Counsellor at Athena's Counselling and Advocacy CentreJob SummaryIntegrating an intersectional feminist framework and a harm reduction philosophy, the Counsellor is responsible for providing trauma-informed counselling services to women who have experienced gender-based violence. Services may be delivered in person, virtually, or by telephone, as mutually determined by the woman and the counsellor.RESPONSIBILITIES & ACTIVITIESSERVICE DELIVERYProvide individual supportive counselling to strengthen women's understanding of the impacts of gender-based violenceSupport women in contextualizing their experiences through a trauma-informed approachEngage in therapeutic modalities that promote healing, insight, self-awareness, and resilienceProvide counselling through a feminist empowerment model using evidence-based practicesEstablish a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental counselling environmentAssist women in developing personal goals, safety plans, and action plansCollaboratively identify service needsProvide referrals and assist women in accessing community resourcesFacilitate therapeutic and educational groups as assignedSupport women in developing self-advocacy skills and strategiesRespond to crisis situations and provide short-term crisis intervention where requiredProvide ongoing counselling to support recovery from violence and trauma.Be available to engage people at the door and on the phone and to attend to office tasksCOMMUNITY LIAISON AND ADVOCACYAssist women in making connections with community resources including housing, medical, social assistance, basic needs resources and legal systemsPromote women's rights, empowerment, and safety through education and advocacyRemain committed to initiatives that support the prevention and eradication of GBVBuild collaborative relationships with community partners and service providersPROGRAM ADMINISTRATIONMaintain accurate and timely statistics as per agency policies and proceduresEnsure client information is accurately entered into agency databases and reporting systems.Participate in program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement by collecting information through survey distribution, feedback forms, etc. and identifying trendsMake recommendations regarding service improvements to program supervisorResearch resource materials to support the work and the needs of the participantsParticipate in ongoing professional development, including approved workshops and trainingsTEAM AND AGENCY PARTICIPATIONActively participate in staff and agency meetingsCollaborate with management, staff and community partners to enhance service deliveryPromote a healthy, respectful, and inclusive workplace cultureParticipate in supervision, applicable training, and professional development opportunitiesPractice open, direct, respectful, and professional communicationPerform other related duties as assignedAdhere to all policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of Huronia Transition HomesQUALIFICATIONSEducationA relevant post-secondary degree/diploma (BSW/MSW preferred)



and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experienceMinimum 3-5 years of counselling experience working with survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and/or gender-based violenceCurrent First Aid/CPR CertificationWHMIS CertificationKnowledge/Skills/AbilitiesExtensive knowledge of the issues & complexities of violence against womenStrong understanding of intersectional feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction frameworksKnowledge of trauma-informed and evidence-based counselling approachesAbility to work with women experiencing mental health and substance use issuesStrong counselling and assessment skillsGroup facilitation and program delivery skillsKnowledge of social service, housing, healthcare, legal, and justice systemsExperience working with women from diverse cultural, racial, linguistic, socio-economic, and geographic backgroundsExcellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skillsStrong organizational, documentation, and time-management skillsAbility to work independently and collaboratively within a teamProficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic client database systemsDemonstrated ability to meet individual and organizational goals and service targetsWorking Conditions/RequirementsOffice environment but may include non-standard workplacesReliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and appropriate insuranceAbility to sit or stand for extended periodsSome flexibility in working hours may be required to meet client needsREQUIRED COMPETENCIESTeamwork:Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the organization; demonstrate the abilityto cooperate in achieving organizational goals and work objectives; share information and communicate effectively with team members; use effective conflict resolution skills.Service Delivery:Recognize, meet, and effectively communicate regarding the unique service needs of individual women and children in service; role model and mentor others to develop the ability to apply a woman-centred approach to service delivery which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the organization's mission, beliefs and aims, anti-racist/anti-oppression/harm reduction framework.Policy, Procedure and Process Adherence:Thoroughly understand and apply appropriate organizational and operational policies, principles, procedures, methodologies, rules,



guidelines and interpretations in all aspects of daily work.Judgment/Decision Making:Demonstrate ability to analyze relevant information and evaluate alternate courses of action within scope of position; anticipate consequencesand assume responsibility for actions taken.Adaptability/Innovation:Demonstrate initiative to respond effectively to challenges and responsibilities; demonstrate flexibilitywhen considering concepts, ideas and work practice; able to initiate new ideas and recommend innovative methods, processes and strategies.Listening, Understanding and RespondingDemonstrate the ability to practice active listening; to understand scenariosas they occur, and to respond appropriately when interacting with individuals and groups; liaise effectively and respectfully with team, supervisors, co-workers, service users and the general public.Achieving Results:Able to achieve or surpass identified goals with appropriate use of supervision; consistently produce quality work by establishing priorities, implementing, monitoring and adjusting in order to meet objective and deadlines.Technological Competence:Appropriately and efficiently use office equipment; use technology with fluency and ease; resolve routine problems without assistance; learn current technologies quickly and adapt to change easily; comply with computer and equipment use policy.Intersectional Feminist Analysis:Provide all services and supports using an intersectional feminist approach which recognizes that social norms are set by the dominant social groups, and work towards dismantling those norms; recognize women's individual and unique social locations and experiences of oppression; understand identities of gender, sex, sexual orientation, class, race, ethnicity, religion or spirituality, immigration status, and ability; understand the complexity of these identities, and connect these social locations to the multi-layered experiences of power, privilege and oppression, and how various social norms give or diminish power; Understand how oppression contributes to systemic injustice and social inequality; demonstrate a strong understanding of all forms of gender-based violence; demonstrate a commitment to continuing education as it relates to feminism and violence against women.Work Within a Harm Reduction Philosophy:Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles as an evidence-based framework; understand use, effectsand impacts of substances and able to communicate both practical and functional aspects of harm reduction practices to the women we serve; meet women "where they are at" with a non-judgmental approach; demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in regards to trends, strategies, legislation etc.In keeping with our commitment to represent all our communities, Indigenous women, Francophone women, queer-identified and racialized women are especially encouraged to apply.Compensation: $58,319.00, per yearAI disclosure: We do not use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making tools at any stage of the candidate screening, evaluation, or selection process. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.Vacancy status: This is an existing position vacancy.

📌 Counsellor At Athena'S Counselling And Advocacy Centre (Oro-Medonte)
🏢 Huroniatransitionhomes
📍 Oro-Medonte