INTRODUCTION:

Funded by CIC under the Immigration Settlement program this GSS Counsellor will focus on providing general social services to newcomers to Canada with hearing loss in order to support them during their settlement efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide individual support services to adults (age 16+) who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing or to their family and informal care givers which will enable them to live independently within their community and access services and supports (home, work, school, family and social).  Promote and advocate for accessibility and sensitivity community-wide.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

•    Accept referrals in person, by phone, fax, or email, and screen clients for eligibility for services and schedule appointments for eligible clients
•    Refer ineligible clients to appropriate CHS services or to other community services
•    Provide information to clients about CHS services, CHS privacy policy and consumer rights
•    Provide  information to clients about topics related to deafness and hearing loss in a manner that allows the client to make informed choices
•    Assess social, psychological, emotional and physical needs of clients for case management
•    Provide immediate and short-term intervention services for clients in crisis
•    Develop short and long range service plans in relation to specific client needs
•    Team work, liaise and consult with appropriate CHS staff and external service providers, as required.
•    Provide ongoing case management including co-ordinated long-term support to
maximize the individual’s level of functioning in the community
•    Attend case conferences in relation to client requirements
•    Provide confidential supportive counselling in relation to client needs as follows:
•    Provide individual consumers with support to ensure that community services are accessible and that their individual rights are protected (consumer/systemic advocacy)
•    Provide special assistance, e.g. reading/understanding letters, filling out applications, etc.
•    Assist clients with the process of securing housing including contacting landlords, explaining financial requirements, etc. or making referrals to other related services
•    Assess and advise on hearing aids and communication devices - demonstrate, install and train clients on using communication devices, as required.
•    Assist client with understanding the process of immigration, legal proceedings, etc.
•    Assist clients with the development of social skills, life skills
•    Minimal assistance with employment related issues
•    Initiate, facilitate and monitor support groups, facilitate financial assistance for clients in need and assist with income supports (e.g. ODSP, Ontario Works, LTD, pension, CPP, etc.)
•    Refer clients to other community agencies or services as required
•    Liaise and act as resource for CHS Staff and community and government agencies and services
•    Other duties as assigned

Administration:

•    Maintain and update accurate client reports, files, assessment forms and other information as required by CHS and Ministry of Health policies and procedures
•    Maintain waiting list as required
•    Initiate and follow up on correspondence and phone calls from clients, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
•    Complete internal (CHS) statistics as required using the GSS database
•    Maintain and provide summary of client services reports when required
•    Respond to written requests for confidential client information in accordance with CHS Privacy Policy, relevant professional College and legal guidelines
•    Update and maintain resource files on community resources, government programs etc.
•    Provide office back up in the absence of other staff
•    Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

•    Systemic advocacy for accessibility and accommodation with external contacts, community and government services and agencies
•    Act as CHS representative and provide information about services, deafness, and hearing loss to the public
•    Promote services through external contacts and networks including media, community newsletters, deaf community and other agencies
•    Coordinate information and facilitate and participate in specific programs such as community or consumer workshops as required
•    Represent CHS on external and internal committees
•    Participate in community projects and specialized campaigns e.g.: United Way, Maymonth, etc.
•    Other duties as assigned

Professional Development:

•    Attend internal staff meetings
•    Attend specialized training
•    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 Regional Program Manager, Peel

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or equivalent
•    2 – 3 years counselling and case management experience
•    Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) or willingness to learn
•    Knowledge/experience with deafness and deaf cultural issues
•    Demonstrated sensitivity and success working in a culturally diverse environment
•    Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
•    Demonstrated excellent analytical and problem solving skills
•    Demonstrated creativity and flexibility
•    Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
•    Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Internet
•    Must have valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
•    Regular local travel; occasional out of town travel e.g. ASL classes, retreats, etc.