Clinical Support Worker

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking a Clinical Support Worker to provide clinical support to individuals navigating domestic violence. This position involves collaboration with various stakeholders and focuses on harm reduction for clients facing substance use and mental health challenges. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree and two years of experience in a related field. This role offers a supportive working environment and a generous benefits package.

Benefits

Health benefits

Generous total rewards package

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Minimum two years demonstrated clinical experience related to gender-based violence, trauma, substance use, and mental health.
• Member in good standing with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and applicable designation.
• Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support to individuals accessing WCSWR programs.
• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to provide holistic support.
• Engage in community building initiatives.

Skills

Clinical assessments

Therapeutic intervention

Counselling

Advocacy

Crisis intervention

Organizational skills

Judgment in crisis situations

Communication skills

Education

Master Degree in Social Work or Counselling

Job description

Position

Clinical Support Worker

Location

Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge

Hours of Work

35 hours per week

Start Date

December 1, 2025

Pay Rate

$32.44 per hour

Status

Permanent Full-Time

Who Are We?

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR*) provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing abusive relationships. 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.

WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender‑diverse individuals.

Position Overview

How do we define a Clinical Support Worker? The main buckets of work will include:

The Clinical Support Worker is responsible for providing clinical support to individuals accessing WCSWR programs to discuss and process their experience of domestic violence. The Clinical Support Worker also collaborates with WCSWR staff, community agencies, and other stakeholders to provide a holistic approach to the clinical support plan.

This clinical role is attached to an assignment focused on harm reduction. Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region recognizes that women, transgender, and gender‑diverse individuals fleeing domestic violence (DV) are at an increased risk for substance use, mental health concerns or self‑harm, and therefore we approach our work from a harm reduction lens. This clinical assignment is two pronged. First, it will focus on providing clinical support to WCSWR clients living with addiction and/or mental health. Secondly, this assignment will engage in community building initiatives by raising awareness of the intersection between DV and addictions/mental health and building relationships with addiction and mental health services in our community to further enhance the support offered to WCSWR clients.

Skills and Experience

• Related Master Degree (i.e. Social Work, Counselling) from a University of recognized standing.
• Minimum two (2) years demonstrated clinical experience conducting clinical assessments and clinical intervention related to gender-based violence, trauma, substance use, and mental health.
• Member in good standing with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers or applicable designation.
• Demonstrated skills in conducting clinical assessments and therapeutic intervention; including but not limited to clients with lived mental health and substance use experience.
• Demonstrated skills in providing individual and group counselling to women who have experienced domestic violence and have or are living with substance use and/or mental health.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of: domestic violence, harm reduction framework, and crisis intervention.
• Skills in advocacy, risk assessments, ongoing assessments, and safety planning from a harm reduction approach.
• Have a feminist philosophy with an understanding of intersectionality.
• Understands equity and works from an anti‑racist and anti‑oppressive framework.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to multi‑task.
• Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of clients, such as but not limited to: disability, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity, survivors of trauma, substance and mental health.
• Experience working with interpreters.
• Experience collaborating and building relationships with other service providers to provide holistic services and/or achieve a common goal.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines.
• Knowledge of group processes including the ability to design, plan, research, facilitate, and implement groups for women who have experienced domestic violence and have are living with substance use and/or mental health.
• Extensive and current knowledge of community resources throughout Waterloo Region along with demonstrated skill in accessing these resources.
• Current knowledge of basic family law, the Child and Family Services Act and related legal issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, e‑mail and the internet.
• Knowledge of a second language is an asset.

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.
• Generous total rewards package (health benefits, RRSP, paid time off etc.).

Please submit cover letter and resume on or before November 14th, 2025 to:

Joyce Birnstihl

Human Resources Manager, Operations

700 Heritage Drive Kitchener, ON N2A3N9

[e-mail]

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 Joyce Birnstihl, Human Resources Manager, Operations.