SHELTER WORKER

YWCA Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Childcare discounts

Community involvement

Health benefits

Job summary

YWCA Hamilton is seeking a Shelter Worker to support women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in shelter settings. The role includes providing meals, private space, and access to basic needs, with a focus on trauma-informed care and advocacy.

Responsibilities include assessments, crisis intervention, safety planning, and coordination with partners, while maintaining confidentiality and contributing to program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Work/Social Services or related field.
• Advocacy for women and gender expansive communities within a harm reduction approach.
• Experience with marginalized women; trauma, mental health, health and substance use.
• Crisis management and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of social housing and shelter system in Hamilton.
• Ability to work in diverse communities with a trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide shelter support to women and gender-diverse individuals, including meals, private space, and basic needs.
• Conduct initial assessments and crisis intervention with referrals and advocacy.
• Develop safety plans, coordinate with partners, and maintain confidentiality.
• Record data on outputs and outcomes; participate in staff meetings.

Skills

Crisis management

De-escalation

Communication skills

Trauma-informed practice

Bilingual English/French

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Work

Job description

Number of Vacancies: Part-Time - 4

Type of Contract: Temporary

Hours of Work: Relief: 0-14 Hours/Week, Part-Time: 15-29 Hours/Week, Full-Time: 37.5 Hours/Week

Compensation: $24.91/Hour

Job Code: 7-ESM-2026

Contract Start Date: TBD

Contract End Date: December 31st, 2026

Department: Housing and GBVSS

Location: Hamilton, ON

ABOUT US

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are committed to providing meaningful and accessible services that create opportunities to amplify voices and co-create gender-inclusive and equitable communities.

YWORK FOR US?

Grounded in our core values of intersectional feminism, people-centered approaches, belonging, shared responsibility and strong partnerships, our work is guided by the belief that lasting change can be created together.YWCA Hamilton envisions an equitable world where women (cis and trans), girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have the rights and resources to shape their own lives and lead their communities. Join us in taking bold action that leads to life-changing impacts in our community.

AS A YWCA HAMILTON EMPLOYEE YOU GET

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package that may include extended health benefits and paid sick time (eligibility criteria applies)

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, gender diverse people and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides support to women and gender diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in need of shelter through provision of meals, private sleeping space, access to basic needs and case management supports. Using an integrated feminist anti-racist/anti-oppressive and trauma informed perspective, the Shelter Worker will assess the needs of women and offer supports that include crisis intervention, supportive counseling, referrals, advocacy, brief goal planning, and programming; while ensuring adherence to the YWCA’s vision, mission and values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with women to identify & support their personal goals and objectives;
• Liaises with community partners including Emergency Services, Housing Providers, Housing First Programs, hospitals;
• Conducts initial assessments for the woman accessing services;
• Provides crisis intervention and counseling support;
• Works with Supervisor to provide a range of social work supports including goal setting, developing safety plans related to violence, addictions and/or mental health, crisis intervention, counselling support and advocacy;
• Offers referrals and assists clients in navigating services and housing in the community;
• Advocates on behalf of women;
• Provides daily programming;
• Data collection of outputs, outcomes and attendance and record keeping;
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client information;
• Prepares program and cleans areas used for the program;
• Cleans biohazardous fluids as required;
• Performs general housekeeping duties including but not limited to completing laundry;
• Works safely, reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Hamilton Health and Safety policies and procedures,
• Familiar with, and adheres to the Occupational Health & Safety Act, (OHSA) Workplace Safety Insurance Board Act (WSIB), Human Rights and Employment Standards Act (ESA);
• Participates in annual Health & Safety training provided by the YWCA;
• Attends and participates in staff/team meetings;
• Ensures compliance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures;
• Supports the YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Performs other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-Time works a standard 37.5 hours per week, part-time works a standard 15-29 hours per week; Relief works a standard 0 - 14 hours per week
• Work schedule includes days, evenings, overnight, early mornings and weekends;
• Often works in high conflict situations which can be hostile or violent at times requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have post-secondary education in Social Work/Social Services or related field or equivalent;
• Committed to advocating for and supporting women and gender expansive communities within a harm reduction, sex work positive approach;
• Experience working with marginalized women; experiencing trauma, mental health, health and substance use struggles;
• Proven experience in crisis management and de-escalation techniques;
• Knowledge of social housing and shelter system in Hamilton;
• Experience working in a diverse community or setting;
• Ability to bring a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective to work;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Good knowledge of community resources;
• Ability to work from a trauma informed practice;
• Ability to work a schedule which includes days, early mornings, afternoons, evenings, overnights and weekends based on program needs;
• Must provide a current Vulnerable sector police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR C certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process, if you require accommodation please reach out to [e-mail]

Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered. YWCA Hamilton may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.