VAW Counsellor and Advocate

VAW Counsellor and Advocate
FULL-TIME, INDETERMINATE
If no Inuit candidates are successful, the position will be offered as a term.

It is the mission of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) to broadly provide Inuit-specific programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Inuit and to encourage and support similar programs for Inuit across the country. With over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development, and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services, TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

The Violence Against Women (VAW) Counsellor and Advocate is responsible for providing community based culturally specific counselling, support and referral services for Inuit women aged 16 years and older who identify themselves as having been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused by their partners or significant others, and their dependents. Tl’s VAW Counselling Program assists Inuit women who have experienced violence to heal and reclaim their safety and empower them in their various roles, including that of caregiver.

TI is searching for a skilled and experienced candidate to provide individual and group counselling; support to women in understanding their rights, safety planning and violence prevention strategies; assist caregivers in supporting their children to heal from the effects of witnessing violence; and assist and advocate for women and their dependents regarding their health, safety, and well-being.

Other key responsibilities of the position will include:

• Providing in-person crisis/support counselling to assist women seeking urgent assistance
• Short-term, goal-focused non-judgmental and supportive counselling for women in the community
• Developing comprehensive and concrete safety plans with women and their dependents reflective of the woman’s immediate personal circumstances, needs and choices
• Providing information on rights, options, and available services
• Providing referrals or linking women to appropriate services, including programs internal to Tl and services provided partner agencies
• Advocating with other agencies (i.e., legal, financial, housing etc.)
• Developing, planning, organizing, and facilitating group sessions, including the Women’s Healing Circle
• Assisting clients to obtain identification papers, medical coverage, and non-insured health benefits
• Developing and maintaining accurate, secure, and up-to-date client files in the appropriate electronic system, including proper and timely case notes.
• Preparing and submitting monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and statistics as needed.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of Inuit culture, values, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional practices; gendered based violence issues in the context of Inuit social history, socio-economic determinates of health that impact urban Inuit women and families in Ontario; and an understanding of a harm reduction framework.

Excellent interpersonal skills, counselling skills, case and file management skills, organizational and time management skills, communication (oral and written) and group facilitation skills, computer literacy skills (Microsoft Office), and strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are necessary.

The ability to support women with varying levels of addiction and mental wellness; develop rapport, trust, and ethical relationships with clients; employ effective crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution approaches and techniques; identify and appropriately support clients in crisis while maintaining healthy boundaries; and handle sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality is required.

A post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work or a related field is preferred, and two (2) years of related work experience is required. Related experience can include crisis support, counselling, case management and advocacy services for women and their dependents who have experienced abuse. Experience providing services to the Inuit community is preferred and the ability to communicate in Inuktitut is an asset. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s abstract is required.

An acceptable combination of related education and work experience may be considered.

Salary and Benefits

• TI offers a competitive total compensation package. Employees are provided an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance. TI also offers a Group RRSP benefit plan for eligible staff.

• TI provides paid sick, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.
• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).

Deadline for applications is November 21^st, 2021.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@tiontario.ca. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services.

Considering the nature of this position, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a vulnerable sector check and their employment will be conditional on results that are acceptable to TI. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

The Family and Well-Being office is located at 1071 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON which is conveniently located close to walking and biking trails and all major transportation access points.

We thank all interested applicants in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.