Job Description

JOB POSTING

Transitional & Housing Support Program Counsellor

2 positions, 12-month contract

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic offers trauma-informed legal services and representation, counselling and multilingual interpretation, and drives system transformation to support women and gender-diverse people who have experienced violence. Rooted in the foundations of intersectionality, innovation, and a client-centered approach, we foster the skills and resilience of the people we serve and amplify their voices to create individual and collective change.

The Clinic's Counselling Department is seeking two full-time Transitional and Housing Support Program Counsellors for a 12-month contract.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All duties and responsibilities will be conducted in accordance with Barbra Schlifer Clinic's Mandate, Mission and Values Statements.

1. COUNSELLING

Assess client needs and complete safety assessments and planning with clients Provide crisis counselling, de-escalation counselling and grounding interventions Offer trauma-informed support Develop plans and set goals with clients Facilitate/co-facilitate groups and housing information sessions

2. CLIENT SUPPORT

Facilitate support assistance with agencies such as Legal Aid, Access to Housing, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program Provide practical and emotional support and accompany women to court, other community agencies or to assess housing options Assist clients as they complete housing applications under the special priority program for survivors of domestic violence Match clients with desired locations, connect them with resources in the area and ensure safety and adjustment in the new community Provide information and support to clients as they navigate through social services and justice systems Work in partnership with landlords from the public and private sector to ensure clients maintain their residence Conduct case conferences with clients and involved agencies to support client needs Advocate on behalf of clients with lawyers during the court process

3. AGENCY AND TEAM SUPPORT

Participate on agency committees and contribute to events which include participating in clinical meetings and staff meetings Communicate with team members to share critical information, provide debriefing opportunities and resolve problems Represent the Clinic and volunteers on a variety of committees or at events to promote the Clinic, share information and resolve problems Utilize an anti-oppressive approach with clients and colleagues

4. ASSESSMENT AND REFERRAL

Advocate on behalf of clients to provide support and warm referrals Assess client needs and provide information and referrals Conduct research to identify services for referral and makes referrals Conduct telephone intake, which includes assessing client needs and safety Consult with Counsellors and Legal Department regarding available services and client needs Follow up with clients to see how they are and receive feedback related to referrals Prioritize calls based on safety, date received and crisis situations

5. ADMINISTRATION & OTHER

Enter information into system to document calls in the agency database Take intake notes, and enter requests and referrals into client management system EMHware Compose support letters for clients Comply with Clinic and funder policies and procedures Perform other tasks as assigned by management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate or post-graduate in relevant field with a minimum of two years' experience delivering transitional and housing support from a trauma-informed approach to survivors of gender-based violence Experience with intake, risk assessment and safety planning; thorough knowledge of social service and social welfare systems Experience providing information and referrals specific to the needs of women fleeing violence An understanding of the issues and dynamics related to the provision of transitional and housing support services to women who have experienced interpersonal violence consistent with a trauma-informed feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppression analysis Experience working with human trafficking survivors Strong advocacy skills are a must-have for this position Experience working in a diverse work setting and with a diverse client population Intermediate computer skills Excellent administrative and letter writing skills Be a self-starter and highly motivated Excellent communication and conflict management skills Fluency in a second language would be considered a tremendous asset

CORE COMPETENCIES

Commitment to working collaboratively with and supporting women of diversity within the context of a diverse agency Engagement in a self-reflective, ethical, and collaborative practice that is non-judgmental and empathic and reflects the vision and mission statements of the Clinic Incorporation of principles of diversity and equity in responding to the service needs of women Commitment to working toward removing systemic barriers to women's independence and wellbeing Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills; written and oral communication skills Ability to work and support others in the context of a diverse environment Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment Be a self-starter, creative and highly motivated Share ideas and differences in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates from equity-seeking groups and is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodation due to a disability during any aspect of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to address your needs.

SALARY

: $53,251 per annum. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package offered through a group plan as part of our United Way membership, upon satisfactory completion of probationary period.

DEADLINE

: October 15, 2025. Job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is engaged

DURATION

: One year FT (35 hours/week)

APPLICATION

: Send cover letter and resume as ONE attachment, PDF or Word, to hr@schliferclinic.com with subject line of THSP Counsellor. In your cover letter, please indicate where you found our job posting.

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates from equity-seeking groups and is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodation due to a disability during any aspect of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to address your needs.

We thank all candidates for their interest.

However, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $53,251.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M6G 1A5

Application deadline: 2025-10-15