Transition House Counsellors – On Call/Relief
Location: Carbonear, NL
Company: O'Shaughnessy House
Job post summary
Date posted: March 5, 2026
Pay: CA$30.75 - CA$34.21 per hour
Job description:
Transition House Counsellors – On Call/Relief
O’Shaughnessy House - Carbonear, NL.
About Us
O’Shaughnessy House is a non-profit charitable organization under Iris Kirby House Inc. that provides a safe haven for women and children who are experiencing intimate partner violence, family violence. In addition to providing shelter, staff provide individual supports, child and family support services, outreach services, housing supports, empowerment programs and 24/7 crisis support line via phone or online chat.
Position
Currently seeking: Casual/On-Call Transition House Counsellors to join our team in Carbonear.
Position Summary
The Transition House Counsellor provides front-line, trauma-informed support to women and children residing at O'Shaughnessy House. The role is responsible for ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and support of residents while maintaining a respectful, non-judgmental, and empowerment-based environment.
Transition House Counsellors work within a residential crisis setting and are responsible for crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter operations, and documentation. The role requires sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to respond effectively to high-stress and emotionally complex situations.
Responsibilities
Crisis Support and Client Care
- Provide trauma-informed, empowerment-based support to women and children experiencing intimate partner and family violence.
- Respond to crisis situations within the shelter using de-escalation, grounding, emotional regulation, and safety-planning strategies.
- Offer emotional support, active listening, and practical assistance during periods of distress.
- Support residents in identifying immediate needs, options, and next steps while respecting autonomy and choice.
- Provide telephone, text, and online crisis support as required.
- Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all interactions.
Advocacy, Referrals and Systems Navigation
- Assist residents in accessing community supports related to housing, income support, legal processes, medical care, mental health, addictions, and child and family services.
- Support residents in accessing and navigating external appointments, hearings, and meetings by providing advocacy, emotional support, information, and accompaniment where appropriate.
- Provide advocacy support, with informed consent, to assist residents in navigating complex systems and reducing barriers to services.
- Maintain working knowledge of community resources and referral pathways.
- Support residents in understanding available options, rights, and supports.
Shelter Operations and Daily Living Support
- Support the safe and effective operation of the shelter, including intake and discharge processes, shift routines, and safety checks.
- Perform cleaning and sanitization or residents' bedrooms, bathrooms, common areas and other shelter spaces.
- Perform kitchen duties as needed, including meal preparation and cooking, kitchen cleaning and grocery ordering/purchasing.
- Assist with group activities, programming, and resident engagement initiatives.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming living environment for residents.
Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities
- Complete accurate, timely, and confidential documentation, including shift notes, client records, incident reports, and required forms.
- Maintain records in accordance with organizational policies, funder requirements, and privacy legislation.
- Demonstrate basic proficiency with electronic documentation systems and computer applications.
- Contribute to statistical tracking and reporting as required.
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with other Transition House Counsellors and shelter staff to ensure continuity of care and consistent service delivery.
- Participate in shift handovers and information sharing to support resident safety and effective operations.
- Contribute to a respectful and supportive team environment, particularly during high-stress or high acuity situations.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and organizational activities as required
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related field.
- One to two years of relevant experience in a residential, crisis, or social service setting.
- Knowledge of intimate partner and family violence, the cycle of abuse, and the empowerment model.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and harm-reduction principles.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive in crisis situations.
- First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.
- Crisis intervention or suicide intervention training is an asset.
- Valid Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licence.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Salary:
CG-33 $30.75-$34.21 per hour as per the CUPE Transition Houses and Group Homes Master Collective Agreement.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon completion of required background checks including acceptable professional reference checks, provision of a satisfactory certificate of conduct, confirmation of educational credentials, and validation of legal entitlement to work in Canada, if applicable.
If you are interested in working in the not-for-profit sector, share in the values and beliefs of O'Shaughnessy House, then please forward your detailed resume and cover letter, by no later than March 20, 2026, outlining how your skills and experiences match the identified qualifications, duties, and responsibilities.
License: Driver’s License (Required)
Experience: supportive care: 1 year (preferred)
O'Shaughnessy House Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Types: Part-time, Casual
Schedule:
· Day shift
· Night shift
Weekends
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2026-09-16
Job Types: Part-time, Casual
Work Location: In person
