Counselling Group Facilitator

Job Title Counselling Group Facilitator

Department Community and Justice

Location All JHS Offices and Durham Community

Posting Start Date April 23, 2024

Posting End Date May 10, 2024

Employment Group CUPE 2938.13 (Temporary position)

Salary Grid Rate $23.32 per hour

Standard Weekly Hours of Work 35

Shift Work Required Days and Evenings is required

Work Environment Office

Additional Benefits Mileage, Accident, RRSP

Start Date July 2024

End Date November 15, 2024, with possible extension

John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement:

To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.

Position Summary:

As a Counsellor at JHS Durham, you will play a crucial role in supporting service users through intake and assessment processes, making referrals, determining program suitability, facilitating groups, and managing caseloads. You will be responsible for facilitating various groups including Anger Management, Parenting, Cooperative Parenting, and/or DADS programs. The role requires a flexible schedule to accommodate evening groups as necessary.

Key Relationships:

Adult and Youth Services Manager, Senior management team, agency employees, service seekers, and other community agencies and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Service User Support:

• Perform intake, assessment, and referrals.
• Facilitate group sessions and conduct individual counselling sessions as needed.
• Communicate and advocate on behalf of service users with other agencies and program providers.
• Utilize counselling skills to evaluate group readiness, negotiate readiness for change, and develop action plans.

Case Management/Documentation:

• Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports, and service user files in accordance with standards.
• Ensure accurate statistical documentation in accordance with program requirements.

Community Liaison Functions:

• Deliver workshops and public education to community groups, schools, and organizations.
• Participate in relevant community committees and groups.
• Make referrals to community agencies as appropriate.
• Represent the agency in the community and establish positive relationships with other service agencies and organizations.

Administrative:

• Monitor and maintain financial tracking where required.
• Maintain statistical data relevant to program objectives.
• Operate office equipment and utilize relevant software applications.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
• Attend agency, office, and team meetings as required.
• Support the training of group co-facilitators/moderators.
• Ensure all services provided adhere to JHS standards and philosophical beliefs.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or social sciences, or College Diploma in Social Service Work.
• Theoretical and practical training in individual and group counselling.
• Thorough understanding of JHS Durham Services and local resources
• Experience in addictions counselling, social work, and supporting diverse clientele.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in social service work involving counselling.
• Comprehensive understanding of issues related to child and family welfare, trauma, addictions, mental health, etc.
• Lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver preferred.
• Strong awareness of local community services and needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to privacy, confidentiality, integrity, and punctuality.

Commitment:

• Non-judgmental, flexible, committed to achieving agency service outcomes and standards.
• Represents the John Howard Society in community committees and meetings.

Work Conditions:

• Must be able to work in all JHS Durham locations, along with other locations within Durham Region
• Must be able to work remote if required
• Potential exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and related conditions.
• Regular interaction with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and representatives from other organizations.
• Requires ongoing physical activity involving walking, standing, sitting, and lifting objects up to 25 lbs.
• Manual dexterity necessary for operating desktop computers and peripherals.
• Flexibility in working hours as needed.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Class G driver's license with appropriate 2 million liability insurance.
• Crisis Intervention training and certification.
• ASIST Certification is an asset.
• Satisfactory Police/Vulnerable Sector Check.

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Contribute education and anti-oppressive practices.
• Work with service users facing issues related to trauma, racism, LGBTQ+ identities, immigration, substance use, family relationships, disability, education challenges, and systems experiences.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/careers/358 Include a brief statement explaining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.

Deadline for Applications: May 10, 2024

JHS Durham is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.