Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services, established in 1973 as Polish Immigrant Aid Services-Toronto (PIAST), began by assisting Polish immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area. In 1993, it merged with Polish Community Social Services to form Polish Immigrant and Community Services. Recognizing the growing diversity of its clientele, the organization rebranded in 2000 to its current name, reflecting its commitment to serving a multicultural population.
As a non-profit, community-based charitable organization, Polycultural operates across multiple locations in the GTA and Orangeville, offering services in over 20 languages. Its programs encompass settlement assistance, language courses, employment support and wellness initiatives, catering to newcomers, youth, women, seniors and families.
The organization emphasizes inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, aiming to help individuals and communities integrate successfully into Canadian society.
Polycultural’s leadership comprises a dedicated board of directors and management team committed to its mission and vision. The organization collaborates with various partners and funders including government agencies and community organizations, to deliver its programs effectively.
Over its five-decade history, Polycultural has adapted to the evolving needs of immigrants and refugees, continually expanding its services to address emerging challenges and support the diverse communities it serves.
Position Overview
Title: Wellbeing Counsellor
Wage: $27.47 per hour
Type: Full-Time
Location: Mississauga, ON
Benefits
Dental and extended health care
Employee assistance program
Paid time off
RRSP matching program
Reporting to: Program Coordinator
Classification: Counsellor (1 vacant position)
Note: This role is part of the Bargaining Unit.
Important Notice for Applicants with Work Permits
While Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services offers employment opportunities, securing a job with us does not guarantee eligibility for permanent residency under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) schemes.
About Polycultural
Founded in 1993, Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services has fostered a multicultural and inclusive environment, truly reflecting Canada’s diverse society. We operate across eight locations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Orangeville, serving clients in over 20 languages.
We prioritize inclusivity and offer services that support individuals and families as they adjust to life in Canada. Our organization supports employees with comprehensive benefits including extended health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, paid holidays and an Employee Assistance Program.
Job Purpose
The Wellbeing Counsellor provides short-term, client-centered support to those dealing with crises, life transitions or significant adjustments. The role involves working with high-need individuals to develop personalized service plans, connecting them to mainstream and community resources and referring them to relevant professional services when needed.
This role also includes educating the community, particularly at-risk populations, through group and individual sessions.
Familiarity with local resources is essential to help clients access the support they need.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Client Support: Offer crisis intervention, conduct assessments and provide individual, family or group counseling. Establish a support plan tailored to each client’s needs, addressing issues like family violence, trauma and substance abuse.
Facilitating Support Groups: Develop and lead support groups for specific demographics such as families, seniors and youth, with topics like parenting, migration and cultural adaptation.
Community Collaboration: Refer clients to relevant internal and external resources, collaborating with health and community support systems to ensure a comprehensive approach. Liaise closely with other service professionals to provide a network of support for clients.
Teamwork and Efficiency: Actively participate as a member of the team to ensure smooth program operations. Advocate for clients’ needs within their support networks and provide supervisors with regular progress reports.
Community Outreach: Represent Polycultural at community events, workshops and outreach programs. Submit monthly narrative and statistical reports and meet any targets established by the Program Manager.
Professional Development: Attend required workshops and participate in development initiatives to stay current on counseling practices and community resources.
Core Competencies
Adaptability: Adjust to different situations to best meet clients’ needs. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards changes in work requirements and environment.
Communication: Engage clients and team members through effective, open communication. Use multiple communication strategies to ensure clarity and understanding.
Initiative: Be proactive in identifying opportunities to enhance client services. Anticipate challenges and act accordingly to provide clients with uninterrupted support.
Service Orientation: Show a strong commitment to meeting the needs of clients, co-workers and the community, aiming to exceed expectations.
Qualifications and Skills
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Social Work from a recognized institution.
Professional Experience: 3-5 years in a counseling-related role, focusing on case management, mental health support, addiction services and crisis intervention.
Professional Registration: Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is a plus.
Knowledge and Skills:
Solid understanding of mental health conditions including symptoms and treatment options.
Proficiency in case management, familiar with local resources and settlement challenges.
Specialized knowledge of issues like family violence, grief counseling and crisis intervention.
Strong assessment and advocacy skills, with the ability to relate to clients from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Communication and Time Management: Excellent written and verbal communication, with robust time-management abilities to handle multiple clients effectively.
Multilingual Ability: Proficiency in languages such as Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Spanish or French is a strong asset.
Other Requirements:
A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check upon receiving a job offer.
Ability to engage positively with diverse populations and uphold a high standard of cultural sensitivity.
Additional Information
Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to accessibility for all applicants. Candidates requiring accommodations during the recruitment process should notify Human Resources to arrange suitable support.
In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005, we ensure our recruitment processes are accessible to everyone.
Thank you for your interest in joining Polycultural. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Here are ten additional FAQs for the Wellbeing Counsellor position at Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services:
What types of clients will the Wellbeing Counsellor work with?
The Wellbeing Counsellor primarily works with individuals and families experiencing stress, crises or significant life changes. Many clients are newcomers to Canada, navigating settlement challenges and cultural adjustments.
What kind of support will I provide to clients?
Support includes assessing client needs offering short-term counseling organizing support groups and referring clients to specialized services, such as mental health professionals, peer networks and community resources.
What kind of professional development opportunities does Polycultural offer?
Polycultural encourages continuous learning providing opportunities to attend professional workshops and training that can help counselors stay updated on best practices in counseling and community service.
Are there specific targets I need to meet as a Wellbeing Counsellor?
Yes, counselors are expected to meet targets set by the Programs Manager which may include maintaining a certain number of client sessions and submitting monthly reports.
Is prior experience working with multicultural communities necessary?
While it’s not mandatory, experience with multicultural or immigrant populations is highly valued, as the role involves working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Is this position remote or onsite?
This is an onsite position based in Mississauga, ON, though it may involve some travel to different community locations.
What kind of work schedule should I expect?
The position requires a 40-hour work week, typically during standard business hours. However, there may be occasional requirements to attend community events or workshops outside these hours.
Does the Wellbeing Counsellor role require any certifications in mental health counseling?
While certification with Ontario’s professional regulatory bodies, such as OCSWSSW or CRPO, is an asset, it’s not mandatory. Relevant experience and education in mental health support and counseling are the key requirements.
Will I be collaborating with other professionals in this role?
Yes, collaboration is central to the role. You will work closely with community organizations, health professionals and other service providers to ensure clients have access to comprehensive support.
How long does the recruitment process typically take?
Polycultural aims to be efficient in its hiring process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews within a few weeks of applying, though timelines may vary based on the volume of applications.