Independent Contractor - Relief Peer Counsellor

The Relief Peer Counsellor is responsible for providing confidential peer counselling services to our anonymous helpline callers by providing emotional support, empowering the callers to work towards an action plan and providing resources where applicable. The Relief Peer Counsellor is an independent contractor position, expected to fill some shifts on a rotational basis during evenings and weekends, as well as step in for coverage of shifts during Statutory holidays, and staff PTO’s.

Role Responsibilities

• Respond to incoming helpline calls from Muslim women in a confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental manner using a peer counselling model
• Provide empathetic and supportive listening to callers in order to build rapport and identify support needed
• Guide callers to devise an action plan to empower callers 
• Developing recovery plans, coping methods, and rehabilitation strategies with the client
• Utilize helpline referral system to provide appropriate and informed referrals to callers
• Adhere to helpline guidelines and policies when conducting day to day activities
• Maintain a calm, professional and respectful demeanor during every call
• Update call log at the end of each shift to ensure all documentation is complete
• Communicate with helpline manager to report issues, seek guidance, or debrief as required
• Ensure confidentiality of caller as well as any other highly sensitive information is maintained
• Participate in mandatory trainings, case studies and role play as required
• Incorporate values of cultural competences and diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of work

Competencies

• Counselling skills
• Active listening 

• Written Skills
• Report Writing
• Empathetic
• Patient
• Communication Skills 
• Technological Skills
• Compassionate 
• Non-Judgmental
• Social Perceptive Skills
• Respect

Qualifications and Experiences

• Must possess both verbal and written fluency in both English and an additonal language such as Arabic, Urdu, French or Somali.
• Adherence to confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion
• Consistent and dependable in communicating updates
• Hotline experience is an asset
• Knowledge of psychology, Social Services, and other related subjects is an asset
• Knowledge of Islamic traditions and conduct is an asset
• Applied suicide intervention Skills Training (ASiST) or Mental health first aid certification (MHFA) is an asset. 
• Ideal for MSW students. 

The ideal candidate must:

• Be available on weekends, evenings, statutory holidays 
• Value the intrinsic worth of others irrespective of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religious determination 
• Accept and respect differences of opinion, values, views, and beliefs of others that may be different from your own
• Be open to feedback and willing to act upon feedback provided
• Be able to offer unconditional positive regard to others regardless of their life story and life choices  
• Be able to work independently

Nisa Helpline is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to complying with both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA.