Chapter 12 - Working with Staff

section:

sub-section:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Front Line Counselor, Eva’s Phoenix

POSITION SUMMARY

The Front Line Counselor at Eva's Phoenix works under the direction of the Housing Team Supervisor. Responsibilities include a goal-oriented case management model with clients, supporting the work of the housing and employment teams, administrative duties, daily shelter responsibilities, as well as participation in broader agency activities. All Eva’s Phoenix Team members support the organization’s mission statement, and reflect the values of the mission statement in their work with youth. All Front Line Counsellors are committed to a constructive communication model that respects diversity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Services

Ensure effective orientation for new residents to the shelter
Assist residents in identifying short and long-term goals
With residents, develop strategies and timelines for achieving their goals
Requirements for minimum resident contact are: weekly counselling sessions to assess progress of the case plan, appropriate documentation of counselling sessions, effective participation in case conference, effective communication with team members regarding ongoing resident issues
Maintain regular communication with youth and monitor effectiveness of case plan through weekly case conference and client file review
Assist youth in preparing to live independently in community through collaborative work with other Housing Team Members
Support youth to achieve training and employment goals through the implementation of the Employment Action Plan (“work ready” checklist), and through collaborative work with the Employment Services Team
Identify and encourage participation in programs and services that provide skill development opportunities including: appropriate referrals to community based agencies, employment services, health care providers
Assist (Guide) residents in the development of interpersonal, social and life skills, including the development and facilitation of hands on life skills programs
Balance the need for effective contact with youth with respect for resident privacy within their own “houses”
Facilitate conflict resolution and de-escalation
Support youth in ensuring the cleanliness and general hygiene of the shelter, houses, and rooms
Actively participate in the best interests of each client, balancing the needs of the greater shelter population
Work with each client to ensure the best possible service delivery

Program & Policy Development

Actively participate in program and agency development
Follow the policies and procedures developed by the agency (documented in the Eva’s Phoenix policy manual)
Participate in the innovative culture of the agency by: bringing forward program and policy ideas to supervisors and peers, actively engaging in program development, delivery and facilitation
Actively support both key components of the Eva’s Phoenix program: housing and employment, through communication between teams, sharing of information and counselling discussions
Actively support agency and shelter initiatives aimed at celebrating diversity and offering community building opportunities for youth

Shift Requirements

Read all entries in the communication log at the beginning of each shift
Record significant events in all required and relevant locations such as: the communications log, client files (sessions summary), case management forms and decision making processes, shift change form, and/ or Incident Report during each shift
Maintain accurate records of medication, health issues, emergency contact, intake pink sheets, maintenance requests, occupancy and serious occurrences
Provide accurate information and assistance with statistical tabulation and reporting of monthly resident occupancy percentages (Pinks)
Maintain accurate filing system for current resident files and archives
Always working as a team, be aware of other staff on shift and support their work as necessary
Supervise and assist facility maintenance as required, including necessary facility checks
Complete perimeter checks twice throughout each shift
Administer emergency funds, TTC tickets, PNA and food allowance
Administer the Hostel rules and follow plan of care for all residents

Team Growth and Development

Actively participate and communicate all vital information to shift change meetings
Constructively participate in regular staff meetings, supervision, case conferences, staff training and program development
Work collaboratively with all members of the housing and employment teams attempting always to: be accountable to residents and staff, strengthen the staff team, improve service, foster youth involvement, reflect the innovation of the agency in regards to service delivery
Meet regularly with supervisor to review case load management, consultation and professional development training

Qualifications

Post Secondary education in counselling or related field
Experience working with homeless and at risk youth
A sound knowledge of the issues facing homeless and marginalized youth
Experience in supportive counselling and group work
Experience working with diverse populations
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
Strong documentation and administrative skills
Demonstrated conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
All mandatory hostel standards training, including First Aid and CPR

Some or all of the following experience would be an asset:

Knowledge or experience with substance issues
Counselling of abuse related issues
Experience in conflict resolution
Experience dealing with mental health issues
Employment counselling (ACEC)