Relief Residential Support Worker

Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region in Kitchener and Cambridge seeks Relief Residential Support Workers to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to women and children fleeing violence. Positions include day, evening, overnight and weekend shifts, with a minimum of three full shifts per week.

Required qualifications include a BSW/MSW or psychology degree, experience as a Social Service Worker in the violence against women sector, residential setting experience, and a feminist,

Qualifications

• BSW, MSW, or psychology degree from a recognized program.
• SSW with related experience in the VAW sector.
• Residential setting experience required.
• Experience in the VAW Sector an asset.
• Understanding of feminist philosophy and anti-oppressive framework.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and support to women and children.
• Manage crisis situations with de-escalation and priority setting.
• Document client interactions and coordinate with shelters.
• Assist with program activities and safety planning.

Skills

BSW/MSW/psychology degree

SSW with VAW experience

Residential setting experience

Feminist philosophy

Anti-oppressive framework knowledge

Crisis de-escalation

Time management

Interpersonal skills (verbal/written)

Education

BSW/MSW or psychology degree

Job description

Employer: Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

Location: Kitchener and Cambridge

Job Type: Relief (Casual)

Closes: August 31, 2026

Do you desire a community that is free from violence and abuse in any of its forms? Do you have a genuine passion to support women and children move beyond violence?
Do you possess a feminist philosophy and have an understanding of an anti-oppressive framework?

Let’s start with the general details:

Position: Domestic Violence Workers
Location: Kitchener (Anselma House) and Cambridge (Haven House)
Status: Casual (day, evening, overnight and weekend shifts)
Hourly Wage: $26.06 per hour as outlined in the UNIFOR Local 302 Collective Agreement

Schedule:

Relief Residential Support Worker:

• Available for a minimum of (3) full shifts per week.
• Of these (3) full shifts, (2) shifts must be overnight shifts (awake), with (1) of those shifts being between Monday through Friday and (1) shift on Saturday or Sunday and (1) day shift.
• Relief employees must submit availability to work at least 9 of the paid holidays per calendar year.

So, how do we define a Relief Residential Support Worker?

skills and experience;

• BSW, MSW, or psychology degree from a recognized College or University
• SSW with related experience in the VAW sector
• Residential setting experience
• Experience in the VAW Sector an asset
• Flexibility and priority setting required to de-escalate crisis situations and to manage the multiple demand of the role.
• Knowledge of the effects of all types of abuse on both women and children.
• Have a feminist philosophy.
• Understanding of 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 women and children, such as ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, survivors of trauma, mental health and addiction issues.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines.
• Current knowledge of basic criminal and family law, The Child and Family Services Act and related legal issues and resources.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of computer software.
• Valid driver’s license, valid and sufficient insurance coverage and access to a reliable vehicle.

additional assets?

• Experience in providing crisis intervention, trauma informed, harm reduction support and advocacy, risk and ongoing assessments.
• Experience working with interpreters.
• Knowledge of and skills in accessing and utilizing appropriate community resources.
• Valid First Aid/CPR-C Certificate and Naloxone training, will be provided if required
• Ability to speak in two or more languages.

General employment eligibility requirements

Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check

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.

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

Make a difference while building your career with WCSWR!

This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Artificial intelligence will may be used to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.

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 Caitlin Ramcharitar, Human Resources Manager at [e-mail].