VAW Counsellor and Advocate

VAW Counsellor and Advocate

FULL-TIME, TERM UNTIL MARCH 31ST, 2024

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 and 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. Tl’s VAW Counselling Program assists Inuit women and their dependents 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:

• Coordinating and operationalizing annual objectives and workplans in keeping with Inuit culture, language, and tradition;
• Providing client-centred crisis support/counselling to assist women seeking urgent services;
• Proving 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;
• Case conferencing with internal and external stakeholders to ensure clients’ needs are being serviced appropriately;
• Advocating within the criminal and family court systems;
• Assisting clients with external resources such as social service supports (legal, financial aid, social assistance, etc.), housing support, medical treatment, addiction treatment, etc.;
• Assisting clients with internal resources such as food security, housing, addiction treatment, Children’s Aid Society consultation services, etc.;
• Delivery of workshops and activities through a cultural lens, responding to the varying needs of families (such as health, risk factors and nutrition);
• Developing, planning, organizing, and facilitating group sessions, including the Women’s Healing Circles;
• Assisting clients to obtain identification papers, medical coverage, and non-insured health benefits; and
• Developing and maintaining accurate, secure, and up-to-date client files in the appropriate electronic system, including proper and timely case notes.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of Inuit culture, values, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional practices, familiarity with issues facing Inuit, and familiarity with the socio-economic determinates of health that impact urban Inuit women and families in Ontario.

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 create and maintain positive working relationships, work effectively in a team environment, function effectively in stressful situations, and develop and deliver programming is required.

A post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, humanities, or social sciences and at least one year of practical and relevant experience in a coordination/facilitator role is preferred. Other beneficial experience can include working with Inuit, communities, and organizations, group facilitation, coordinating meetings, events, and community engagement activities. The ability to communicate in Inuktitut is an asset.

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

Salary and Benefits

• TI offers a competitive total compensation package including an annual salary of $58,300.
• 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 March 26^th, 2023.

To apply, please submit your resume to careers@tiontario.ca.

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates, applicants are encouraged to self-identify. The successful candidate for this position will be required to obtain a vulnerable sector check with results that are acceptable to TI. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services.

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.