Residential Support Worker- AH Overnight

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

Job summary

A community support organization in Kitchener is seeking a Residential Support Worker to provide assistance to women and children affected by violence. This full-time contract role involves supporting clients through crisis intervention and emotional support, alongside community advocacy. The ideal candidate holds a BSW or an equivalent qualification with relevant experience. A supportive work environment is emphasized, promoting wellness and engagement.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Opportunities for professional development

Team of passionate staff

Qualifications

• Flexibility to de-escalate crisis situations and manage multiple demands.
• Knowledge of effects of abuse on women and children.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Support women and children moving beyond violence with crisis line support.
• Provide community referrals/information and discharge planning.
• Help women adapt to communal living and facilitate independence.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Emotional support

Advocacy

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Cultural competence

Education

BSW from a recognized University

SSW with two years experience in the VAW sector

Related degree with five years experience

Job description

Job Posting

Position : Residential Support Worker

Location : Kitchener Anselma House

Hours of Work : Overnights 11:30pm to 7:30am

Start Date : September 2025

End Date : Approximately June 20 2026

Pay Rate : Current pay rate is $28.36 per hour

Number of roles : 1 vacancy posting internally and externally

Status : Full-Time Contract

Agency Overview

Womens 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

The main responsibilities of a Residential Support Worker include the following:

• supporting women and children to move beyond violence by providing crisis line support, safety planning, ongoing assessment, and emotional support through one-to-one and group activities
• providing community referrals/information, discharge planning, and advocacy
• supporting women to adapt to communal living and facilitating their transition to independence

Qualifications and Experience

• BSW from a recognized University; preference given to MSWs
• SSW from a recognized College with two years experience in the VAW sector
• A related or relevant degree or diploma with five years of experience in a related field
• Flexibility and priority setting to de-escalate crisis situations and manage multiple demands of the role
• Knowledge of the effects of all types of abuse on both women and children
• Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task
• Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of women and children (e.g., sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, survivors of trauma, mental health and addiction issues)
• Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques; 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 and verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in the use of computer software

The following would be 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
• Ability to speak two or more languages

We also have 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 committed to continuous improvement and listening to and acting on feedback
• A supportive working environment focused on continuous learning and growth
• Internal programs committed to staff wellness, engagement and development

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume on or before September 15 2025 to:

Joyce Birnstihl
Human Resources Manager

700 Heritage Drive, Kitchener ON N2A3N9

Womens 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.

Key Skills

Admin Support, Commerce, ABAP, E Learning, Core Banking

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1