Awake Overnight Shelter Support Worker

YWCA Toronto • Toronto, ON

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Awake Overnight Shelter Support Worker works within a collaborative team to provide meaningful and relevant services within a theoretical feminist framework that includes a working knowledge of the dynamics and effects of trauma and oppression. They act as a resource to staff and clients and is responsible for providing a full range of services which includes crisis counselling, case management and the development, implementation and evaluation of workshops. The position shares in the responsibility of the overall health and safety of the building and will work in an open shelter/work environment without a dedicated office space. YWCA Davenport provides up to 80 emergency shelter beds to young women and gender diverse people (16 – 24 years of age) and adult women and gender diverse people (25 and older) and is staffed 24 hours a day. This pet friendly shelter is funded by the City of Toronto and adheres to Toronto Shelter Standards.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through completion of a supervised undergraduate degree (e.g. BSW); (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
• An analytical framework that identifies clients' relation to social systems and the demonstrated practical application of this framework;
• Completion of workshops and courses pertaining to mental illness, trauma, harm reduction, crisis de-escalation and anti-oppressive practice;
• 3-5 years’ experience in counselling and group work focused on clients at risk and/or homeless women;
• Completion of Toronto Hostel’s Training Certificate (T.H.T.C.) or equivalent;
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles and practice;
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and supports focused on mental health and group support;
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of woman abuse and trauma within an anti-oppression framework;
• Demonstrated experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of workshops and groups;
• Experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health, substance use/addictions, advocacy, refugee and immigration issues and homelessness;

Nice To Haves

• Life Skills Certificate an asset
• A certificate in trauma counselling would be an asset
• Knowledge of a second language and/or culture would be an asset

Responsibilities

• Applies knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman and gender diverse people abuse and homelessness to develop and implement effective support strategies;
• Completes risk assessments and safety plans;
• Models and coaches residents to use conflict resolution and mediation skills to support positive relations between residents;
• Provides supportive counselling to clients regarding their housing options; assesses clients’ housing needs through group sessions or in one to one interviews;
• Identifies tenancy support required and, in collaboration with the client, develops an individualized housing and tenancy support plan;
• Engages with the staff team in reflective practice, to ensure the development and implementation of quality programs and services;
• Contributes knowledge and expertise to team members to develop meaningful and relevant services for clients.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit
• Multi-Sector Pension Plan: Employer’s contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25%
• Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days, 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Health Promotional Days and 4 Float Days
• Child Care Benefits
• Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits
• Educational/Sabbatical Leave
• Financial Assistance for Professional Development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees