Job Description

Leeside Society operates a 15-bed domestic violence shelter for women and their children located within the Town of Port Hawkesbury. Leeside is a member of the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia. We offer a 24/7 crisis support line, a women's outreach drop-in resource center, supportive counselling, and assistance navigating various systems such as legal and social services. We provide outreach support in rural communities within Inverness and Richmond Counties. Leeside values promote safety within all relationships. Leeside aims to increase public awareness and educate the public about domestic violence and sexualized violence. We aim to be community educators about healthy relationships, stress management and self-care, recognizing power and coercive control, and maintaining healthy boundaries.

Pilot Project Men's Support Counsellor

We are seeking a Men's Support Counsellor. A solid understanding of the cycle of violence, and the extent and prevalence of violence against women and children. An understanding and recognition of coercive control and the complex nature of both intimate partner and sexualized violence. The Men's Support Counsellor requires a solid understanding of a feminist perspective. The Men's Support Counsellor must be able to support men using a trauma informed approach as they work to promote changed beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes about safety in relationships using a human centered and solution focused approach.

POSITION SCOPE:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director or her designate, the Men's Support Counsellor provides the following services to clients.

Support Counselling Crisis/Distress Counselling Case Management and Action Planning Advocacy and Referral Community Relations and Public Education

TYPICAL DUTIES:

SUPPORT COUNSELLING:
Must be aware of and understand the dynamics of abusive relationships. The Men's Support Counsellor must have expertise in evaluation and assessment skills. Requires interviewing techniques, active listening skills and a thorough knowledge of the surrounding communities and resources. It is crucial that the worker exhibit a nonjudgmental and supportive approach.

CRISIS/DISTRESS COUNSELLING:
Must effectively use crisis intervention techniques to assess, establish priorities, and provide appropriate support and referrals.

ASSESSMENT and INTAKE:
Assessing the physical, emotional, and mental state of clients to determine and triage required supports.

CASE MANAGEMENT and ACTION PLANNING:
Assisting in focusing conversations about personal goals and establishing immediate priorities. Discussing a plan to include safety, high risk assessment, appointments, counselling, partner contact, etc. Identifying resources available to support action plans. Assisting clients with implementation of action plan (i.e., appointments, case conferencing, childcare needs) and providing supportive assistance when approaching various agencies, organizations, or institutions.

ADVOCACY and REFERRAL:
Having knowledge of appropriate agencies, institutions, organizations, and/or persons, and the procedures for access to those services. Assistance in completing paperwork, making appointments, and preparing for interviews. Accompanying or arranging for support person to assist with interviews and meetings.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS and PUBLIC EDUCATION:
Building, collaborating, and maintaining professional networks with the educational focus and priorities including healthy relationships, stress management and self-care, recognizing power and coercive control, holding boundaries, transforming shame and guilt, honoring needs.

PERSONAL and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Continuing to update knowledge pertaining to domestic and sexualized violence. Actively participating in professional development (i.e., development seminars). Participating in training and educational opportunities. Taking opportunities to enhance personal growth in areas such as self-evaluation and time management.

ADMINISTRATION:
Completing intake form upon initial contact with client. Maintaining accurate and appropriate client and service records, including HIFIS data collection and input. Participating in training new staff regarding the role of the Men's Support Counsellor.

RELATED DUTIES:
Assisting with main office duties as required. Performing other related duties as required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

All team members are expected to hold in strictest confidence all client's personal information unless specifically authorized to release such information.

It is essential that staff demonstrate flexibility, time management skills, and react confidently as well as competently to any given situation. They must have the ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and be a cooperative team member. They must have a thorough understanding of the job's scope and philosophy and realize the necessity for self-assessment in terms of personal and professional growth. The Men's Support Counsellor must possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

A university degree or College Diploma in Social Work, Community Studies, Psychology, Sociology, or other related field, and/or equivalent combinations of training and human services experiences

Valid driver's license

Current 1 Aid and CPR Certificate

Criminal Records Check

Vulnerable Persons Abuse Record check

Crisis Intervention Training

Mental Health First Aid

Previous experience in group facilitation is an asset.

Some paid travel for outreach services is expected

This position will be based in the Professional Centre in Port Hawkesbury. This is a casual position at this time. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Part time or full time hours available depending on operating requirements. Some evening work as required.

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 31st email resume to; or mail to Leeside Society PO Box 6913 Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2W2

Job Types: Part-time, Casual

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Work Location: In person