Under the direction of the Director of Counselling and Mental Health, the Intake Worker acts as the first point of entry for new clients seeking counselling services. The Intake worker will conduct short assessment interviews with prospective clients, record and analyze their needs and make recommendations regarding appropriate service within The Counselling Group.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Intake Assessments: provides initial assessment and screening of clients contacting JFS for counselling services.
• Completes a comprehensive written Intake Report which includes identifying the request and reason for counselling services; and a screening for history of abuse / violence, current safety risk, mental health issues, workplace stress, and / or involvement with community agencies.
• Provides referral information for other community resources/ services as appropriate to client need.
• Maintains and monitors the waitlist for counselling services.
• Where necessary and useful, collaborates with other professionals (i.e., doctors, settlement workers and other health-care professionals).
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with community agencies, schools, courts, child welfare workers, etc., makes referrals and mobilizes community resources where indicated on matters relating to clients’ welfare
• Ensures quality client care that is consistent with best practices, agency standards, and evidence-based approaches (particularly brief, narrative, & solution-focused therapies).
• Ability to create and maintain confidential accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive client records
• Participates in supervision, meetings, workshops (including professional development opportunities)
• Performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

NOTE:  preference for candidates who are available to work in the evenings and who speak either Arabic or Farsi

The successful candidate will have: 

• A BSW / BA in Psychology or a diploma in Social Service Work
• Minimum 3 years of over the phone customer/client experience.
• Experience and interest in working with marginalized and diverse clientele in a non-profit, community-based organization.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of community resources, relevant city service-provider networks, community-based health care, and income-maintenance legislation and services, as well as issues impacting individuals affected by mental illness.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written; excellent time management and organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a crisis as well as a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications, including Microsoft Office programs, client database software, and electronic record keeping in a client services setting.
• Fluency in English (Oral, Written) is Mandatory. Fluency in any other language is an asset (Oral). Preference will be given to candidates who can communicate in additional languages.

  Jewish Family Services of Ottawa supports equal opportunity employment.  We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Right Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting Jewish Family Services’ HR department at: hradmin@jfsottawa.com .

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

JFS does not use AI or automated decision‑making technologies in recruitment. All hiring decisions are made through human review in accordance with applicable employment and privacy laws.