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 Child & Youth Case Manager - Second Stage Housing (SSH)
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 Child & Youth Case Manager reports to the Supervisor, Second Stage Housing - West Kelowna and is responsible for second stage housing support services for child & youth, applying case management expertise and developing and coordinating programs for child & youth who have experienced domestic abuse using trauma-informed care principals and a child centered approach. This position supports the child & youth in a safe environment. It allows the child/youth and their parent(s) to engage in activities that help reduce the impact of family violence through second stage housing programs and services and upon exit back into the community.
Key Responsibilities:
Case Management
Provide full case management services to child & youth who are experiencing domestic abuse based on a child centered approach. This service includes,
- intake: gathering demographic information, identifying, specific, immediate needs of the child & youth, establishing/building a relationship with the child & youth and determining eligibility for our services & programs.
- needs assessment: understanding the needs and goals of the child & youth by identifying/understanding the key problems, needs, and interests of the child & youth; establish the communicated goals of the child & youth with all relevant stakeholders; reassess needs periodically through the process.
- service planning: putting a plan in place to meet the goals/needs of the child & youth including actionable steps to take, keeping in mind that they are realistic and achievable, develop a timeline of tasks to be completed and establish metrics to measure success.
- monitoring and evaluating: monitoring established metrics and ensuring quantified data is used in evaluating success.
Ensure an easy transition for the newly accepted child & youth into a second stage housing environment.
Develop safety plans for the child & youth during their stay in second stage housing and again when they move back into the community.
Foster positive relationships with child & youth based on patience, empathy, dignity, mutual respect, and confidentiality.
Compete intake process and needs assessments. Short-term and long-term needs assessment should be done within one week admission into second stage housing. Assessments to be completed through child observations and the degree and type of effect domestic abuse has had on the child & youth.
Provide group and one to one art/play expression activities as well as one to one parenting sessions with the mother.
Become familiar with child & youth’s regular residential routines using life skills counselling. Share assessments with parent of child & youth to develop strategies to address behaviours.
Independently deliver program assessment, engagement, crisis intervention, goal and case planning, skills coaching, and program completion, consulting with the manager, as necessary.
Implement day to day program delivery.
Ensure case management documentation and program information is maintained in an accurate, timely, professional, and confidential manner, meeting KWS, Funder, and sector standards.
Facilitate community partnerships with an aim towards aligning a coordinated, child-centered community support system for our shared community children & youth.
Liaise with other service agencies and professionals and maintain current knowledge of issues and resources related to abuse and violence.
Provide appropriate referrals to internal and external programs for long-term intervention, support and counselling.
Provide information about and/or referrals to appropriate community agencies and resources.
Provide referral to local schooling options, and Family School Liaison Workers.
Assist child & youth to create and develop their own support networks and connections.
Advocate on behalf of the child & youth and mother regarding parenting needs.
Initiate and participate in case conferences with necessary parties as required.
Provide presentations, and participate in public awareness activities, about services and issues of abuse as requested and in consultation with the Supervisor.
Attend, and participate in, training/certification programs.
Attend, and participate in, community, staff and other meetings as required.
Perform other related duties as required.
Program Development/Coordination
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. This may involve sitting at the table with organizations, groups with like-minded objectives, working collaboratively to support our children and/or youth in areas of emotional, physical, medical, and social needs.
Participate in program development through collaboration with the second stage housing management/team and making recommendations to create and enhance programming designed for children & youth experiencing domestic abuse.
Maintain accurate logs and compile statistical records to support program needs and inform ongoing program development and evaluation.
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.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in child &youth care, social work, human services, psychology, or related field.
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Minimum of two years’ experience in a similar organization/sector or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
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Ability to build relationships within the community that will facilitate a continuum of care that is child-centered and that mobilizes resources to support Kelowna Women’s Shelter programming.
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The ability to provide service in a respectful, empathetic, and child-centered manner while maintaining appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
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The ability to work independently and in a self-directing manner as well as the ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner with the transition and second stage housing teams and other community agencies.
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A good working knowledge of domestic abuse and its impacts, and of relevant community resources.
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Case management expertise
- Skills in advocacy, crisis intervention, risk and ongoing assessments based on the needs of children & youth experiencing domestic abuse.
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Strong knowledge and linkage to external services and systems that are available to children & youth experiencing domestic abuse
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Solid understanding of an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework.
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Strong computer skills, able to learn new applications and use a multitude of applications for communication and documentation.
Additional Requirements:
- Satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check;
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
- Intermediate First Aid Certification.
- A valid Class 5 Driver’s license and availability of personal vehicle for work purposes is required.
- Provide a current Drivers Abstract.
Location: West Kelowna
Hours of Work:
- 37.5 hours work week, typically from Monday to Friday.
- Evenings & weekends may be required for program and operational needs.
Pay: $32.62/hour
Benefits:
- Dental
- Extended Health Care
- Pension Plan
- Paid Sick Leave
- Long Term Disability
- Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
- Employee Family Assistance Program
- Wellness Discounts
- 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.
