Court Support Worker

YWCA; Minden; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is seeking a dedicated professional to provide trauma-informed support to women navigating the family court system. The role involves advocacy, information, and personalised safety planning, in collaboration with YWCA programs and community partners. You will contribute to empowering women to access resources and make informed decisions.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education completed.
• Minimum of three years in social services.
• Three years direct experience in women’s services providing legal and court support.
• Knowledge of family court practices and relevant acts.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and anti-oppression principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, client-centered support to women navigating family court.
• Explain court processes, options, and responsibilities to clients.
• Assist with court forms and appointments.
• Provide counselling, advocacy, and court accompaniment.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety planning related to court involvement.
• Connect clients to legal, social, and community resources.
• Maintain client records and participate in program evaluation.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Microsoft Office & Excel

WISH database

Written & verbal English

Education

Completed post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

WISH database

Job description

OFFICE LOCATION: Women ’ s Centre, Haliburton County

START DATE: ASAP

WAGE RANGE: $30.13 to $33.95/hr (includes pay equity adjustments to 2026)

POSITION PURPOSE:

To provide safe, confidential and trauma-informed support to women and survivors of gender-based violence as they navigate the family court system. The position supports women in understanding legal processes, identifying available options, and accessing appropriate legal and community resources while respecting individual circumstances, choice, and priorities. Through advocacy, information, supportive counselling, safety planning, and collaboration with YWCA programs and community partners, the position works to strengthen women's knowledge, confidence, and ability to make informed decisions and pursue their identified goals. The position also contributes to building awareness and capacity within community and works in alignment with YWCA Peterborough Haliburton's vision, values, policies, and commitment to anti-oppression, anti-racism, and equitable access to services.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide trauma-informed and person-centred support to women who have experienced gender-based violence as they navigate the family court system.
• Provide information, education, and guidance to help women understand court processes, legal procedures, available options, and their responsibilities within the legal system.
• Assist women with court-related preparation, including accessing and completing court forms, preparing for legal appointments, and understanding legal information and advice.
• Provide supportive counselling, advocacy, follow-up, and court accompaniment as required.
• Conduct risk assessments and lethality screening, and collaborate with women to develop individualized safety plans, including safety planning related to court involvement.
• Identify and facilitate connections to appropriate legal, social, and community resources for women and their dependents.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, legal professionals, and service providers to strengthen access to coordinated supports.
• Provide START program support, including on-site service delivery in Peterborough on Mondays.
• Provide consultation, information, and knowledge-sharing to YWCA Shelter and Supportive Counselling staff to strengthen organizational capacity in navigating legal and court-related matters.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive client records, statistical information, and program documentation, and participate in program evaluation activities.
• Deliver flexible, accessible, and responsive services that recognize and respect the diverse experiences, identities, and needs of women, including those related to culture, language, disability, and rural living.
• Participate in case management meetings, staff meetings, professional development, organizational activities, and public education initiatives as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Completed relevant post-secondary education
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the social services field.
• Three (3) years direct experience working in women’s services providing legal and court supports to survivors of intimate partner violence is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with family court practices, procedures, forms, and processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and legal processes, including:
  • Divorce Act
  • Children’s Law Reform Act
  • Child, Youth, and Family Services Act
  • Legal Aid Ontario
  • Criminal Law
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of legal issues for women and their children in abusive situations, including criminalized women.
• Training/Certification in Violence against Women in the context of family/criminal law an asset.
• Understanding of the short- and long-term impacts of trauma and the ability to respond from a woman-centred perspective.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use.
• Knowledge and ability to work with women and their families using solution-focused techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure, independently and off-site.
• Ability to incorporate training and professional development into day-to-day work.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards in all facets of the work.
• Knowledge of and proven ability to diffuse and prevent crisis situations.
• Ability to deal effectively with job-related stress.
• Commitment and ability to incorporate anti-oppression and anti-racism into daily practices.
• Commitment and ability to create a healthy workplace environment for clients and co-workers.
• Strong time management and organizational skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize workload.
• Proficiency in computer use, Microsoft Office Word, e-mail, internet and Excel programs.
• Proficiency in database management, specifically WISH.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (with other languages, including ASL) an asset.
• Must have access to a vehicle, valid driver’s license, and appropriate insurance
• Clear CPIC with vulnerable sector screening required
• The YWCA Vaccination Policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Valid exemptions pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton actively encourages applicants from all women-identified individuals from all equity deserving groups. YWCA Peterborough Haliburton embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance to Human Resources at [e-mail].