DESTA Black Youth Network – Support Services Counselor
DESTA’s mission:
Based in Little Burgundy and serving participants across Greater Montreal, DESTA is a
community organization that supports Black youth aged 18 to 35 in reaching their educational,
employability, and entrepreneurial goals through a holistic and individualized approach.
The Opportunity:
DESTA employs a trauma-informed approach and harm reduction philosophies, and we are
currently seeking a Support Services Counselor who will have a compassionate understanding
of the challenges our participants face.
This position is 35 hours per week with an annual salary of $32,000 to $36,000 (commensurate
with experience), and includes a benefits package with health, dental, and life insurance.
Flexibility of schedule is required, as the Support Services Counselor occasionally works
evenings and occasionally weekend events.
Please note that our building is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
The Position:
Reporting directly to Support Services Coordinator, and working within a growing Support
Services team, the Support Services Counselor’s responsibilities are to:
Conduct psychosocial needs assessments of assigned participants
Meet with assigned participants regularly in order to monitor their physical, mental, and
psychological well-being
Provide ongoing support to participants with emphasis on harm reduction
Develop and implement individual service plans for assigned participants with short and
long-term objectives
Provide accompaniment to participants when necessary
Advocate on behalf of participants with hospitals, doctors, social service agencies,
government departments, participants’ families, and community groups, etc.
Provide assistance when appropriate in negotiating with landlords, social service
agencies, and government departments, and advise clients of their rights and obligations
Refer and link participants to external resources
Manage caseload of assigned participants
Participate in case meetings with Support Services Coordinator/team
Maintain accurate and timely participant records and documentation
Work in close cooperation with external agency staff involved with participants to ensure
the quality and timeliness of support provided
Participate in professional development trainings and workshops
Represent DESTA at various community events when needed
Be up-to-date on DESTA’s mission, vision, and values
Essential Qualifications:
DEC in Social Services, BA in Human Relations, BA in Social Work, or related degree
Experience working in not-for-profit sector
Experience in counseling and/or coaching and interventions
Ability to work with participants in crisis (housing, legal, family, substance use, etc.)
Knowledge of and sensitivity towards issues concerning diverse ethno-cultural and
marginalized communities, and the Black community in particular
Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team
Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask and manage time effectively
Computer skills (MS Office, data entry)
Additional assets:
Knowledge of Little Burgundy and the Southwest (Sud-Ouest)
Related lived experience
Familiarity with judicial and correctional system, and issues faced by individuals
currently and previously incarcerated
Bilingualism (English and French)
How to apply:
Please forward your CV and cover letter. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant lived
and work experience, as well as your personal and professional values.
Please send applications to: recruitment@destabyn.org
Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Deadline for application is January 30, 2019.
If you wish to be considered for employment equity:
Desta values the contributions that individuals who identify as members of marginalized communities
bring to our organization. We encourage, among others, Indigenous people, people of colour, disabled
people, people identifying as LGBTQIA+, women, formerly incarcerated or institutionalized people,
immigrants, and people from working class backgrounds to apply. We also understand that applicants
may experience a number of these identities simultaneously in ways that reinforce and nuance their
experience. We are committed to creating an organization that reflects the community we serve.
If you wish to be considered for employment equity, please include the following sentence on a separate
page to your cover letter and CV: “I would like to be considered for employment equity.” Please note
that we do not require applicants to specify the basis on which they are applying for employment equity;
you do not need to disclose your reasons.