Summary

Join our Client Services Program as a Community Services Counsellor and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. We're currently looking for a compassionate and dedicated counsellor to fill a 11-month temporary full-time, unionized position, working Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm or Monday to Thursday 8am to 5:45pm or Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5:45pm.

Description

Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, supported and loved.

FearIsNotLove (the new brand evolution and operator of Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter) works to inspire and build a dignity driven movement, cultivating communities that are free from domestic violence and abuse. We serve all people to live free from fear, neglect, violence, and abuse through a comprehensive range of innovative programs and services; from prevention and education, to counselling and emergency supports.

The agency plays an important role in the daily lives of individuals and families living with fear in their close relationships. In whatever way domestic violence impacts a person; whether they are a victim, someone who uses abuse and wants to change, or someone who knows another person being abused—FearIsNotLove is here to help.

Our goal is to help people to have violence-free lives, to live without fear, and get to the ultimate outcome – love. It’s what we all want and need. We are looking for people who want to be part of changing the conversation about domestic violence and abuse.

FearIsNotLove creates safe spaces. We listen, we support, we encourage and we are judgement-free. We are relentless in our commitment to our clients, our communities and each other. We believe change is possible. At our core is an uncompromising commitment to our team of talented people who believe in our mission. We believe that when people feel empowered and safe, they are able to move forward with the best decisions for them and their family.

The Community Services Counselling Program provides crisis and emotional support to individuals who have experienced domestic violence. The Community Services Counsellor works with individuals on strategies to help build safety and connections to resources. The Community Services Counsellor supports clients with safety planning, case planning, parenting support, and information and referrals to community resource services that are available to support the client’s journey toward a life free of domestic violence and abuse. 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

  • Establishes and maintains a client caseload of active and brief services clients. The client caseload consists of clients who have been referred from the Connect, Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline, FearIsNotLove Shelter, or other community partners.
  • Utilize engagement skills to help clients to feel validated and supported, provide clients with practical and emotional supports that focus on their here-and-now needs, and assist clients in overcoming crisis.
  • Focus on the client’s experience of violence and abuse, collaborate with them as they explore their responses and resistance to the violence they experienced, and assist them in identifying and deciding upon their options for the future.    
  • Provide support with safety planning, case planning based on the clients’ inherent strengths and resilience, parenting support, and information on community resources that are available to meet the needs of the clients.
  • Completes the Danger Assessment Lethality Tool with clients to determine level of danger to enhance the safety planning process.
  • Is an advocate and maintains relationships within the agency and with external professionals to provide a support system for clients. 
  • Attends and participates in required committees.
  • Responsible for managing risk with clients, including identifying risk to self or others, and risks of harm to children.  When risk is identified, consulting with others as needed, escalating these concerns to supervisors, and following established processes and documentation.
  • Completes and maintains all client documentation requirements within the established timelines
  • Completes on-going Feedback Informed Treatment Scales with the clients to monitor progress and adjust approach as required in real time based on clients’ feedback.
  • Access response-based training and consultation as required
  • Enable clients to tell their story and to share how they resisted the violence and abuse.  Engage the clients in identifying their inherent strengths as they build their action plans to be free of violence and abuse.
  • Able to plan, organize, and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines. Can effectively manage multiple tasks and varying workloads.
  • Must be discreet and maintain confidentiality to safeguard the security of clients.
  • Ensure Compliance with Accreditation Standards; Maintain current police and IRC checks, professional registration (if applicable), and required accreditation-related training (e.g., First Aid, NVCI, Indigenous, Diversity, response-based).
  • Ensure client files meet accreditation standards and agency policies.
  • Other duties as assigned to support FearIsNotLove’s clients and program.

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR MISSION:

  • Diploma in Human Services or related field required.
  • Degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of related experience required.
  • 2 or more years of experience providing emotional support, resources and safety planning for people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse preferred.
  • Knowledge and awareness of culturally sensitive client needs and resource availability.
  • Strong knowledge and linkage to external services and systems that are available to the clients.
  • First Aid, ASIST and other certifications and ongoing training and development are a required condition of employment.
  • The ability to analyze situations in guiding safety plans that supports the client’s safety and the safety of others.
  • The ability to verify, clarify and understand the client’s situation and empower the client to develop their plan to end the violence and abuse. Perform necessary follow through.
  • Knowledge and experience of the Response Based Practice is an asset.
  • Second language would be an asset.
  • Valid drivers license and reliable vehicle is required.

IMPORTANT DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • Ongoing training and development is a required condition of this position.
  • A criminal records search and an intervention record check are conditions of employment.
  • If eligible for registration with a professional body, registration must be current.
  • In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Apply to become part of the movement.  FearIsNotLove. Be part of changing the conversation with us. 
CLOSE DATE: This position will remain open until September 10, 2025 or until filled.

FearIsNotLove is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We encourage qualified candidates from all genders, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply.

We thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We regret that we are unable to accept telephone inquiries.