Community Educator and Counsellor

HALDIMAND & NORFOLK WOMEN’S SERVICES

COMMUNITY EDUCATOR AND COUNSELLOR

SUMMARY OF POSITION:   To provide counselling and advocacy to secondary school students who have witnessed or experienced abuse in relationships. To educate all segments of our community to the issues of abuse and the services of the Haldimand-Norfolk Women’s Services, particularly participating in advocating for the elimination of Gender Based Violence.

OVERVIEW:

Our organization is currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Community Educator and Counsellor. This position is for an existing vacancy within the agency. This is a one-year contract position with the possibility of renewal or transition to a permanent role. Starting wage is $29.29.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide services and information in Haldimand-Norfolk Schools concerning Gender Based Violence including:

Counselling secondary school students individually or in groups; having a presence in all secondary schools in Haldimand & Norfolk

Presentations to classrooms or groups of students, educators, and parents

Promote curriculum development and use social media as a method to further communicate issues relating to Gender Based Violence

To provide education on Gender Based Violence, issues affecting women’s lives and the services of Haldimand-Norfolk Women’s Services to the community, agencies; and organizations in Haldimand-Norfolk including:

Inservice training for staff and volunteers of community agencies and organizations.

Educational group counselling.

Community presentations, special events/activities and displays.

Educational workshops for other client groups

Social Media posts relevant to events and trending issues

To coordinate and facilitate G.I.R.L.S. Power Camp

Manage all aspects of GPC, including curriculum development, recruiting campers and facilitators and program evaluation.

Design and deliver fundraising events to support GPC, including budgeting and financials in collaboration with HNWS Finance Manger

Provide information sessions and Social Media presence regarding GPC.

Enhance current programming by researching, preparing, and submitting funding proposals including budget management and reporting responsibilities.

To provide supervision and support to volunteers and Co-op Students working at HNWS.

Liaise with school officials regarding placements and provide direction and supervision to students in collaboration with community and residential staff.

Provide supervision and direction to volunteers within the Community Education Program

To represent Haldimand-Norfolk Women’s Services at meetings of community agencies as required.

Maintain and update resource materials for Haldimand-Norfolk Women’s Services             

Maintain accurate and up to date client records.

Record statistics and submit reports as required by the organization.

Complete program evaluations and adjust program planning as required.

Provide advocacy, support and referral to students working through justice system.

Participate in collaborative community partnerships and represent HNWS in

related activities.

Adhere to guidelines set out in Haldimand & Norfolk CAS/VAW Protocol

If required, provide support to residential counsellors as per schedule.

Attend biweekly staff meetings and provide program report.

Assume other duties as deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.     Post Secondary education in Social Sciences, preferably a degree.

2.     Experience in public speaking and teaching.

3.     Knowledge and experience in individual and group counseling.

4.     Ability to perform within a survivor-centered organization which bases its services on an intersectional feminist analysis of gender-based violence.

1. Knowledge of and/or experience with community social services, medical, legal and education systems and other relevant services.
2. Ability to function independently and as part of a team.
3. Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing as well as organize and present information comprehensively and effectively to individuals and groups.

8.     A current CPIC and valid First Aid/CPR certificate.

9.     Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.

10. A strong ability to keep sensitive materials confidential.

11. Knowledge and/or experience in project management and event planning.

12. Counselling and crisis intervention skills.

Closing Date: December 26, 2025

Please send your resume including cover letter in confidence to:

Vanessa Dion, Community Services Manager

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our clients/customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.

No AI is in use for hiring and/or recruiting.