Job Summary:
We are looking for people to work on a casual on-call basis to support women and children to move beyond violence by providing: telephone support, safety planning, ongoing assessment, emotional support through one to one and group activities, community referrals/information, discharge planning and advocacy. These workers will assist women to adapt to communal living and facilitate their transition to independence. This person will be expected to work a variety of shifts including mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends to align with the clients need. Seeking individuals who are available to start as soon as possible.
Responsibilities Include:
Assess women’s circumstances to ensure compliance with admission criteria
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, referrals and/or information either by telephone when responding to a call or in person
Conduct intake and ongoing assessments of women and their children
Develop attainable and measurable individual plans with all women (while residing at the shelter and preparing for discharge); monitor successful achievement of plans and complete necessary documentation
Communicate accurate and thorough information in discussion with colleagues and through notes
Provide support and education to residents through individual sessions
Assist women to find safe and affordable housing by providing advocacy and assistance
Facilitate and encourage conflict resolution among residents
Work with residents to ensure compliance with the Residential Handbook and to address issues arising from residing in a communal living environment. When necessary conduct supportive discussions, draft contracts and/or issue cautions
Assume primary responsibility for the safety and security of residents and direct others such as volunteers, staff, and residents to follow emergency procedures as required
Complete security systems checklist and following up on immediate safety issues as well as maintenance emergencies
Provide support, training and information to program volunteers and placement students as required
Adhere to all agency protocols, procedures and policies
Participate actively and constructively as a team member within the residential team, and the agency as a whole; attend team meetings; participate in program planning, development and evaluation
Assist in the development and implementation of program accountability and quality assurance mechanisms, including the client feedback process
Attend and actively participate in meetings as requested by the program manager or her designate
Engage fully and openly in supervision, keep program manager updated on all client and program related issues, participate with manager in case problem solving and resource exploration, alert manager to extraordinary case situations, and client grievances. Immediately report serious occurrences to program manager or her designate
Accept work assignments and follow direction from managers and/or designate
Authorize taxi charges, through signature, and distribute bus tickets to clients
Distribute vouchers to clients for used clothing and furniture
Receive and return resident valuables from the residential safe and record appropriately
Maintain and accurately record a petty cash float, as required. Worker is accountable for the completion of vouchers and the collection of receipts
Receive donations and record accurately and appropriately
Report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Family and Children’s Services as per the Child and Family Services Act
Maintain current certification of CPR, First Aid, Health & Safety, AODA, WHMIS and Effective Intervention Training, as required
Adhere and be in compliance with Section 28 of the Occupational Health & Safety Act
Develop and maintain knowledge of local community resources, and maintain a positive agency profile in the community
Promote Women’s Crisis Services in the community
Provide public education as required throughout Waterloo Region in a professional manner utilizing a diplomatic, non-judgmental and informed delivery approach
Demonstrate professional conduct while performing all job tasks
Perform other duties as required by the Residential Manager and/or designate
Skills and Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Social Work or a similar degree from a University of recognized standing, plus 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in a related field in the opinion of Women’s Crisis Services management.
Skills:
Continuous priority setting and flexibility is required due to the lack of control over crisis situations and in meeting the needs of multiple job expectations
Skills in advocacy, crisis intervention, risk and ongoing assessments based on the needs of abused women and their children
Knowledge of the effects of all types of abuse on both women and children
In-depth feminist analysis of violence against women
Solid understanding of an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework
Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations
Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to multi-task.
Current and informed knowledge of multi-cultural issues
Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of women and children, such as disability, sexual orientation, survivors of trauma, mental health issues, and addiction issues
Experience working with interpreters
Experience working with women with no or minimal literacy
Current knowledge of and skills in accessing and utilizing appropriate community resources
Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines
Knowledge of group processes including the ability to design, plan, and research, facilitate, co-facilitate and implement groups for abused women
Current knowledge of basic criminal and family law, the Child and Family Services Act and related legal issues and resources
Highly developed interpersonal skills, and verbal and written communication skills.
Proficient in the use of computer software
Valid Ontario Driver’s license, valid insurance and access to a reliable vehicle
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $18.00-$20.00 per hour
Reference ID: 0008
