The Transitional Support Counsellor will provide housing, legal and transitional support, information and referrals to women who have experienced abuse or homelessness

Responsibilities:
Providing information, support and referrals to women who access the Outreach service by:

- Assisting women to develop safety and transitional plans
- Supporting women to find safe and affordable housing
- Maintaining a current understanding of information and options regarding housing, legal (criminal and family law) and transitional issues
- Advocating with a variety of systems to address the housing, legal and social needs of individual clients including employment, financial, education, health and immigration
- Assisting clients with applications for Housing Across Dufferin, Homelessness Prevention Program, Market Rental Units, Coordinated Access Transitional Housing (CATH) and Housing Allowances
- Maintaining a liaison with appropriate agencies, organizations and committees dealing with housing, legal and transitional issues

Participating with the Shelter and Outreach Services team in the planning and organization of services by:

- Developing and maintaining current resources on housing, legal and transitional information
- Acting as a resource to staff regarding housing and legal issues
- Completing client information records, reporting and statistical information according to agency requirements
- Assessing the effectiveness of services based on client feedback and evaluation
- Conducting relevant evaluation and research and recommending and implementing changes as appropriate
- Participating in team meetings
- Maintaining an understanding of Dufferin resources and Coordinated Access.




- Providing suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Coordinated Access Table (CAT)

Working on community advocacy projects by:

- Maintaining a current understanding of how patriarchy and oppression perpetuate violence against women
- Participating in agency and sector based social justice awareness initiatives
- Building partnerships in the community aimed at ending violence against women by developing protocols, policies and procedures that promote equality, consistent responses and accountability
- Providing occasional presentations to professional and community groups
- Providing support, options and referrals to community, legal and social service resources

Committing to the agency’s core values of: Compassion, Integrity, Equity and Social Responsibility

Adhering to FTP policies and procedures and compliance with required legislative and regulatory requirements such as OHSA, AODA, etc.

Demonstrating initiative and a dedicated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, showcasing a proactive approach to continuous learning and active participation in fostering an inclusive work setting

Performing other duties or responsibilities as negotiated or assigned

Qualifications and Core Competencies:





- Post-Secondary education in Social Services or a related field with some experience in the same or similar setting
- Eligible for registration with OCSWSSW
- Knowledge of issues of violence against women and children, including the intersection with mental health and addictions
- Communication and report writing skills
- Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize
- Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to calmly assess security and risk situations and respond appropriately following required policies and procedures
- Must be able to utilize listening skills, empathy and interpersonal skills when dealing with clients
- Maintain a current understanding of feminist philosophy
- Works from an ARAO/Intersectionality lens

Employment Requirements:

- Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance Certificate and maintaining clearance requirements during course of employment
- Valid driver’s license and insurance to allow for client transport
- CPR and First Aid Certification

Physical / Mental Effort:

Based on the work schedule/flow the frequency of the following tasks will vary according to need:

- Changing priorities and workflow to accommodate needs of others, and imposed deadlines
- Working with individuals in crisis situations
- Working under pressure to meet imposed deadlines while performing daily duties
- Using interpersonal skills, empathy and acute listening skills
- Using good problem solving and crisis management skills
- Attending Second Stage Houses

Working Conditions:

- Shared office environment
- Second Stage Houses
- Busy environment wi

📌 Transitional Support Counsellor (Orangeville)
🏢 OAITH
📍 Orangeville