Relief Residential Program Worker

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford; Woodstock; On-site; CAD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford is seeking a compassionate Residential Program Worker to support residents and their children in emergency shelter and crisis line services. You will provide trauma‑informed, woman-centered care, assist with safety planning, and coordinate referrals within a supportive shelter environment.

You will join a team dedicated to reducing violence and promoting independence, with emphasis on confidentiality, ethics, and culturally responsive service delivery; unionized

Qualifications

• Experience in residential or shelter programs, social services, or community support role.
• Strong knowledge of IPV and gender-based violence dynamics, trauma impacts, and empowering support.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis intervention skills with diverse residents.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices, Ontario social service systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and use basic computer applications for reporting.
• Capacity to work relief shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Education in social work, social service work, psychology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional ethics, and non-discriminatory, gender-neutral service delivery.
• First aid/CPR certification and vulnerable sector check are assets.
• This is a unionized position with pay rate 23.36 CAD/hour.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to residents and their children.
• Develop safety plans and complete safety and risk assessments.
• Facilitate referrals and advocate with community partners and service systems.
• Support day-to-day shelter operations and maintain a safe, respectful environment.
• Respond to emergencies in line with organizational policies and procedures.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

IPV awareness

Crisis intervention

Interpersonal communication

Documentation & reporting

Shift flexibility

Ethics & confidentiality

First aid/CPR

Vulnerable sector check

Education

Diploma or degree in social work / related field

Job description

Company Description Domestic Abuse Services Oxford is a community-focused organization headquartered in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. The organization is committed to supporting individuals and families affected by domestic abuse through safe housing, crisis intervention, and advocacy services. Staff members work collaboratively with local partners, social service agencies, and healthcare providers to connect clients with appropriate resources. Domestic Abuse Services Oxford strives to foster dignity, safety, and empowerment for people experiencing abuse, while promoting awareness and prevention within the broader community.

Role Description The Residential Program Worker provides compassionate, trauma-informed, and woman-centered support to individuals and their children accessing emergency shelter and crisis line services due to violence and abuse. Working as part of a team, the Residential Worker supports residents in navigating crisis, increasing safety, accessing resources, and identifying pathways toward stable, violence-free housing and independence.

The Residential Worker is responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive shelter environment while responding effectively to the complex and often urgent needs of individuals and children impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) and other forms of gender-based violence.

Key responsibilities include providing crisis intervention and emotional support, completing safety and risk assessments, developing safety plans, supporting individualized service plans, facilitating referrals, and advocating with community partners and service systems. The Residential Worker also supports the day-to-day operation of the shelter, including maintaining a safe and respectful communal environment and responding to emergencies in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience in residential or shelter programs, social services, or community support role.
• Strong knowledge of the dynamics of IPV and gender-based violence, an understanding of trauma and its impacts, and the ability to provide non-judgmental, culturally responsive, and empowering support.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis intervention skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices, community resources, and relevant social service systems in Ontario.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, follow safety procedures, and use basic computer applications for reporting and communication.
• Proven capacity to work variable relief shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to remain calm and focused in emergency situations.
• Relevant education such as a diploma or degree in social work, social service work, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional ethics, and non-discriminatory, gender-neutral service delivery.
• Current first aid/CPR certification and a satisfactory vulnerable sector check are considered assets.
• This position is a unionized position and the rate of pay is 23.36