Refugee Child and Youth Counsellor

Ccisab; Calgary; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit community organization in Calgary seeks a Refugee Child and Youth Counsellor to provide coordinated services for newly arrived children and youth. This role involves conducting needs assessments, liaising with schools, and facilitating workshops. The ideal candidate has a background in Social Services, experience with newcomer families, and strong relationship-building skills. This position offers a competitive salary and an opportunity to make a direct impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of practical experience working with newcomer families.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Fluency in Farsi, Pashto, Arabic, Somali, or Swahili is considered a vital asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments to determine settlement needs and goals.
• Liaise with school boards to ease refugee transition.
• Conduct periodic home visits to monitor progress.

Skills

Relationship building

Community program familiarity

Workshop facilitation

Multicultural workplace adaptability

Strong computer skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Full-time – temporary (12 months)- 40 hours/ week

CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society) is a nonprofit organization that provides settlement and integration services to all immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta. Since our inception in 1981, we have been a community leader with solid experience in the design and delivery of comprehensive services for our newest neighbours. We deliver these services through a dynamic, multi-cultural, multi-denominational and multi-disciplinary team of professionals who collectively speak over 90 languages.

From airport reception to a first job interview, CCIS’s programs and services have been designed to assist immigrants and refugees through all phases of the settlement and integration process. CCIS is committed to welcoming and serving newcomers of all races, ethnic and national origins, cultural backgrounds and religions, sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

CCIS – Resettlement and Integration Services (RIS) Division

CCIS Resettlement & Integration Services (RIS) division provides support services that enable Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) to transition to a new life in Calgary. RIS also offers several programs specific to refugee children and youth. RIS programs are designed to assist in developing the independence of our clients, build capacity within the family structure and enhance our clients’ economic success. Our team of multicultural Counsellors supplies settlement assistance in over 90 languages.

Job Summary

CCIS’s Resettlement and Integration Services (RIS) Division is looking for a new Refugee Child and Youth Counsellor and is accepting applications from qualified job seekers. The Refugee Child and Youth Counsellor works as part of a team to provide coordinated settlement and integration services and support to newly arrived government‑assisted and privately sponsored children and youth using a multidisciplinary, case‑management approach.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct needs assessments to determine short and long-term settlement needs and goals.
• Liaise with school boards and teachers to ease the transition of refugees into the school system.
• Conduct periodic home visits to monitor, follow up and evaluate the progress of refugee children and youth.
• Refer families to internal and external resources and programs as needed.
• Refer and participate in case management meetings as needed.
• Directs and accompanies clients to internal and external programs and resources.
• Plan and deliver group educational workshops and information sessions on various topics of need.
• Organize and facilitate field trips and recreational activities for children and youth.
• Develop and maintain a list of general program & activity supports for refugee children and youth.
• Enhance family awareness of community‑based educational and recreational resources.
• Maintained client files, completed monthly reporting, and prepared other reports as requested.
• Attend staff training and meetings as required.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Skills

• Post‑secondary education in the Social Services field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference to Social Work, Health Sciences, Recreation, and Youth Development graduates.
• Minimum two years of practical experience working with newcomer families.
• Knowledge of the settlement and integration process and a working knowledge of challenges faced by refugees new to Canada.
• Able to build relationships and maintain a positive, healthy rapport with clients, partners and co‑workers.
• Familiarity with community youth programs and general government services, ability to conduct outreach and partner with community and settlement services.
• Ability to facilitate workshops and group sessions.
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to respond to clients’ requests and needs in a timely manner.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary, culturally diverse workplace.
• Able to perform duties independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Fluency in Farsi, Pashto, Arabic, Somali or Swahili is considered a vital asset.
• Available to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Driver’s license and access to a vehicle for work purposes is a vital asset.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

How To Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to send resume and cover letter to [e-mail] by Friday, December 5th, 2025. Please include “Application to Refugee Child and Youth Counsellor” in the subject line of your email.

CCIS thanks all applicants, however, only those selected to compete further for this position will be contacted.

Make A Direct Impact on Your Community by Donating to CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society).

We acknowledge all donors who contribute so generously to CCIS. Your contribution honours the courage and resiliency of Alberta’s newest residents.