Title: Settlement Counsellor/Case Manager and Achieve Program Coordinator

Job type: Full-time, permanent, in-person

Hours: 37.5 hrs/ Monday – Friday

Start date: As soon as possible

Report to: Settlement Team Lead

Join us on a fulfilling journey! If you're passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives, committed to embracing diversity and inclusion, and eager to be part of a supportive team that fosters collaboration and empowerment, this opportunity could be the perfect fit.

Who we are:

Kamloops Immigrant Services (KIS) is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of immigrants, migrants, and newcomers in Kamloops and the district. Our primary goal is to assist them in building a better future and feeling at home in their new community. We offer free programs and services to help them overcome the challenges of adapting to a new country.

About the position:

The Settlement Counsellor/Case Manager will provide direct support and case management services to newcomers, immigrants, and refugees to assist with their settlement and integration into Canadian society. The role involves guiding clients through a wide range of services, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and social services while providing culturally sensitive advice and support.

Your key responsibilities:
Client Support and Case Management:

• Conduct thorough assessments of client needs and develop tailored settlement plans.
• Provide supportive counselling, crisis intervention, and information to empower clients in navigating challenges related to immigration.
• Manage an active caseload of newcomer families and individuals.
• Assist clients with accessing community resources, government services, and other support networks.
• Facilitate group workshops and orientation sessions on settlement topics such as housing, employment, and healthcare.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client case notes and track progress.
  

Community Resource Navigation:

• Establish and foster strong relationships with community service providers and government agencies.
• Connect clients to language training, employment programs, and integration services.
• Stay updated on available resources, trends, and gaps within the community to effectively support client needs.
• Plan and lead workshops on topics like empowerment, mental wellness, and navigating Canadian systems.

Advocacy and Empowerment:

• Provide clients with information on their rights and responsibilities in Canada, empowering them to advocate for themselves.
• Collaborate with clients to identify and address settlement challenges.
• Advocate on behalf of clients when needed, working with local stakeholders and partners.
• Occasionally travel with team members to nearby communities (e.g., Merritt, Clearwater, Ashcroft) to provide outreach services.

Achieve Program Coordination:

• Support highly vulnerable clients through case management, ensuring their safety and integration into the community.
• Conduct client assessments, develop short-term safety and case plans, and provide navigation and referral services.
• Work closely with external professionals, mobilizing emergency services when needed.
• Offer short-term, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, referring clients to clinical counsellors as necessary.
• Coordinate client referrals to long-term community services, including mental health and social services.
• Develop, document, and track client progress, ensuring alignment with measurable objectives.
• Collaborate with external professionals to build strong support systems for clients.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and report on program outcomes.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the Achieve Program, proposing solutions for enhanced program delivery.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree, diploma in Social Work, Counseling, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Previous work experience in a social service environment preferred or a minimum of (5) years of experience in a client-oriented position, case management, preferably in an immigrant settlement service-related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.
• Case management experience is an asset.

What will set you apart?

• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, interviewing, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of settlement and integration issues faced by newcomers.
• Culturally competent with a non-judgmental and empathetic approach.

• Effective counselling skills include critical thinking strategies, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation in unpredictable circumstances.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively engage with a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external.

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and a team.
• Service-oriented with a demonstrated willingness to help the organization achieve objectives and targets.
• Fluency in a second language (e.g., Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, Punjabi, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrate ability to manage time, self-care, and resources.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to maintain a clear provincial criminal record check.
• Possess a valid Canadian driver's license and a reliable vehicle.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Work Conditions

• Primarily in-office, with occasional outreach to nearby communities.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours as required.

What's in it for you?

• A starting wage between $61,000 - $65,600.00/year
• A collaborative environment
• Training paid for.
• Eligible for a host of great benefits after six months, including:

-Dental care

-Extended healthcare

-Life insurance

-Paid time off

• RRSP Contributions are effective at the one-year mark.
  

To be considered, you will need the following:

• A cover letter explaining why you are the best candidate for this position. (Required)
• An updated resume.
• A valid Canadian work permit or a valid PR card
• Ability to commute/relocate to Kamloops, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required).
  *No relocation package is

Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

To apply, please send the cover letter and the resume to [email protected]

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.

Application deadline: 2024-09-29