Sandgate Women's Shelter - Outreach & Counselling Support Worker

Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses; Ontario; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses is seeking an Outreach & Counselling Support Worker for Sandgate Women's Shelter. The position involves providing crisis support, clinical counseling, and facilitating public education events, all in alignment with a woman-centered, anti-oppression framework. Candidates should have a degree in Social Work or Psychology and relevant experience in counseling and advocacy.

Qualifications

• University Degree in Social Work or Psychology required.
• Two to three years of related experience preferred.
• Experience in group facilitation and supportive crisis counseling.

Responsibilities

• Provide mobile, residential, and non-residential crisis support.
• Assist women through the social services system.
• Facilitate and develop support groups for emotional well-being.

Skills

Crisis counseling

Public speaking

Event planning

Group facilitation

Bilingual

Education

University Degree in Social Work or Psychology

Tools

Computer software

Job description

Sandgate Women's Shelter - Outreach & Counselling Support Worker

Posted on Jun 03, 2025

Sandgate Women's Shelter

Outreach & Counselling Support Worker

Posting No.: 06-02-2025 OCSW (1)

Position: Outreach & Counselling Support Worker

Start Date: ASAP

Status: Full-time Permanent

Hours of Work: 40 hours / week,

Location: Jackson’s Point

Number of Positions: One (1)

Job Profile

The Outreach Worker primarily provides mobile, residential, and non-residential crisis support individually and in-group settings to develop and carry out individualized goal plans for all persons who identify as women and their children who are affected by violence. Community education, development, and event planning on the issues of violence against women will also be a focus for this position. You will provide safety planning, crisis intervention, trauma and clinical counseling, advocacy, referrals, and follow-up support. All aspects of this position are performed within a harm reduction, feminist, anti-oppression, and intersectional framework, following the mission, vision, and guiding principles of the organization.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and supportive counselling in person and via telephone
• Support women who have experience violence and/or sexual abuse through the provision of clinical counselling.
• Assist women through the process of navigating the social services system and provide relevant referrals, as per the woman’s individual needs
• Attendance at appropriate meetings or appointments with women as necessary
• Organize and participate in public awareness/education events on the issue of violence against women, attend speaking engagements as agency representatives as required
• Facilitate and participate in appropriate meetings as required
• Complete indirect service components in a timely manner as required: logging/ tracking, information bridging, follow-up, recording and reporting
• Participate in program planning and evaluation as approved
• Participate in grant applications, proposal and report writing as approved
• Effectively liaise with relevant community stakeholders including public speaking and awareness events
• Facilitate, plan, and develop support groups designed to improve emotional well-being and healing from trauma for women in the community and in residential programs
• Maintain flexibility in scheduling and travel – some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Provide front line shelter coverage or other relevant duties as required
• Produce media articles/releases, pamphlets, budgets, and reports as required
• Liaising with schools, teacher education, one-on-one counseling as requested
• Understand and comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and the Service Delivery Guide

Requisite Skills and Qualifications

• University Degree in Social Work or Psychology
• Two to three years of related experience
• Experience in group facilitation and supportive crisis counseling
• Education and experience in clinical counselling
• Demonstrated ability in public speaking, education, and event planning
• Commitment to continuing education on women’s issues, with a particular emphasis on violence against women
• Intermediate competency with computer hardware and software
• Fluency in a second language spoken by a significant regional population will be considered an asset
• Valid driving license, valid car insurance, and reliable vehicle

Job Requirements

• Commitment to and promotion of a woman-centered service within a feminist analysis in all aspects of work
• Experience in working within a trauma informed approach framework
• Ability to work independently and as an effective transition team member, with willingness to cover duties/shifts for other positions if required
• Assume other relevant tasks and activities as required
• Respect for and valuing of community diversity
• Work within an anti-racism/anti-oppression framework
• Ability to challenge current system and co-workers and resolve conflict
• Flexibility to work in, and travel to, any part of the region (all organizational locations), as per operational requirements
• Proof of Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Proof of CPR/First Aid Certification

Please note that this position reports to and is supervised by the Shelter Supervisor for Jackson’s Point

Application procedures:

In keeping with our ongoing efforts to promote equity and reflect the diversity of York Region, we welcome applications from Aboriginal Women, Women of Color, Immigrant women, Lesbians, and other women from the LGBTTTIQQ community, women with disabilities and Women from other diverse groups to apply. We thank all applicants, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Apply in writing to the HR Manager at [e-mail] by closing date listed above by 5:00pm.