POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist program counsellors with the day to day provision of program services to culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing clients who qualify for service. Provide information about the program, policies and procedures; and participate in public awareness and education activities promoting the vision and mission of CHS.  Assist Employment Consultants with job searches/job clubs, workplace awareness training and workplace accommodation assessment. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

• As required, accept applications/referrals in person, by phone/videophone, fax or email and screen clients according to program eligibility criteria in consultation with the counsellor
• Initiate and follow up on correspondence and phone/videophone calls from clients, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
• Where applicable, schedule appointments for eligible clients with the counsellor; maintain waiting list if required.
• As required, refer clients to other agencies or services as required and according to eligibility
• Provide information and education to clients about CHS services and relevant policies and procedures to clients in person, by phone/videophone or correspondences
• Assist counsellor with activities to promote clients’ personal goals according to program and CHS policies and procedures.
• As required assist counsellor with coordinating other internal services for clients and their community networks. Connect the parties to Communications Devices Program, as required.
• Provide limited back-up services during absences of counsellor (e.g. phone coverage to call to reschedule appointments, etc.)
• Provide limited special assistance (e.g. read letters, phone calls, filling out forms, etc.).
• Attend case conferences as required
• Assist counsellor with the delivery of group services including support groups,
• workshops, other ongoing program events, etc.
• Promote and assist with providing accessibility, and accommodations
• Team work, liaise and consult with the counsellor, other appropriate CHS staff and external service providers as required.
• Liaise and act as a resource for CHS staff, community and government agencies and services regarding the program
• Facilitate and secure financial assistance for clients in need e.g. filling out forms, service clubs, etc.
• Where applicable, assist with scheduling volunteer activities related to the program
• Provide appropriate back up support in the absence of other staff (e.g. phone coverage, call to reschedule appointments, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

Administration:

• Complete and maintain accurate program records, database, statistics, summaries, etc., and provide reports as required for internal purposes and for funder purposes according to their respective guidelines.
• Assist with researching information for planning purposes and reports
• Research, update, and maintain resource information, materials, and other program resources
• Assist in the preparation for internal and external meetings, program events, workshops presentations, etc. including room set up, information preparation/dissemination, communication access requirements, etc.
• Process confidential client information/correspondence according to program protocols and in accordance with all applicable legislations, professional and legal guidelines; including processing request for confidential client information.
• Participate in committees as required
• Liaise with and support related CHS programs/services as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

• Act as CHS representative and provide information about services, deafness, and hearing loss to the public
• Provide systemic advocacy for accessibility and accommodation with external contacts, community and government services and agencies
• Promote services through external contacts and networks including media, community newsletters, deaf community and other agencies
• Assist the counsellor with the delivery of workshops, presentations, displays, etc.
• Participate in community projects and specialized campaigns e.g. United Way, MayMonth
• Represent CHS on external and internal committees as assigned

Professional Development:

• Attend internal staff meetings
• Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
• Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency
• Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency requirement for the position (Advanced-Plus)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports to Manager, Administration & Support Services, Sudbury

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA Degree in Humanities, Career Counselling preferred
• Consideration given to other education in combination with experience directly related to the program
• 1-2 years related experience
• Familiarity with funders e.g. EO, ODSP or fee-per-service
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Internet and database
• Excellent organization and multi-tasking abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated creativity and flexibility
• Demonstrated knowledge of deafness and hearing loss
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Regular local travel; occasional out of town travel e.g. ASL classes, professional development, retreat, etc.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) or la Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) preferred
• French (written and oral) pre-requisite
• Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment
• Occasional out of hours work e.g. evenings or weekends depending on specific client circumstances/issues