WHO WE ARE
Victim Services Toronto (VST) provides trauma-informed support and advocacy in the moment for any person in Toronto who has experienced crime or sudden tragedy. Beyond immediate support, VST is committed to preventing violence through proactive community engagement initiatives. Our vision is to cultivate a thriving community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered. Guided by core values of survivorship, adaptability, presence, innovation, and advocacy, VST strives to stand alongside those in need. We are dedicated to fostering a safer environment for all Toronto residents, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and communities receive the support they require.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Job Title: Anti-Human Trafficking Rapid Response and Stabilization Coordinator
Department: Anti-Human Trafficking
Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent
Reports To: Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Program
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Direct Reports: None
Salary: 57,000 – $60,000+ per annum, commensurate with experience
Number of Positions Open: 1
Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EDT) on Friday, September 4th, 2026
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 40 hours per week
Victim Services Toronto is seeking a highly responsive and dynamic Human Trafficking Rapid Response and Stabilization Coordinator to serve as the critical first point of contact for survivors of human trafficking. Operating at the front lines of crisis intervention, this role is designed to bridge the gap between initial discovery and long-term stabilization. You will be instrumental in ensuring survivors receive immediate support, financial relief, and safety planning during their most vulnerable period—the first 2-3 weeks following referral.
In this fast-paced role, you will act as a stabilizer, working closely with the Toronto Police Service, specialized community partners, and our internal Case Management team to initiate the survivor’s journey toward independence. You will conduct rapid needs assessments, navigate complex systemic barriers, and facilitate the immediate distribution of emergency financial aid through the Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+).
This position is ideal for a professional who thrives in high-acuity crisis environments and is skilled at building instant rapport, de-escalating complex trauma, and managing shifting priorities. By providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and non-judgmental support, you will ensure that survivors are stabilized, safe, and seamlessly transitioned to the support structures that will assist them in the long term. You are the primary advocate for the survivor’s immediate stability, clearing the path and ensuring they are firmly connected to the supports needed for their long-term recovery.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND RAPID RESPONSE
- Receive and process new referrals from the Toronto Police Services’ Human Trafficking Enforcement Team, the internal Crisis Team, and external partners including Women’s College Hospital and Strides Toronto
- Conduct initial needs assessments (in-person or via phone) within the first 24–72 hours of referral to identify immediate safety, housing, medical, and psychological needs
- Provide immediate crisis intervention and stabilization support, acting as the primary point of contact for the client’s first 2–3 weeks of engagement
- Introduce survivors to the scope of services, facilitate orientation to Victim Services Toronto (VST), and build foundational rapport to encourage engagement
STABILIZATION AND FINANCIAL ADVOCACY
- Conduct eligibility assessments and submit applications for financial assistance under the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ (MCCSS) Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
- Coordinate and disburse immediate financial supports to stabilize the client’s environment, allowing for a structured transition to long-term case management
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of initial interactions, assessments, and financial disbursements to ensure compliance with provincial reporting standards
TRANSITION AND CARE COORDINATION
- Facilitate warm transfers of clients to long-term case managers, including meeting with clients in person at community agencies or shelters to ensure a seamless handoff
- Lead weekly case transfer meetings with the broader team to review progress, status of VQRP+ applications, and client stabilization levels
- Maintain a current and comprehensive knowledge of crisis supports across the GTA, utilizing the resource guide to bridge clients to specialized services as needed
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AND TRAINING
- Conduct on-site community outreach, including meeting clients at housing organizations or partner agencies to provide face-to-face support
- Represent the agency by facilitating ad-hoc training and presentations for the Toronto Police Service and community partner agencies regarding human trafficking, IPV, and trauma-informed response
- Collaborate with the Crisis Team to manage re-engagement for clients returning in acute crisis, providing immediate support before redirecting them back to appropriate long-term crisis pathways
PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT AND CLINICAL AWARENESS
- Apply the Stages of Change model to calibrate interventions based on a survivor’s readiness to disclose and engage with support
- Exercise high-level professional judgment when navigating complex emotional presentations and varying levels of client disclosure, ensuring a non-judgmental and trauma-informed approach
- Manage high-acuity crisis situations with composure, balancing immediate stabilization goals with the need to maintain clear professional boundaries
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
- Maintain accurate, timely, and ethical documentation for all client interactions, ensuring that intake notes, needs assessments, and program records are completed according to agency policy and professional standards
- Ensure all financial and administrative records for the VQRP+ program are processed immediately to facilitate rapid disbursement of funds
- Facilitate the seamless transition of client records and information to long-term case managers during weekly transfer meetings to ensure continuity of care
- Assist with additional administrative duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the Anti-Human Trafficking program
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
MUST-HAVE’S
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or a related Social Science field (such as Justice Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Human Services, or Mental Health). However, candidates with an equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and extensive, relevant front-line experience may be considered in lieu of the stated education requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of specialized front-line experience providing intensive case advocacy, safety planning, and stabilization support to survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, or intimate partner violence. Demonstrated expertise in navigating the high-acuity, complex realities of survivors exiting exploitative situations, including a deep understanding of trauma bonding, coercion, and the systemic barriers to independence
