Relief Peer Counsellor

Peer Counsellor - Job Description

Job Title Peer Counsellor Report to: Helpline Manager

Job Status Shifts will be on a "as need basis"

Location British Columbia or Alberta based (Remote work)

The Helpline Peer Counsellor is responsible for providing confidential peer counselling services to our helpline callers. The peer counsellor will provide empathetic and non-judgemental support, while empowering the callers to work towards an action plan and provide necessary resources. This position is ideally suited for someone who is working towards a career in counselling. The helpline is available 9am- 12am PST and shifts are scheduled in 4- 6 hour blocks.

• Respond to incoming helpline calls from Muslim women in a confidential and non-judgmental manner using a peer counselling model
• Provide empathetic and supportive listening to callers in order to build rapport and identify support needs.
• Guide callers to devise an action plan towards empowerment.
• Developing recovery plans, coping methods, and rehabilitation strategies with the calllers
• 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
• PHippa compliance .
• Incorporate values of cultural competences and diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of work

• Competent with technology especially Microsoft tools
• CRM experience is an asset.
• Counselling skills
• Active listening skills
• Report Writing skills
• Empathetic
• Patient
• Compassionate
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Non-Judgmental
• Social Perceptive Skills
• Speak and comunicate in Arabic, Urdu, French or Somali is an asset

• Must possess both verbal and written fluency in English, additonal languages is an asset.
• Adherence to confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion
• Consistent and dependable communication
• 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
• Asist or MHFA certification is an asset

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