High Risk Coordinator, Intimate Partner Violence

Victim Services of Waterloo Region; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Victim Services of Waterloo Region (VSWR) is seeking a High Risk Coordinator to manage the Mobile Tracking System (MTS) program and deliver trauma-informed, victim-centered support to a full caseload of clients facing elevated safety risks due to intimate partner violence. The role requires strong collaboration with police services, partner agencies, and the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region.

35 hours/week, on-site with travel across Waterloo Region, and a detailed criminal background

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Social Work or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years direct service/crisis intervention experience in IPV or related areas preferred.
• Ability to build partnerships with community agencies and work across systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate MTS program: referrals, intake, eligibility, risk assessment, ongoing engagement.
• Provide trauma-informed support and crisis intervention for high-risk clients.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop individualized safety plans.
• Collaborate with police, family violence partners and MCCSS guidelines.
• Advocate to reduce barriers and support client empowerment.
• Maintain accurate client records across databases and participate in case conferences.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Interagency collaboration

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Tech skills / database tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

B-SAFER (asset)

Database tools

Job description

Victim Services of Waterloo Region (VSWR) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting victims, witnesses, and their families in the aftermath of crime and/or sudden tragedy. We believe that compassionate, respectful care and timely access to appropriate services are essential to recovery. VSWR delivers support in a manner that prioritizes each individual’s physical and emotional safety, while empowering them with choice and control over the decisions that affect their lives.

Summary

This position will coordinate high-risk programing, namely the Mobile Tracking System (MTS) Program. The High Risk Coordinator will deliver a full range of trauma-informed, victim-centred support services to a full caseload of clients who are experiencing elevated safety risks due to Intimate Partner Violence. This includes supporting clients who are actively participating in the MTS Program. This position requires strong collaboration with police services and partner agencies, with a specific focus on collaborative work within the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Mobile Tracking System (MTS) Program by overseeing all aspects, including referrals, intake, eligibility determination, risk assessment, and ongoing client engagement
• Provide trauma-informed support, including crisis intervention, emotional support, psychoeducation, and practical assistance to clients facing high-risk situations related to Intimate Partner Violence and other forms of gender-based violence
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments using validated tools to evaluate client safety needs and determine program eligibility
• Develop and implement individualized service plans that address both immediate and long-term needs, making appropriate community referrals to facilitate wrap around support
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and collaborate closely with partner agencies to ensure coordinated, wraparound support for clients
• Administer the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) in accordance with guidelines set by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS), while conducting ongoing client needs assessments
• Provide individualized, in-depth safety planning for high-risk clients
• Advocate on behalf of clients by liaising with professionals across legal, medical, housing, and social service systems to reduce barriers and support client empowerment
• Inform clients of their rights under the Victims’ Bill of Rights and provide support in navigating the criminal justice system
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records across multiple databases
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community partners involved in gender-based violence work, including all agencies within the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region and Waterloo Regional Police Service
• Support community education and outreach initiatives related to gender-based violence and the MTS Program

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, direct service experience, and a strong understanding of the dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence. Specifically, they will possess:

• A post-secondary degree in Social Work or related human services field; a combination of equivalent education and relevant experience will also be considered
• A minimum of three (3) years direct service experience in crisis intervention, with a specific focus on supporting individuals impacted by Intimate Partner Violence and/or Human Trafficking
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with relevant community agencies
• Experience delivering support through a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive lens
• A strong understanding of the impacts of gender-based violence on individuals and families across diverse communities
• Experience conducting comprehensive risk assessments; familiarity with or certification in tools such as the B-SAFER is considered an asset
• Experience developing individualized safety plans with a strong understanding of lethality risk factors (e.g., strangulation)
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, particularly in high-stress or crisis situations
• Working knowledge of local community resources to support appropriate referrals and inter‑agency collaboration
• Proficiency in using computer software and database tools

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every listed qualification. If you’re passionate about supporting survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and believe you can bring value to this role, we want to hear from you. We recognize that skills and experience can be gained in a variety of ways, including through lived experience and non-traditional career paths.

Working Conditions & Requirements

• FT 35 hours/week, on-site, working primarily out of VSWR and FVP locations throughout Waterloo Region, with travel required
• After hours on-call support as required on a rotating basis
• A valid G Class Ontario driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle is required to fulfil the requirements of this position
• Successful completion of a detailed criminal background check
• This position exposes the incumbent to possible vicarious trauma that results from empathetic engagement with recently traumatized clients

Schedule

• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Job Type

Full-time, Contract

Contract length

1 year, with the possibility of extension

Posting will remain open until filled.

Successful Applicant Start Date

Fall 2026

All new offers of employment are subject to a Criminal Records Check satisfactory to the employer. Prior to making an offer of employment to a candidate, references will be verified and must be acceptable to Victim Services. A comprehensive background check will include a police/criminal check, personal history evaluation, education check, license and insurance verification. Reference and background checks may not be limited to these and will be approved by the Agency.

Victim Services of Waterloo Region values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Thank you for your interest.

Our hiring process is conducted without the use of AI-based screening tools.