DS-U26-44 Program Counsellor - SOAR in Scarborough

ABOUT US

Springboard’s mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

WHO WE ARE

People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Program Counsellor position works within the SOAR program facilitating groups, providing life skills instruction for groups of up to 12 and assisting individuals to develop and achieve their goals. SOAR is a Vocational and Life Skills day program. The community-based programming focuses on the development of job and life skills, as well as community integration. Travel to other locations due to programming is required. Programming is offered virtually and in person.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Group Facilitation – Facilitate and teach life skills programming to individuals with developmental disabilities or dual diagnosis; manage challenging behaviours in a classroom setting.
• Community Outreach/Outings – Coordinate and supervise community/recreational outings for a large group of participants, including how to access TTC during peak and off-peak hours safely.
• Conflict Management – Manage challenging behaviours of individuals, including offering support and suggestions on how to help them.
• Job Coaching – Provide onsite and offsite direct support to participate in various work/volunteer environments.
• Counselling/One to One Support – Provide counselling and support to clients with developmental disabilities and their families in reaching their individual goals.
• Health and Safety – Ensure security and safety of the program and the participants in various work/volunteer opportunities.
• Administrative Duties – Provide clerical/reception and administrative support to the program. Maintain the office in an organized and secure manner, including documentation and compilation of internal and external reports, statistical data, logbooks, and office communications, and receive/distribute correspondence.

WHO YOU ARE

A post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services, Social Work and/or related field. Strong knowledge in computer applications, i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. Valid First Aid and Safe Management certifications. Minimum two (2) years of recent work-related experience in Development Services sector in the following areas:

• Working with individuals with developmental disabilities or dual diagnosis.
• Conflict management, job coaching, providing individualized support and supervising community/recreation outings, group facilitating in both classroom and community setting with 10 or more individuals at a time.
• Counselling, teaching, conflict resolution, individual facilitation, and assessment.
• Use of computers such as MS Suite and multimedia teaching tools such as Smart Board.
• Thorough understanding of the Social Inclusion Act and the Act for the Supports of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2008).
• Working knowledge of the Developmental Services sector.
• Knowledge of relevant counselling practices and effective counselling skills to ensure optimum service for participants.
• Knowledge of community resources, both internal and external.
• Proven group facilitation skills to lead individuals regarding educational, vocational, and life skills issues within a classroom setting and in the community.
• Skills in: Counselling, teaching, group and individual facilitation, communication, conflict resolution, and administrative.
• Assessment skills required for both the delivery of service to participants and daily operational/programming issues, including determination of suitability and risk.
• Program planning skills to implement, evaluate and modify new and existing programs, as needed.
• Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse confrontational situations.
• Ability to work well under pressure to ensure minimal interruption in service delivery.
• Written communication skills in English, to communicate ideas, instructions, and information in a clear, concise manner—adjust to the receiver's need for various levels of communication.
• Verbal skills in English to communicate ideas, instruction, and information in a clear concise manner. Ability to adjust to the receiver's need for various levels of communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate in French, verbally, and in written form.

WHY JOIN SPRINGBOARD?

Be part of a mission-driven, inclusive organization that values people and impact. Comprehensive benefits package and pension plan. Access to training, mentorship, and career development opportunities. A dynamic team environment focused on learning, growth, and making a difference. Active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities.