Counsellor reports to the Manager, Community Health Promotion, with overall accountability to the Executive Director.
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 and facilitate referrals to CHC and community resources, including employment support, language training, housing, and healthcare.
- Conduct follow-ups within 3-6 months to reassess needs and adjust settlement plans as required.
- Identify cases requiring intensive case management and refer to IRCC-funded case management services when necessary.
- Provide one-on-one support in completing applications for healthcare services, social benefits, housing, childcare, and other essential programs.
- 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, and legal rights in Canada.
- Use Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to tailor information sessions to meet the unique needs of diverse client groups.
- Ensure all sessions are delivered in English and are culturally sensitive.
- Provide individual orientation to the city, including transportation, recreational activities, cultural and religious centers, and municipal services.
- Offer personalized recommendations based on client interests and needs.
- Conduct family-focused orientation sessions to support family settlement and refer them to parenting and culturally appropriate resources.
- Provide information on family-friendly services, including schools, childcare, and recreational programs.
- Assist clients in navigating settlement services and overcoming barriers.
- Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers and government agencies.
- Provide culturally competent and trauma-informed support to diverse client populations.
- Maintain accurate client records of interactions, assessments, referrals, and services provided.
- Track service delivery outcomes to ensure annual targets are met.
- Prepare progress reports and participate in evaluations to assess service effectiveness.
- Perform administrative duties, including data entry, filing, and document management.
- Work within an anti-racism, anti-oppression, and culturally sensitive framework.
- Support the multidisciplinary team in de-escalating situations and ensuring client safety.
- Collaborate with inter-professional teams, aligning with the Community Health Centre Model ofHealth and Wellbeing.
- Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and Centre-wide initiatives.
- Engage in training, professional development, and mentorship of students, interns, and volunteers.
- Support Centre-wide events, such as the annual general meeting, community activities, and special initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Counselling, Public Health, Community Development, Immigration Studies, or a related field.
- Registration and good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is an asset.
- Experience working with immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in a settlement, health or social service setting.
- Knowledge of Canadian social systems, government services, and settlement resources.
- Experience conducting client assessments and developing settlement plans.
- Strong understanding of barriers faced by marginalized communities and anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and anti-oppression principles.
- Experience working in a fast-paced health and/or community-based setting.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse clients.
- Ability to facilitate one-on-one and group information sessions.
- Excellent problem-solving, advocacy, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client management databases.
- Second language skills are an asset.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Hiring Committee – Addictions Counsellor
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
430 Cannon Street East Hamilton Ontario L8L 2C8
Email: humanresources@hucchc.com
Hamilton Urban Core is committed to equity in employment.
While we appreciate every application only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,552.25-$60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person