POSITION SUMMARY: The Residential Client Advocate will use a client-centered approach to support women-identified individuals and their dependents who are experiencing abuse and/or homelessness while offering a safe space for individuals residing in the Women’s Shelter during this process. The Residential Client Advocate will provide service from a trauma-informed, anti racism anti oppression lens, while respecting each woman’s self-determination and personal decision making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide direct service to women-identified individuals and their dependents, including but not limited to, conducting safety planning and risk management, completing assessments and admits, offering housing information and completing housing applications, offering referrals, participating in conflict resolution and offering crisis intervention by phone and through web and text-based service
- Engage with service users in all areas of the shelter
- Participate in developing and delivering on site groups and activities for women
- Ensure the overall management, safety and security of the women’s shelter is maintained
- Keep systematic records using automated case management software and in-house tools such as log books and report templates
- Assist in the training and supervision of students and volunteers within the Violence Against Women’s Services Department
- Understand and follow protocols with community partners such as Hamilton Police Services, Children’s Aid Society and School boards
- Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and training
- Work safely, identify any health and safety concerns and report to management, and follow Mission Services’ workplace health and safety policies and procedures at all times
- Ensure that service users have access to participate in barrier-free services, assist and empower each service user to become more independent
- Adhere to a strict confidentiality policy
- Other duties as required to ensure the continuation of service to residents
QUALIFICATIONS:· The successful candidate will hold at minimum a diploma in Social Service Work. A diploma in Assaulted Women and Children Counsellor/Advocate, or a degree in Social Work, is preferred
· Minimum two (2) years of work experience in fields of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health, concurrent disorders, counselling or other social services supporting vulnerable women; two- four (2-4) years of experience is preferred
· Demonstrated understanding of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health disorders, addiction, poverty and homelessness
· Demonstrated understanding of working from an intersectional feminist lens
· Demonstrated ability to provide person-centered, trauma-informed and anti racism anti oppression services and supports to women and children with diverse experiences and identities
· Excellent counselling, crisis intervention, organizational and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations
· Confident decision maker and enthusiastic team player
· Committed to upholding the organization’s mission, values and standards
· Fluency in French is an asset
HOURS OF WORK:
· 37.5 hours per week
· Must be available to work days and afternoons, weekdays and weekends
REQUIREMENTS:
· Police Vulnerable Sector Check
· Two-Step Tuberculosis Skin Test
COMPENSATION:
· Hourly rate: $23.42
· Benefits to start after three (3) months of paid, active employment
· Group RRSP employer matching up to 3% after one (1) year of continuous employment
Pay: From $23.42 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
