Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, KWS invites you to join our team as a Specialized Victim Caseworker.
About Us:
KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980. Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.
Summary:
The Specialized Victim Caseworker is a frontline, community-based role delivering trauma-informed, client-centered support to individuals impacted by power-based crimes, including sexualized violence, gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse. The position involves providing direct services such as supportive listening, safety planning, advocacy, and crisis response. The worker assists individuals in navigating justice systems through court orientation and accompaniment, support with documentation, and access to community resources and supports. These programs support individuals of all genders and is grounded in inclusive, client-centered practice.
Collaborating closely with RCMP, Police based Victims Services, Crown Counsel, and community service providers, the role ensures coordinated, timely support while maintaining accurate, confidential documentation in alignment with established policies and procedures. This position focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for victims of crime to address the impacts of violence and enhance safety and stability.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide immediate emotional support and crisis intervention to victims and their families within the community-based setting, supporting their recovery from power-based crime and trauma.
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Conduct intake, risk assessment, and safety planning; develop survivor-led service plans and informed consent processes, ensuring culturally safe and trauma informed care.
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Provide general information on the justice system, relevant federal and provincial legislation and programs pertaining to victims of crime, crime prevention, safety planning, and available community, government, justice, health, and other resources.
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Assess and address victims’ needs for additional supports; make appropriate referrals to community, government, justice, health, housing, immigration, and other services; document referrals and outcomes.
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Facilitate and provide access to information related to police investigations, charges, protective orders, sentence/probation/parole, courtroom procedures, and court etiquette; provide courtroom orientation as needed.
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Assist clients with completing applications for programs such as Crime Victim Assistance Program, provincial supports, and victim impact statements; coordinate and track related paperwork.
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Provide or facilitate, with informed consent, accompaniment to police, Crown Counsel, or court appearances; support clients through the criminal justice process, including updates and restitution processes.
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Maintain a professional, collaborative working relationship with local community, government, justice, health, and other service providers; participate in cross-system planning as appropriate.
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Lead or participate in case conferencing with DVU partners (police, Crown, probation, MCFD, CYAC) and other community agencies; ensure information sharing is compliant with legislation, policy, and individual consent.
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Facilitate or provide advocacy support, including accompaniment to appointments (police, court, medical, housing, immigration) and liaison with partner agencies; support client-centered decision-making.
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Engage in outreach and community education activities to raise awareness about IPVU, victim services, consent, and available supports; build community partnerships with Indigenous organizations and IPVU-serving networks.
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Maintain accurate, timely case notes and client files, document service delivery, referrals, outcomes, and client progress in accordance with agency policy and funder requirements.
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Maintains and submits accurate statistics and reports as required by the funder, the Society or as requested by Program
- Ensures that policies and procedures are adhered to in the delivery of service.
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Participates and contributes as a member of the Victim Services and Community Programs teams.
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Maintain a professional, collaborative working relationship with local community, government, justice, health, and other service providers; participate in cross-system planning as appropriate.
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Adheres to the philosophies, policies, procedures and Code of Ethics of the Society.
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Accounts to the Program Manager and participates in regular supervision and team meetings as required.
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Ensures that personal safety of self is at the forefront in delivery of services.
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Communicates promptly with the Program Manager regarding any personal safety concerns.
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Participates in professional development through workshops, in service training, etc. as required.
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Develops and maintains current knowledge of the effects of power-based crimes and the justice systems.
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Communicates with Society staff regarding the services of the Community -based Victim Services Program. Provides information to Society staff with respect to serving victims of crime.
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Participates in community coordination, presentations and public awareness about the Community-based Victim Services program, power-based crimes and the services offered. and public awareness activities to enhance client service and promotes the Community-based Victim Services program and where required by the Program Manager.
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Represents the Society positively and professionally in the community and in all activities.
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Build and maintain a network of working relationships with other community service providers, community groups, etc. to develop programming, coordinate program delivery, ensure effective referrals and a good continuum of care.
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Participate in program development through collaboration with the Program Leadership Team and make recommendations to create and enhance programming designed for those affected by power-based crime.
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Duties and responsibilities may be reasonably modified from time to time to ensure alignment with funder contracts, operational requirements, and the evolving needs of KWS.
Knowledge and Skills:
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Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the criminal and family justice, health and child welfare systems, and dynamics of violence against women.
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Knowledge of relevant legislation including Victims of Crime Act, Child, Family, Community Services Act, Personal Information Privacy Act, and Infants Act.
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Crisis management must be capable and comfortable handling crisis situations. Think quickly and provide expert guidance during complex or critical events.
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Effective communication, clear, and concise oral and written communication skills
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Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills with complex cases and good professional judgement.
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary case management teams.
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Strong cultural competency and socially inclusive practice.
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A high level of tact, diplomacy and professionalism.
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A high level of discretion and adherence to privacy legislation and policy
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Computer Proficiency: Possess excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and client management systems and working knowledge of police and justice system database programs.
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Knowledge of documentation, reporting, assessment & safety planning, and intake and needs assessments
Requirements:
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Education: Degree or diploma in social work, criminology, counselling, or related field (or equivalent experience).
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2 or more years’ experience in Community Based Victim Services, Stopping the Violence counselling/outreach, DVU/ICAT/CYAC coordination, or similar anti-violence roles.
Additional Requirements:
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Satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check;
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Enhanced Criminal Records Check may be required.
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Valid BC driver’s license;
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Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
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Access to a reliable vehicle and willingness to meet participants off site when required
Pay: $31.56/hour
Location:
This role is based in the Central Okanagan which includes work at KWS locations in community based settings, as guided by program needs, operational requirements, and participant priorities.
Hours of Work:
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35 hours work week, typically from Monday to Friday.
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Evenings & weekends may be required for program and operational needs.
Benefits:
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Dental
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Extended Health Care
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Pension Plan
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Paid Sick Leave
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Long Term Disability
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Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
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Employee Family Assistance Program
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Wellness Discounts
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KWS Thrift Store Discount
Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to create safer, more empowered communities. Apply now to be a part of our dedicated team at KWS.
How to Apply?
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Join us in making a difference!
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.
We acknowledge that the KWS is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
