Overnight Shelter Counsellor (Weekend)

Classification Title: Overnight Shelter Counsellor (Weekend)

Department: Shelter & Housing Services

Hours of Work: Friday-Sunday, 30 hours (Part-Time, 1-Year Fixed-Term Contract)

Reports to: Director of Housing & Shelter Services

Number of Positions: 1 (St. James Hotel)

Application Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025

Company Overview:

Street Haven is a dynamic women’s multi-service agency that provides shelter, supportive housing, training supports, and addictions therapy to vulnerable women in Toronto. We were established in 1965 and serve 1500 individuals annually. We have seen an increasing complexity of mental health and addiction needs among our clients. We are seeking a qualified and passionate candidate to take on this temporary role who can be part of our high-performance team and provide comprehensive support to improve the lives of our clients.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Director, Housing and Shelter Services, the position provides critical support to the clients and staff in the Shelter to ensure that clients are safe and supported as they move towards sustainable shelter. The incumbent will have the demonstrated ability to respond in the moment in a calm and effective manner while also understanding the mid- and long-term impact and outcomes for clients and services. The position navigates social and institutional systems from a client centered and community capacity building framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide client centered support to women in the Shelter while also connecting with external allies and resources
• Provide assistance on an ongoing basis through a continuum of services that can include initial and ongoing assessment, goals setting and support, systems navigation and case management.
• Support and regularly review client goal plans on an ongoing and regular basis.
• Complete administrative tasks; data base entry, updates and service-related reports.
• Provide crisis intervention support as needed.
• Effectively navigate through community support services and appropriate referrals

Key Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills informed by a Culturally Competent framework.
• Comprehensive understanding and demonstrated practice of SSHA and other Sector best practices
• Solid understanding of the social determinants and effects of addiction and mental health issues for women who are marginalized and vulnerable.
• Demonstrated competency in the issues of the LGBTQ and Trans communities, gender- based violence and women who have been in conflict with the law.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail while also having the ability to see and appreciate the big picture.
• Ability to effectively respond to multitude concurrent demands for response and attention to issues and
• Efficient knowledge of Microsoft Office; including Word and Outlook and the ability to learn data bases as required.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Post-secondary education with degree and/or certificate in Human Services, Social Work, Addictions or Mental health

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Proficient knowledge in the following areas:
• Strong understanding of mental health and addiction issues, including co-occurring disorders.
• Proficiency in trauma-informed care and harm reduction approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse clients.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage a flexible schedule.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of marginalized populations.
• Familiarity with community resources and the ability to navigate complex social service systems.
• Proficiency in case management software and basic computer skills.
• Emotional resilience and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience preferably in social services
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with marginalized women facing complex mental health and addiction issues
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a women centered organization.
• Certificates in First Aid, CPR, crisis intervention and prevention and harm reduction an asset

Working Environment

• This position is double shifted.
• This position involves walking, commuting and participating in client recreational activities.
• The environment is dynamic and unpredictable and involves regular exposure to clients who have been homeless and are living with challenges associated with mental health and addictions.
• Mornings, afternoons, evenings may be required.