Position: Equity and Inclusion AdvisorLocation: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in CambridgeHours of Work: 36 hours per week (minimum 60% on-site)Start Date: TBDStarting Salary: $67, 879Number of roles: 1 new position, posting internally and externallyStatus: Full-Time Permanent, non-union positionReports to: Human Resources Manager
Agency OverviewWomen’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) empowers and supports women* and children to move beyond violence by providing safe shelter, outreach services, prevention and education.We operate two shelters: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. Our facilities operate on a 24/7 basis, and we pride ourselves in being more than shelter. We also offer a robust region-wide outreach support program which supports families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse.We foster equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility to attract, retain, invest, and sustain a psychological safe workingenvironment for all WCSWR stakeholder, with a focus on wellbeing, where people can thrive.*WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Position OverviewSo, how do we define Equity and Inclusion Advisor? The main responsibilities of work will include;The Equity & Inclusion Advisor is a hands-on, support-focused role that contributes to WCSWR’s organizational commitment to Equity, Diversity Inclusion and Accessibility, (EDIA). Working across the organization and reporting to the Human Resources Manager, the Advisor supports the development and coordination of equity-focused initiatives, and assists staff and leadership in embedding inclusive values and practices into all aspects of our work. This role operates with direction and oversight, and is well-suited to someone early in their equity and inclusion career who is eager to grow their practice within a values-driven organization.This is a new permanent, full-time position that reflects WCSWR's commitment to systemic and lasting change.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Policy• Assist in the implementation of policies, processes, programs, and strategies that support a safe and inclusive environment for staff and clients, with guidance from the HR Manager.• Support accountability mechanisms for addressing oppression and systemic barriers in the workplace, in alignment with organizational direction.• Research evolving legislation, sector trends, and best practices related to equity and inclusion, and share findings to inform organizational priorities.• Lead the organization’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) committee, driving meeting planning, agenda-setting, and follow-through on the EDIA work plan to ensure momentum and accountability.
Education, Learning & Culture• Support conversations among staff and teams that build awareness and advance equitable behaviours within the organization.• Serve as a go-to resource and internal consultant for staff and leaders seeking guidance on equity and inclusion questions, situations, and decisions. You will support providing thoughtful, accessible advice and helping people navigate with confidence and care.• Contribute to the coordination and delivery of learning and development activities for staff, including cofacilitating workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns on equity-related topics.• Support Affinity Groups and equity-led initiatives, helping to create spaces for community, advocacy, and shared learning.• Assist in reviewing programs, policies, and guidelines through an intersectional lens to support equity objectives, in collaboration with the HR Manager.• Assess and support the creation of welcoming, inclusive, and accessible physical spaces across WCSWR by identifying barriers to inclusion and recommending improvements such as culturally representative art, signage, and environmental elements that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Community Engagement & Collaboration• Serve as a point of contact for sustaining an equitable culture through cross-collaboration and learning opportunities throughout the organization.• Help build and maintain meaningful relationships with equity-deserving communities both within and outside the organization, including, but not limited to, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and racialized groups.• Support connections with community organizations, sector networks, and subject-matter experts to contribute to best practices and shared learning.• Support WCSWR’s reconciliation commitments by helping to centre Indigenous perspectives and principles in programs and practices.
Data, Measurement & Reporting• Assist in tracking equity metrics aligned to WCSWR’s strategic plan, ensuring programs and practices are effective, equitable, and responsive.• Support the preparation of reports and insights on key EDIA indicators, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.• Use surveys and organizational assessments, including workforce demographic data, to help identify priorities, evaluate progress, and align practices with inclusive hiring and organizational goals.
What You BringGiven this description we are anticipating the successful candidate would have the following skills and experience;• Lived experience understanding systemic racism and oppression as a Black, Indigenous, or racialized person and/or member of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities will be given preference.• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Human Rights, Equity Studies, HR, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience in equity and inclusion work.• 1–3 years of experience contributing to equity, diversity and inclusion, or related people-focused work, ideally within a non-profit or social services context.• Working knowledge of EDIA principles including anti-racism, anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice, intersectionality, and reconciliation frameworks.• Experience supporting equity initiatives, training delivery, or awareness activities in a team or organizational setting.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive conversations with care and confidence.• Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and the ability to participate constructively in meetings and working groups.• Demonstrated sound judgment and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively under direction and alongside a supportive team.• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks with direction and clear priorities.• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel between shelter locations in Waterloo Region.
The following would be assets:• Experience in providing intervention, trauma informed, harm reduction support and advocacy.• Knowledge of and skills in accessing and utilizing appropriate community resources.• Ability to speak in two or more languages.Working Hours and Conditions• Minimum 60% on-site during regular business hours; on-site presence supports access to team members, leaders, and an understanding of the working environment.• Hybrid arrangements for the remaining portion of hours may be available and will be discussed during the hiring process.• Travel is required between shelters and across the Waterloo Region.
We do also have some general employment eligibility requirements.• Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
What makes WCSWR a great place to work?• A full team of staff that are passionate about the cause and about helping others — strong values alignment.• A culture of encouragement and celebration.• Leaders that are committed to continuous improvement and listen to and act on feedback.• A supportive working environment committed to continuous learning and growth.• Internal programs committed to staff wellness, engagement and development.• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
Our Commitment To Equity & Inclusion• Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and all equity-seeking community members. We are committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If selected for an interview, please advise if you need accommodation for a disability and we will make every effort to accommodate.• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is being posted internally and externally simultaneously. Preference will be given to qualified internal applicants.
If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed, we still want to hear from you. We know that great talent comes with many different backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
This posting is for a new position within the agency.Artificial intelligence may be used to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, to Caitlin Ramcharitar, Human Resources Manager at [email protected].
