Shafiq Ahmad Setak

Experienced counsellor and settlement specialist with over eight years of supporting refugees and immigrants. Seeking to continue providing community-based services that facilitate the integration and empowerment of newcomers.

• Screenwriter and Novelist - Self Employed (2024-06 - In Progress

General Counsellor at COSTI - Corvetti Education Centre (2024-04 – 2024-06)

• Conducted intake interviews and assessed needs of newly arrived families and individuals.
• Assisted clients in applying for social assistance and scheduled necessary appointments.
• Provided supportive counselling, crisis intervention, and follow-up for special cases.
• Helped client complete essential forms, including Citizenship Applications and Work Permits.

General Counsellor at COSTI - RAP Center (2023-03 – 2024-01)

• Delivered settlement services to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) and jointly sponsored refugees.
• Coordinated client housing transitions and facilitated resettlement assistance program orientations.
• Provided interpretation services and referred clients to appropriate public and private resources.

Resettlement Counsellor at Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services (2022-02 – 2023-03)

• Conducted needs assessments and assisted Afghan immigrants with initial settlement processes.
• Supported school enrollment for newcomer children and facilitated Service Canada information sessions.
• Provided interpretation and translation services for essential resettlement documents.

Head of Board of Translation and Interpretation at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019-05 – 2021-08)

• Supervised and managed translation and interpretation of official government documents.
• Translated and revised agreements, MoUs, and official statements between English, Arabic, and Farsi/Dari.
• Provided simultaneous interpretation for government conferences and high-level meetings.

Educational Advisor and Senior Translator at Ministry of Education (2015-10 – 2017-09)

• Delivered training and career guidance to education professionals and trainees.
• Developed and implemented curriculum objectives in alignment with government policies.
• Translated and revised official reports, news stories, and educational materials.

Settlement Counsellor at The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (2009-01 – 2015-03)

• Assisted newcomers with job searches, housing applications, and financial aid processes.
• Led English conversation classes and provided translation services for community programs.

TESL Certificate – Seneca College

Master of Arts in Library & Information Science – Kuwait University

Bachelor of Arts in English – Umm Al-Qura University