JOB TITLE: Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Counsellor – Internal/External Posting
STATUS: Full-time, Contract to March 20, 2026 (35 hrs./week)
COMPENSATION RANGE: $50,204 – $63,525; pro-rated based on start date
REPORTS TO: Manager of Newcomer Services
CLOSING DATE: Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EDT
Are you looking for a meaningful opportunity to grow your career while making a positive impact in our community? Join the Sault Community Career Centre (SCCC) as a Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Counsellor!
At SCCC, our mission is to empower job seekers and newcomers through personalized employment and settlement services that foster connection, support employers, and enrich our community. Our inclusive, supportive workplace offers valuable experience, collaboration with a dedicated team, and a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation and paid personal emergency days. Be part of an organization that champions innovation, teamwork, and career growth.
JOB SUMMARY
The RAP Counsellor plays a pivotal role in supporting newly arrived clients in Canada by providing comprehensive resettlement services designed to facilitate their successful adaptation into their new community. They are responsible for ensuring that all direct services are provided to clients while they are in temporary housing and for related case management work. The RAP Counsellor provides front-line services such as counselling, referral, advocacy, research, translation, and interpretation to recently arrived government-assisted refugees.
The role also includes identifying client needs and developing and implementing appropriate action plans and programs to support them. The RAP Counsellor will encourage and promote superior client service by organizing and facilitating meetings, information sessions, and workshops with individuals and groups. The position also includes the responsibility to gather relevant data and feedback needed to evaluate and improve SCCC’s services and enhance its capacity to deliver efficient and effective support.
Ultimately, the RAP Counsellor plays a vital role in empowering clients to achieve their resettlement goals and in fostering a supportive, inclusive environment that promotes their overall well-being and integration into Canadian society.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CLIENT ASSESSMENT, INFORMATION AND LIFE SKILLS
• Coordinate effective airport reception services and accompany clients to temporary accommodation, providing initial hotel orientation.
• Conduct detailed needs assessments to obtain case histories and identify immediate client needs, providing referrals to appropriate community and government services.
• Develop and deliver life skills orientation sessions tailored to the needs of newcomers, covering essential topics for successful resettlement.
• Provide relevant information and referral services for community and government programs, such as medical services, mental health supports, housing, transportation, and financial services, including accompanying clients when necessary.
• Conduct financial orientation sessions to inform clients about income support, financial responsibilities, and basic Canadian banking systems, ensuring they understand their budgetary obligations and entitlements.
• Provide housing orientation sessions to clients, preparing them for a successful transition to permanent housing by educating them about their rights and responsibilities as tenants and offering hands-on guidance on maintaining a safe and clean living environment.
CASE MANAGEMENT, SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY
• Coordinate and deliver comprehensive case management services, ensuring clients in temporary accommodations have access to essential resources, including meals, incidentals, and appropriate supports.
• Liaise, consult, and advocate on behalf of clients with government programs and community services to secure necessary benefits and supports.
• Assist clients with completing and understanding applications for mandatory Federal and Provincial programs such as CCB, SIN, OHIP, PR, and Healthy Smiles.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support, including in situations involving family violence or conflict, prioritizing client safety and well-being.
• Offer support and referrals for clients experiencing personal or family challenges and arrange interpretation services as needed to facilitate access to services.
• Monitor and document client issues that may impact RAP income support (e.g., hospitalization, pregnancy, family separation), ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
ADMINISTRATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT
• Accurately maintain and update client records, including case notes and service plans in the appropriate database system, ensuring that all information is properly documented and easily accessible.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with clients to monitor their progress and provide additional support as needed.
• Follow established protocols and standards to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of all data entered.
• Accurately compile and organize physical client files, ensuring all relevant documents and information are included and properly filed in accordance with established protocols.
QUALIFICATIONS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
• Proficiency in English, both oral (speaking, listening) and written (reading, writing), is required.
• Proficiency in additional languages, including French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, and Somali, is considered an asset.
EDUCATION
• Post-secondary Degree OR Diploma in a related discipline
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
• Experience supporting vulnerable and marginalized individuals with complex needs from diverse cultural, ethnic, and ability backgrounds.
• Strong foundation in counselling techniques, needs assessment, and de-escalation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver orientation workshops tailored to client needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, emphasizing professionalism, reflective listening, and intercultural competence.
• Proven ability to problem-solve, make sound decisions, and remain adaptable in dynamic situations.
• Commitment to maintaining privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Collaborative team player who fosters a respectful and supportive work environment.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Reader; able to learn new programs as needed.
OTHER
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
• Demonstrated passion for providing an exceptional client experience for newcomers
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence and clean driving record are required
• Ability to perform the following physical demands, e.g., lifting and loading program materials/equipment
• Perform other tasks as assigned
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates are to submit their resume and cover letter as one PDF document by email no later than Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, with the subject line: RAP COUNSELLOR APPLICATION to:
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Sault Community Career Centre is an inclusive employer committed to an application and interview process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Accommodation is available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code/AODA. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the application or interview process known in advance by contacting the Director of Resources at (705) 759-0909 ext. 4261.
477 Queen Street East