- Proven expertise in administering financial assistance programs—specifically the Victim Quick Response Program+—including conducting eligibility assessments and managing the urgent documentation required for immediate financial disbursements
- Substantial proficiency in applying the Stages of Change model to calibrate interventions, meeting survivors where they are in their unique experience—whether they are actively seeking support or have been identified through external discovery—to inform effective, immediate support
- Experience coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams, specifically regarding the unique needs of trafficking survivors—such as medical care for trauma-related injuries and specialized housing
- Proven expertise in specialized de-escalation for survivors experiencing acute hypervigilance or complex trauma triggers, as well as the ability to facilitate continuous, iterative safety planning that addresses the evolving needs of survivors exiting exploitative situations
- Sound application of anti-oppressive and intersectional frameworks, with a demonstrated ability to advocate for survivors navigating complex and often adversarial systems (e.g., criminal justice, immigration, emergency housing). Requires critical self-awareness of how identity, power dynamics, and social location impact a survivor’s agency and their access to justice, safety, and essential services
- Strong ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment across all aspects of the role, including interactions with clients, colleagues, and external partners. This includes managing complex or high-risk situations with professionalism, respecting confidentiality and role clarity, and navigating competing perspectives while maintaining a client-centered approach
- Extensive experience in multi-sectoral collaboration, with a proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships with diverse partners (e.g., law enforcement, healthcare providers, and legal or social services) to facilitate rapid, coordinated, and warm transfer of care for clients
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and client-centered advocacy documentation (e.g., letters of support, financial applications, and case notes) while maintaining timely, confidential records in compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and virtual collaboration platforms (MS Teams, Webex, Zoom); ability to independently manage digital workflows and troubleshoot minor technical issues to ensure seamless, uninterrupted service delivery
- Demonstrated understanding of vicarious trauma and the ability to implement effective self-regulation and professional coping strategies in a high-acuity crisis environment
- A full, valid G-level driver’s license in good standing, and comfortable driving in urban areas, city streets, and on highways
- Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, either as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or with a valid Canadian work permit
NICE-TO-HAVE’S
- Experience navigating complex social service databases and case management systems (e.g., Osnium, Casebook, Penelope, Salesforce, SAMS, or WISH) to track client journeys, manage referrals, and ensure data integrity; including the ability to reconcile records for provincial reporting and reconcile financial documentation
- Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant provincial regulatory body is an asset, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), or the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)
- Fluency in a second language, particularly languages commonly spoken in Toronto’s diverse communities (i.e., French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Somali, Tagalog, etc.), is considered an asset for communicating effectively with staff, clients, and community stakeholders
- Lived experience with human trafficking, gun violence, or other sudden tragedy or crime, as well as lived experience within equity-deserving communities including Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, women, and gender and sexually diverse communities, is considered an asset
OUR EQUITY COMMITMENT
Victim Services Toronto is an equal opportunity employer committed to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles across our operations, policies, and hiring practices, and to foster an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those from historically and currently underrepresented groups. This includes Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, women, and gender and sexually diverse communities, as well as those with relevant lived experience to our work. If you have lived or life experience that you believe would be valuable in this role, please be sure to highlight it in your application. To read our full equity statement, please click here.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation at any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please email us so we can work with you to meet your needs.
OUR LOCATION
This position is in person and located at Toronto Police Services’ Headquarters located at 40 College Street, Toronto. We recognize that applicants, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, with lived experiences and other equity-deserving communities, may have varied, complex, and historical experiences with law enforcement.
The final stage of recruitment also includes a police background check for facilities access purposes. We acknowledge this information may affect applicants differently and share it to support informed decision-making throughout the application process.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Victim Services Toronto, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, but we know a job is more than a pay cheque. Here, you’ll be part of a team that works together to make a real difference. At the end of the day, our staff go home knowing they’ve helped provide immediate, confidential support to people experiencing crime or sudden tragedy.
While you’re here, you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities designed to support your health, growth, and overall wellbeing:
BENEFITS AND PERKS
- Eligibility to enroll in medical and dental benefits following completion of the probation period, including access to mental health tools and resources
- OMERS pension plan with enrollment on your first day
- Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, including counselling and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members
- Access to Toronto Police Service gym facilities (based on employment status)
- Professional development funds to support continuing education and career growth
- Agency-sponsored social events and opportunities to participate in community and charitable events
- In-house and external training opportunities related to current roles or future advancement
STAFF WELLBEING MATTERS
Thanks to the generosity of The Janis Rotman Fund for Staff Wellbeing, our team benefits from meaningful, built-in support to sustain their energy and care. This includes every 10th working day off, and access to paid clinical supervision with trained clinicians. We recognize the toll of trauma exposure and are committed to supporting the wellbeing of those who support others.
Pay: $57,000.00-$60,000.00 per year
Licence/Certification:
- G-level driver’s license (FULL) (required)
Work Location: In person
