Employment

SASC Job Opportunities

Counsellor/Advocate (2 Vacancies)
Internal / External Posting
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region supports survivors of sexual violence. We listen, facilitate healing, and celebrate resiliency. Using an intersectional feminist approach, we work to transform systems which promote gender-based violence.

Due to our community's generosity and COVID relief funds, we're recruiting two full-time Counsellor/Advocates! 

Reporting to our Manager of Services, the successful candidate should feel inspired by our work and have a genuine desire to support our mission, vision, and values. They will be an experienced counsellor, with a warmth and maturity about them that helps foster a safe, supportive environment for survivors.

Essential Requirements of Education / Experience:

• Post-secondary education in a counselling-related program
• 3+ years of relevant experience 

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

• Individual and group counselling with survivors of sexual violence 
• Advocacy and accompaniments with survivors 
• Maintenance of client files and statistics 
• Student supervision, as required 

Knowledge and Skill Required: 

• Knowledge of sexual violence, trauma, and recovery 
• Proven skills in counselling, group facilitation, crisis intervention, and advocacy with survivors of sexual violence 
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-violence work and an intersectional feminist approach 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills 

Office hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work is also a requirement for this position.

*Due to the COVID pandemic, staff are working remotely.

Salary: $49,847.12 to $58,643.68 annually, 35 hours/week, plus benefits and a generous vacation package. 
This posting is for a one-year contract, beginning immediately. 

Committed to reflecting our diverse community, we especially encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ candidates.

​Please submit an updated resume, complete with cover letter, by February 21, 2021, by clicking the button below. 

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or email inquiries, please.  

click here to apply!

COUNSELLOR / ADVOCATE
JOB DESCRIPTION 
Job Summary 
Reporting to the Manager of Services, our Counsellor / Advocates are accountable to provide supportive, strengths-based, non-judgmental advocacy, psycho-education, and individual and group counselling to survivors and their families who have been impacted by sexual violence.

 Duties and Responsibilities 
 Direct Service  

• Provide an average of 17 individual counselling sessions per week for people, 16 years of age and older, who have experienced or have been impacted by sexual violence. 
• Provide advocacy and accompaniments to survivors. Provide accompaniments to court, the hospital, the police station, mental health appointments, CIBC hearings, etc.  
• Write letters of support/advocacy and CICB therapy reports. 
• Participate in case conferences and consultations. 
• Make appropriate referrals to other community services and communicate with other service providers to support clients.  
• Maintain and build community partnerships within the scope of a Counsellor/Advocate role.  
• Provide practical assistance to clients as necessary and available. (E.g. bus tickets, grocery vouchers, hygiene products, food items, book loans, etc.) 
• Provide support with Group Counselling as requested by the Manager of Services. 

​In a small agency, it is often the case that work that is similar to one's job will be assigned or required. From time to time, it is also a requirement to complete work that is not similar to one's role to accomplish SASC's purpose.  

Qualifications 

• Post-secondary education in a counselling-related program and three or more years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge and training on sexual violence, trauma and recovery.
• Proven skills in support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and advocacy with gender-based violence survivors. 
• Familiarity with community services. 
• Knowledge of how sexual violence relates to forms of oppression.
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized and at-risk communities. 
• Experience supporting and advocating for survivors with mental health needs, safety concerns, etc. 
• Exceptional organizational; time-management, and communication skills. 
• A strong ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. 
• Must attend and successfully complete volunteer training program upon initial employment. 
• A valid driver's license; and access to a vehicle. 

 
Communications 
Strong communications and interpersonal/human relations skills are a requirement to articulate policy, concepts, etc., and to motivate others and effect change both inside and outside the organization. There is regular contact with clients, as well as community partners.

Working Conditions  
This job is partially performed in a comfortable office environment, with occasional travel around Waterloo Region to partner agencies. Much of the office work involves sitting, but there is an opportunity to stand and move. 

This job requires intense concentration during meetings with clients. Repeated exposure to details of violence and assault can lead to vicarious trauma. The need for debriefing, communication with management, self-care, and balance is critical for incumbents in this position. 

*Much of this position will be home-based during COVID.

​Direct Reports 
Counsellor/Advocates may supervise the work of students in the program.  No employees report to this position.