Women's Advocate

Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses; Canada; Remote; CAD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Homeward Family Shelter o/a Julliette’s Place in Toronto provides safe emergency shelter for abused women and their children, 24 hours a day, with supports in violence prevention, advocacy, housing, and family services since 1990.

The Women’s Advocate role collaborates with a team to deliver crisis intervention, intake, safety planning, and program coordination, promoting a path toward independence within a feminist framework.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in counselling and mutual-aid group work focused on the issues of client group
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of woman abuse and trauma
• Knowledge of Gender-based Violence, Addictions and Mental Health issues and prevention strategies
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices
• Experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment
• Group facilitation skills and ability to multi-task

Responsibilities

• Acts as an Advocate for Women and their Children
• Provides both phone and in-house crisis intervention
• Conducts intakes, assessments, risk assessments/safety planning, and goal planning
• Coordinates placement student experiences and housing applications
• Coordinates women’s program activities and daily resident services
• Provides accompaniment and supports to residents for independence trajectory
• Liaises with community professionals to access services

Skills

Counselling experience

Group facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

Multicultural sensitivity

Education

Undergraduate degree in a clinical field (e.g., BSW)

Certificate in trauma counselling

First Aid and CPR certification

CPIC check current/clear

Driver’s license with vehicle

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Email

Internet

Job description

HOMEWARD FAMILY SHELTER O/A JULLIETTE’S PLACE

Homeward Family Shelter o/a Julliette’s Place has been providing safe and secure emergency shelter for abused women and their children, on a 24-hour basis, since 1990. In addition to emergency shelter, women and their children are provided with necessities and shelter supports in the areas of violence prevention, advocacy, group facilitation, housing, immigration, family law and parental support.

HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 Per Week

SALARY AND BENEFITS As per the Collective Agreement

UNIONIZED OPSEU LOCAL 518

The Women’s Advocate is required to work within a collaborative team to provide meaningful and relevant services from a theoretical feminist framework, including a working knowledge of the dynamics and effects of violence, trauma and oppression.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Includes:

• Acts as an Advocate for Women and their Children
• Provides both phone and in-house crisis intervention
• Conducts both phone and in person intakes, assessments, risk assessments/safety planning, goal planning, weekly counselling, and departure planning
• Completes and submit Housing applications to appropriate partners
• Coordinate all aspects of Placement Students experience
• Coordinate women’s program activities for implementation
• Provides daily support services to residents (e.g. weekly allowance, first aid, assistance with document completion)
• Provides accompaniment as necessary
• Works with women individually and/or in groups to establish a plan that will facilitate a safe and effective path to independence
• Exercises the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all residents
• Use mediation, facilitation and negotiation skills to maintain a co-operative, supportive and productive house environment
• Liaises with professionals and agencies in the community to facilitate residents access to services

MINIMUM EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE /SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• In-depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through completion of a clinically supervised undergraduate degree (e.g. BSW).
• 2 or more years’ experience in counselling and mutual-aid group work focused on the issues of client group
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of woman abuse and trauma
• Knowledge of Gender based Violence, Addictions and Mental Health issues and prevention strategies
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices
• Experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment
• Varied Counselling approaches
• Group facilitation Skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail and the Internet requirement
• Valid Criminal Reference (CPIC) Check requirement
• Current First Aid and CPR certification requirement
• Fluency in French or second language (oral and written) an asset
• Certificate in trauma counselling requirement
• Certification with the OCSSW/OCSW or with other related association is a requirement
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and $1,000,000. personal liability insurance requirement

Homeward Family Shelter o/a Julliette’s Place is committed to the principles of equitable hiring. We Value diversity and encourage individuals of all races, ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientation and abilities to apply.