Transitional Housing Support Worker - FTE 0.8

Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre•Kanata, ON

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the VAW Manager and participating as part of the Violence Against Women team, the Transitional Housing Support Worker is responsible for supporting women who are trying to establish lives separate from their abusers. The THSW will assist women by helping them establish a network of supports, and to find and maintain housing. This position is part-time at 28 hours per week (4 days a week). The salary posted reflects the full-time annual rate for this role, and the actual compensation for this position will be pro-rated based on part-time hours. Employees in this role are eligible for benefits and pension participation following the standard waiting periods set by the employer and the insurance provider.

Requirements

Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training
Minimum of two (2) years experience direct work in the VAW sector
Demonstrated crisis intervention skills
Knowledge and understanding of the purpose, scope, and process to access and retain social housing
Knowledge of Violence Against Women issues and counselling principles
Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, and employment resources in the community
Strong organizational and communication skills
Knowledge and understanding of the current VAW services and service providers
Demonstrated skills in facilitating information and education sessions
Demonstrated commitment to community based social service delivery and working within a Health Equity & Inclusion lens
Strong critical analysis, problem solving, planning and decision making skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team environment
Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written
Ability to communicate fluently in French, spoken and written
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products
Familiarity with Data Management Systems
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required, including $2 million in liability insurance
Active cell phone required

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention, through telephone and personal contact with abused women
Meet women in an office setting, in the community, or in their homes (when deemed safe)
Accompany women to community appointments, as needed (at times, this may involve transporting women to appointments, if safe)
Provide systems navigation including information, resources, and referral (ie: counselling, financial support, employment, legal aid, interpretation, etc…)
Facilitate and empower women to develop action plans and to implement these plans
Provide support in the areas of finding and maintaining housing (e.g. collecting and filing out all appropriate forms required by Housing Registry) and assist in avoiding eviction through contact with housing providers, support letters, and status applications
Assist women to develop safety plans for themselves and their children
Ensure that service is accessible to all women, by accessing communication and interpretive services as requested
Advocate for the needs of clients
Promote and build links within the diverse local community to ensure that Health Equity and Inclusion perspectives are incorporated into differential frontline responses
Advocate with third parties in specific cases (e.g., landlords, interactions with Children’s Aid Society, court appearances, enrolling children in school, etc…)
Act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding violence against women
Respond to community requests for information
Present to community groups regarding the issue of violence against women
Ensure consistent and accountable implementation of the WOCRC vision, mission, values, guiding beliefs, policies and procedures in the day-to-day operation of programs and services
Establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies through positive working relationships
Participate as a Violence Against Women team member at internal and external meetings
Share in responsibilities that foster positive teamwork
Adopt and promote a participatory style of planning and problem solving
Maintain accurate, up-to-date client data, documentation and statistics
Participate in WOCRC evaluation processes
Participate in the development and implementation of client and/or program evaluation as required
Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected
Working in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health
Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training
Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered
Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC (Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct)
Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures
Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies, procedures and regulations
Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk in keeping with Privacy and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures
Supporting the Centre’s student and volunteer placement programs
Working during both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by the Centre
Perform other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Generous paid time off policies, including 4-weeks annual vacation
3-weeks annual sick leave
Salary top-up plans
Superb Employee Assistance Program
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
World-class Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Discounted gym memberships
Flexible, supportive work environment
Benefits and pension participation following the standard waiting periods set by the employer and the insurance provider