Mental Health (Trauma-Informed) Settlement Worker

Job title: Mental Health (Trauma-Informed) Settlement Worker 

Department: Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Ajax

Reports to: Manager, Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services - Ajax and Team Lead, Ajax Welcome Centre & Settlement Services

Using Trauma-informed and Gender-equity approaches, the Newcomer Mental Health Settlement Worker is responsible for assessing client needs and facilitating settlement and integration by working with immigrants, and newly-arrived individuals and families. The successful incumbent will be required to conduct outreach activities and presentations to raise awareness of mental health and support clients in navigating through mental health and wellness support systems and challenges.

This position will be contracted till March 29, 2024, with a possibility of extension, subject to funding.

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 50 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.

Using an anti-oppression lens, supports and promotes an environment that holds opportunities for all, regardless of race, ancestry, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, family status, or disability; fosters a climate of inclusion, where diverse thoughts are freely shared and integrated. Under social justice, all groups and individuals receive fair treatment and an equitable share of the benefits of society. 

Culturally-Sensitive 

Recognizing, understanding, and applying attitudes and practices that are sensitive to and appropriate for people with diverse cultural socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and persons of all ages, genders, health statuses, sexual orientations and abilities.

Interventions such as speaking, writing, or acting in favour of a particular issue or cause, policy, or group of people.  In the social services sector, advocacy is assumed to be in the public interest, whereas lobbying by a special interest group may or may not be in the public interest.  Advocacy often aims to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged groups such as individuals recently immigrating to Canada, persons with disabilities, the LGBT community, etc.

Procedures whereby members of a community participate directly in decision-making about developments that affect the community.  It covers a spectrum of activities ranging from passive involvement in community life to intensive action-oriented participation in community development (including political initiatives and strategies). 

Focus on understanding and meeting clients’ needs, makes extra effort to meet the needs of the client, and follows up on complaints/questions/requests.

Developing and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships. Builds relationships with clients by following through on commitments, respecting confidentiality, and demonstrating an interest in their specific challenges and needs.

Has a high degree of empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the clients, and ability to provide assistance to the clients with care and patience as necessary.

Desire/ability to understand others’ attitudes/interests/needs/feelings/nonverbal behavior, incorporating empathy, listening skills, and diagnostic understanding, understanding strengths/limitations of others. Communicates and interacts effectively with individuals and groups in the provision of professional services. Gives full attention to what other people are saying by being active listeners who value the opinions of their workers. Capable of using their communication skills to successfully gather information that they need. They are also people whom are trusted and can build relationships with others.  

Effective in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings; commands attention and manages group process during the presentation; is cognizant of audience response and able to adapt content and style accordingly.

Ability to work in a team environment and independently

Has a strong capability to work in a team environment and support the separate functions that make a team, as well as work on individual tasks that support that overall program.  

Ability to express vast knowledge of the Durham Community, as well as knowledge in social, government, and community services.  

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectations, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements. 

CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted. 

CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.

CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.