Life Skills Counsellor - Jobs in Saint John, NB

Job Description

The YMCA of Greater Saint John is working hard to address the critical issue’s facing the region; the health crisis, population decline, youth outmigration, and child poverty. At the Y, we are striving to build a diverse and inclusive community where each person is valued for the unique perspectives and contributions they bring.The Y offers a diverse set of programs at 18 locations in the city and surrounding municipalities. We are a community of 300 employees and 750 volunteers. If you don’t have a Y story yet – now is your opportunity to get involved. We invite you to come to see what the power of belonging can do for you, your career, and your community.Newcomer Connections is a key pillar within the YMCA family. Established in 1993, Y Newcomer Connections is a leading immigrant settlement centre focused on creating connections that will transform our community into a lasting, healthy home for immigrants from around the world and from all walks of life.The Opportunity:The federal Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides income support and a range of immediate essential services to government-assisted refugees within the initial 4-6 weeks of their arrival in the greater Saint John region. The Life Skills Counsellor is an enthusiastic individual with a strong desire to welcome, receive, and help address the settlement needs of our growing population of government-assisted refugees (GARs) in Saint John. This position also helps to raise awareness in the community of opportunities and programs to sponsor and assist refugees. The individual must possess the ability to prioritize tasks and work a flexible schedule. Evening and weekend work will be required on occasion. This is a full-time contract position that reports to the Settlement Supervisor at Newcomer Connections.Responsibilities:

• Liaise with RAP Counsellors to receive referrals of clients in need of Life Skills/Enhanced orientation;
• Provide intensive, short-term life skills support to newcomers to Canada to help them cope with the complexity of modern systems and their transition to independence;
• Provide life skills support on an “on-call” basis;
• Work with RAP Counsellors to provide government-assisted refugees with a basic orientation to IRCC programs; the City of Saint John; telephone access; Canadian currency; banking; shopping; accommodation; education; the legal system; cultural norms, and expectations; public transportation and their rights and freedoms;
• Identify and assist high-needs clients with life skills issues beyond the scope of the basic suite of services being delivered under RAP;
• Monitor resources at Stepping Homes and request replacement furniture/equipment as required;
• Provide help within the first few weeks of GARs moving into permanent accommodation as required;
• Record and report all activities with clients on a daily basis in RAP Worklog;
• Proactively and efficiently coordinate all client activities with RAP counsellors to ensure smooth service delivery;
• Foster relationships with community groups and organizations who are looking to build relationships with, and support for, newcomers to Saint John;
• Participate in relevant local, regional and national committees;
• Provide services in a supportive and culturally sensitive manner;
• Provide reports as directed by the Manager, Newcomer Support Services and Settlement Supervisor
• Compile and submit monthly expenses within the mandated deadlines;
• Attend all staff meetings;
• Perform duties as assigned by the Manager, Newcomer Support Services and/or the General Manager of Newcomer and Community Connections.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Approachable and possessing a strong client-centric attitude
• Heightened sensitivity to the needs of our immigrant community
• Exceptional ability to communicate in English with clients whose first language is not English
• A minimum of 3 years of work experience in a cross-cultural environment
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends
• Must be fluent in English; knowledge of other languages is a great asset.

What We Offer:

• YMCA membership
• In-house training and professional development opportunities
• Personal “Y Day”
• Competitive compensation package, including benefits and pension plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• Opportunities for cross-training across departments
• Paid job-related certifications (ie. First aid/CPR)

Required:

• Candidates are required to provide full proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a valid medical certificate exempting them from the vaccine.
• Employment is contingent on having a clean Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

If this is an opportunity that aligns with your qualifications and interest, please submit your resume and cover letter by November 2nd, 2022 . The YMCA of Greater Saint John appreciates the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.Quick Apply

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