Temporary Counsellor

Full-time Contract (35 hrs./The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) registered in 1974 is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status and is non-political and non-sectarian. The ACCT’s mission is to enable and empower individuals, families, and communities to lead informed, productive, and culturally sensitive lives. As a non-profit model of excellence, we honour our Arab Canadian heritage through community building and service to those in need of every heritage
Position Title: Settlement Counsellor (Arabic Speaker)
ACCT is currently recruiting a full-time Settlement Counsellor to work from our Scarborough locations. In this position you will provide one-on-one and direct services to support the integration process of recent immigrants and refugees. Services include referrals to various services within and outside the community and the provision of updated and well-researched information relevant to immigrant and refugee needs.
Engages clients in intake and assessment process to identify immediate, short, medium- and long-term settlement needs of the newcomers and devise service plans based on the assessment and client’s needs.
Provides one-on-one case management and counselling to clients requesting information concerning: advocacy, translation & interpretation and civic participation and community engagement, orientation, referral (internally and to appropriate programs/services within the community) and non-therapeutic counselling regarding services such as health care, housing, employment, training and education, legal aid, finance, social services, etc.
Provide information about immigration application guidelines and transcribe client information into forms as necessary
Provide initial crisis intervention/mental health support when required with appropriate referrals
Ensures all clients and the community feedback and concerns are addressed in a timely manner and recorded according to ACCT’s policies and procedures
submit monthly reports and input client data into iCARE and other internal databases, including but not limited to, OCMS and Excel
Develops individualized outreach plans for each assigned service locations in collaboration with other ACCT’s programs or external service providers
Jointly with service partners conducts program promotion in community social landmarks
Actively participates in program’s community development activities including advocacy, outreach and community engagement and empowerment activities
Networks with other staff, attends staff meetings & agency events including staff social events, community events and agency committees
Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Humanities, Counselling or Social Work
~Understanding and awareness of the newcomer experience including an awareness of diversity issues and an ability to work within a cross-cultural perspective
~ Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic
~ Knowledge of the Canadian legal, political, cultural, educational, and economic systems
~ Extensive knowledge of the immigration and refugee system and services available
~ Broad-based knowledge of community and government resources to refer clients
~