Nova Vita - Community Counsellor

Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses; Ontario; On-site; Full time

Job summary

The Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses is hiring a Community Counsellor for a temporary full-time role. This position involves providing psycho-educational and therapeutic counselling to individuals affected by violence. The ideal candidate will have a background in social services and experience in trauma-informed care, with a commitment to helping clients achieve personal growth.

Benefits

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Qualifications

• Minimum of BSW or an equivalent degree in related field required.
• 3 years’ experience in anti-violence or social service sector preferred.
• Member in good standing of relevant regulatory body required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual/group counselling for those impacted by violence.
• Complete intakes, risk assessments, and develop safety plans.
• Engage in case management and advocacy for clients.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Crisis Intervention

Advocacy

Communication

Education

BSW or equivalent degree in social services

MSW or equivalent graduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Job description

Position: Community Counsellor-Temporary Full-Time

Department: Community Counselling

Reports to: Community Counselling and Outreach Manager

Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time August 2025 to March 2026

Hours of Work: 37.5 hrs/week Monday-Friday, with evening availability

Starting Wage: $27.26 per hour

Benefits Available: EFAP

Location: 59 North Park Street, Brantford ON

Start Date: August 2025

Closing Date to Apply: June 27, 2025

Job Summary

To provide psycho-educational and therapeutic counselling, safety planning, and advocacy to individuals who have experienced and/or used violence in their relationship. This position involves delivering trauma-informed, client-centered support through both individual and group counselling using a strengths-based and anti oppressive approach that fosters safety, healing, and personal growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum BSW or an equivalent degree in a related field in the social services sector. An MSW or equivalent graduate degree is required
• Member in good standing of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or an equivalent regulatory body is required (or the successful candidate must be eligible to join a regulatory college once employed)
• 3 years’ experience working in the anti-violence sector or related social service sector is preferred
• Demonstrated experience delivering group programing and/or individual counselling is preferred
• Police check with vulnerable sector screening is required
• Crisis Prevention/Intervention Training is an asset
• Valid First Aid/CPR is required
• Mental Health First Aid and/or ASIST Training is preferred
• Experience working from a trauma informed approach is an asset
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30lbs is required
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge and practical application of a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations from an intersectional, inclusive and anti oppressive lens
• Excellent understanding of the dynamics of family violence, intimate partner violence, and gender-based violence and its impact on individuals and families
• Strong experience in assessing, counselling, and providing services and appropriate referrals to clients who have mental health challenges
• Experience in safety planning, risk assessment, crisis intervention and providing appropriate referrals to individuals who have experienced violence, abuse and/or trauma
• Excellent knowledge of Nova Vita programs and services
• Excellent knowledge of community resources in Brantford/Brant County
• Ability to take initiative and to work in a team environment while working collaboratively with community partners
• Ability to have a flexible work schedule and to manage competing demands in a fast paced environment while balancing a caseload
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal, professional, and time management skills
• Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Zoom

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling for women and gender diverse individuals who have experienced violence, abuse, or trauma
• Complete intakes, risk assessments, and individual safety plans for clients
• Assist in the development and implementation of trauma informed departmental programming
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Ensure timely and effective sharing of information with internal and external services
• Prepare reports for social service agencies, courts and other community agencies as required
• Assume case management responsibilities for clients connected with various services
• Provide case planning and advocacy for clients
• Organize case conferences with community agencies as needed
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as required

Accountabilities

• Adhere to relevant legislation and agency-wide policies & procedures at all times
• Maintain health and safety requirements at all times, including COVID-19 prevention protocols
• Maintain professional and ethical boundaries with clients and community partners at all times
• Complete all documentation as required and in a timely manner and meet professional standards
• Maintain a high level of counselling expertise in service delivery
• Remain current with relevant information and interventions concerning working with clients who have experienced domestic violence;
• Engage in regular supervision with the Community Counselling & Outreach Manager

Application

If you require accessibility accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify us to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Nova Vita is an equity-seeking employer and strives to be reflective and inclusive of the communities we serve. We encourage individuals who identify as Indigenous, racialized, immigrant, 2SLGBTQIA+, or disAbled to apply. We appreciate your interest in this employment opportunity, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interested and qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter by

June 27, 2025 at 4:00 pm to the attention of:

Melanie McFadden, Community Counselling and Outreach Manager

Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services

Email: [e-mail]

Email Subject: Community Counsellor-Temporary Full-Time