Homeward Family Shelter has been in operation since 1990. The shelter provides safe and secure emergency shelter for abused women and their children. Homeward Family Shelter is staffed 24 hours a day and can accommodate up to 13 women and 22 children at any given time. In addition to emergency shelter, women and their children are provided with other basic necessities such as food, clothing, diapers and other personal need items. In addition, other shelter supports include assistance with efforts to obtain housing, social assistance, medical and legal help. Staff have expertise in the areas of advocacy, group facilitation, housing, immigration, family law, parenting and violence prevention, and must be capable of working with women and children in their efforts to re-establish lives free from violence.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Overnight Women’s Advocate 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 violence, trauma and oppression. The Overnight Women’s Advocate works as a resource to colleagues and clients and is responsible for providing a full range of services, which includes crisis intervention, informal counselling, and the development, implementation and evaluation of workshops for both residents and colleagues.
Hours of Work: Works 70 hours biweekly – Full time Rotating Schedule (includes weekends)
Starting Salary: $27.35 per hour + overnight premium
Benefits: As per Collective Agreement
Closing Date: July 31st 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Resident Support
· applies knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies
· completes intakes, assessments, risk assessments/safety planning, goal planning, weekly counselling, and departure planning, and other case management support as required
· participates in case conferences and acts as an advocate on behalf of residents
· provides daily support services to residents (e.g. weekly allowance, bus tickets/taxi vouchers, first aid, long-distance calls and assistance with completion of forms and statements)
· accompanies women to appointments as necessary
· exercises the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all residents
· uses mediation, facilitation and negotiation skills to maintain a co-operative, supportive and productive house environment
· conducts regular scheduled security checks and fire drills and necessary follow up as required
· provides information and referrals to residents
· prepares and provides relevant information at shift change
· liaises with professionals and agencies in the community to facilitate access to services by the residents
· researches, creates and obtains material to address the needs of residents
· responds appropriately to needs presented by residents and ex-residents
· communicates any issues relating to building to the facilities Coordinator
2. Violence Against Women Counselling
· works with women individually and/or in groups to establish a plan that will facilitate a safe and effective path to independence
· provides crisis intervention, informal counselling, safety planning, and referrals to callers
· provides crisis intervention, informal counselling for women and their children in the shelter
· demonstrates and maintain knowledge of relevant issues
3. Mental Health/Addictions Counselling
· applies knowledge, stays current and demonstrates skill in the area of mental health and addictions
· conducts assessments and identifies residents’ mental health/addictions issues
· provides information and referrals to detox centers, treatment programs, supportive recovery programs, and other relevant mental health /addictions services
· negotiates treatment plans with residents that focus on harm reduction
· demonstrates and maintains knowledge of relevant legislation regarding addictions/mental health
4. Group Work
· facilitates weekly resident meetings to determine emerging needs and to encourage a cooperative living environment
· develops, implements and evaluates psycho-educational and mutual-aid groups that address residents’ various issues including the issues of trauma and woman abuse
· collaborates with community partners to ensure holistic and efficient service delivery to residents
5. Teamwork
· engages with the staff team in reflective practice to ensure the development and implementation of quality programs and services
· contributes specialized knowledge and expertise to team members to develop meaningful and relevant services for women and children
· actively participates in creating a collaborative and dynamic team environment
6. Administration
· adheres to all policies and procedures of Homeward Family Shelter
· completes administrative duties as outlined in Homeward Family Shelter policies and procedures manuals and specific to your job description
· maintains, records and compiles program statistics and prepares reports and correspondence as required, i.e. including updates to client information, crisis calls, nightly bed count, incidents reports, security issues- mal-functioning alarms, fire alarms, fire drills, initial Serious Occurrences Reports (SORs) to their supervisor immediately
· participates in ongoing program evaluation
· ensures that residents are aware of and understand their rights and responsibilities, house practices and procedures
· ensures that resident, workshop and program notes are recorded and maintained
· attend community coalition meetings and speaking engagements as required
· plans programming expenditure within budget allocation
· supervises students and volunteers as required
7. General
· assists with orientation/training of relief staff, students and volunteers
· participates in supervisory meetings
· any other duties as required that facilitate the effective delivery service of Homeward Family Shelter
MINIMUM EDUCATION & GENERAL EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:
· In-depth knowledge of academic discipline is normally acquired through completion of a clinically supervised undergraduate degree (e.g. Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Human Services, Sociology or equivalent). An analytical framework that identifies clients' relation to social systems and the demonstrated practical application of this framework
· 2 or more years’ experience in counselling and mutual-aid group work focused on the issues of clients at risk
· knowledge of providing services from 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 addiction e.g. substance use, gambling
· in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of woman abuses and trauma
· experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment
· Working knowledge of harm reduction principles and practice
· has working knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act
· knowledge of community resources and support
· working knowledge of the Landlord and Tenant Act
· demonstrated experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of workshops and groups
· knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, advocacy, refugee and immigration issues, child development and parenting, emerging trends and issues
· ability to work under pressure and within the context of a team structure
· ability to work independently
· ability to work within an anti-oppression framework
· ability to multi-task and prioritize workload
· excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail and the Internet
· fluency in French or a second language strongly preferred
· valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed (Criminal Reference Check to be updated every 3 years after employment as per Funder)
· current First Aid and CPR training
· valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and $1,000,000. personal liability insurance
· certificate in trauma counselling, definite asset
· certification with the OCSSW/OCSW or related association
· current Food Handlers Certification
Note: Medical Clearance/Functional Abilities Assessment required for this position.
The employee is expected to:
· engage in a self-reflective and collaborative practice that is non-judgmental and compassionate and reflects the mission of Homeward Family Shelter
· incorporate principles of diversity and equity in responding to the service needs of women and children and work toward removing systemic barriers to independence and wellbeing
· demonstrate respect, consideration and acceptance of the opinions of others while expressing her own expertise and effectively utilizing relevant resources and specialists
· consistently collaborate with team members, share ideas and differences openly
· be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary
· value the contribution of others and act to strengthen partnerships and support others to achieve effective outcomes
· pro-actively identify issues and create opportunities for positive change
· demonstrate commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
· perform other duties as required that facilitate the efficiency of operations
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Teamwork & Collaboration Communication
Knowledge of Organization and Services Client Focus
Initiative Resilience
Adapting to New Technologies/Changes
Please submit an updated Resume and Letter of Interest to Annie Doolittle at [email protected] Late applications will not be accepted.
All reasonable accommodation will be provided to allow for all qualified individuals to participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodations, please contact [email protected] with your request.
Homeward Family Shelter o/a Julliette’s Place is committed to the principles of equitable hiring. We value diversity and encourage individuals of all races, ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientation and abilities.
Work Location: In person
