Resident Counselling and Navigation Specialist

Job description:

Resident Counselling and Navigation Specialist

Iris Kirby House (IKH)

Monday - Friday; Weekend and Evening shifts may be required.

Position Summary

The Resident Counselling and Navigation Specialist provides on-site counselling and systems navigation support to residents and clients of Iris Kirby House who voluntarily access the service. The role includes clinical assessment, crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and short-term therapeutic support, while assisting clients and staff in navigating mental health and addictions services.

In addition to direct client care, the Specialist serves as the clinical lead within the shelter, modeling and reinforcing trauma-informed, client-centered practice across frontline service delivery. Working collaboratively with staff and external partners, the role reduces systemic barriers, strengthens continuity of care, and promotes consistent application of organizational principles.

The Specialist provides day-to-day functional supervision of designated staff and supports Management in maintaining safe, accountable, and high-quality service delivery. Delegated authority includes oversight of clinical standards, staff guidance, performance feedback, workload coordination, documentation quality, and client safety, with escalation of operational or clinical risks as required.

Responsibilities

Clinical Counselling and Crisis Support

• Provide trauma-informed, single-session counselling to women accessing Iris Kirby House.
• Conduct mental health and risk assessments related to intimate partner and family violence.
• Provide crisis intervention, grounding, emotional regulation, and safety planning, supporting clients in identifying practical next steps.
• Educate clients on coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques.
• Offer culturally responsive, inclusive, and strengths-based counselling.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate therapeutic or psychoeducational groups, subject to organizational approval.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional and organizational standards, utilizing electronic record systems effectively.
• Maintain relevant data, support reporting requirements, and perform administrative duties related to the role.

Systems Navigation and Resource Coordination

• · Identify systemic barriers within health, social service, legal, and community systems that impact client safety and wellbeing.
• · Support clients in navigating services related to mental health, addictions, housing, income support, medical care, legal processes, and safety planning.
• · With informed consent, liaise with external service providers to coordinate care and strengthen continuity of support.
• · Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive resource network and referral inventory.
• · Contribute to the development and refinement of counselling guidelines, policies, and clinical practice standards.
• · Monitor utilization of therapeutic supports, external service referrals, and related program resources to ensure effective and responsible allocation.
• · Provide input into planning and forecasting for counselling-related resources, supports, and program budgets, supporting sustainable and fiscally responsible service delivery.
  • Represent the organization in community and interagency settings.Build and maintain cross-sector relationships

Leadership and Collaboration

• · Serve as the lead practitioner in therapeutic support to residents, modeling trauma-informed, client-centered practice in daily interactions.
• · Champion and reinforce the organization's principles and philosophies in frontline service delivery, ensuring consistency in approach and tone.
• · Provide day-to-day supervision and clinical guidance to designated shelter staff, supporting sound judgment and professional boundaries.
• · Monitor quality of care, documentation standards, and alignment with policy and best practice.
• · Deliver coaching, constructive feedback and performance input, contributing to formal evaluations and workload prioritization.
• · Identify and escalate operational, clinical, or risk concerns in collaboration with the Shelter Manager as required.

Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker (RSW), Psychologist, Counsellor, or other regulated mental health practitioner licensed to practice counselling in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in mental health, trauma, and/or victim services, with specialized training in trauma-informed practice and a range of mental health conditions
• Strong understanding of intimate partner and family violence, including clinical assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, risk assessment, and safety planning
• Demonstrated clinical judgment, independence, and ability to provide trauma-informed, individual session counselling
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to complete accurate and ethical documentation
• Valid Newfoundland and Labrador driver's license, with willingness to travel
• Ability to work rotational shifts, if needed, including evenings and weekends
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check prior to employment

Work Location: In person