Personal Support Worker jobs in Canada

Who We Are

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 dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

Why Work for Us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

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

Position Description

Job Code: 1-PPH-2025

Department: Housing & Gender Based Violence Support Services

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 15-29 hours per week

Start Date: TBD

Posting Date: January 13, 2025

Provides support and services to women and children residing in housing at the YWCA Hamilton Transitional Living and Phoenix Place, who are fleeing gender-based violence. Supports include crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referral advocacy, goal planning, programming, and group facilitation to meet the needs of women in crisis. Assist in the operation of day-to-day shelter needs and work collaboratively with women and children in the areas of housing, legal, education, employment, and mental health to establish a plan to assist them with a safe and effective path to independence.

Responsibilities include:

1. Conducting intake meetings and assessments of clients/residents to identify client trauma needs;
2. Applying knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies;
3. Supervising placement students (typically one student placement per semester) and providing feedback to the Program Supervisor for evaluation;
4. Keeping records on day-to-day happenings, entering client information/daily events into an electronic data information system for reports and statistics;
5. Communicating, advocating, and collaborating with community agencies (e.g. courts, legal services, housing) to provide resources and referrals to clients/residents;
6. Offering clients appointment accompaniment (e.g. court), crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referrals, and advocacy;
7. Providing programming and facilitating group workshops (e.g. organizing, safety plans, anger management);
8. Providing light housekeeping (preparing room for occupancy and cleaning units as clients move out, laundry) and cooking food for residents;
9. Maintaining a high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee, and contract information;
10. Supporting YWCA Hamilton mission, vision, and values;
11. Performing other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works a standard 15-hour work week; (days, afternoons, weekday and/or occasional weekends); Regularly works in emotionally charged situations requiring resolution; Work environment may be hostile at times; Only staff member at Phoenix Place (9am to 5pm).

Qualifications

1. Completion of 2 years of college in social work or human services, or equivalent;
2. 1 to 3 years of experience working with crisis management and violence against women settings;
3. Working knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act;
4. Knowledge of harm reduction strategies and training in administering naloxone is an asset;
5. Experience in trauma counselling is an asset;
6. Must be able to work from a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective;
7. Ability to work a schedule which includes days, afternoons, weekday and/or occasional weekends;
8. Food Handler’s certificate is an asset;
9. Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
10. Knowledge of social housing and community resources;
11. Bilingual English/French or other languages is 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. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

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