CharityVillage

Job Summary

As part of a team of front-line staff, the Case Worker – Women and Families, plays a pivotal role in the lives of the women-identified individuals and their dependents fleeing abuse.  Using a client-centered approach, and Anti-Racism / Anti-Oppression (AR/AO) lens, this position is the main intake worker for residents of Harmony House.  The Case Worker – Women and Families also responds to inquiries, helps clients resolve issues, and provides other necessary supports while respecting each woman’s self-determination and personal decision making.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to work as part of a team to ensure that residents of Harmony House are assisted by providing daily support, information, practical assistance, intakes, and referrals.  The Case Worker – Women and Families also participates in facilitating skill development and providing advocacy with the various systems women may encounter in re-establishing their abuse-free lives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The main duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• applying knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies

• completing intakes, assessments, risk assessments/safety plans, and goal planning

• in collaboration with the Executive Director and staff team, recommends, develops, and delivers creative programming based on client feedback and identified needs

• keeping accurate case files, and recording information on the database

• working with women individually and/or in groups to establish a plan that will facilitate a safe and effective path to independence

• participating in facilitating monthly house meetings as required

• engaging with the staff team to ensure the development and implementation of quality services

• participating in case management meetings, and acts as an advocate on behalf of residents

• providing daily support services to residents

• accompanying women to appointments as necessary, which may include the legal and judicial systems, housing, and other service supports

• exercising the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all residents

• using mediation, facilitation and negotiation skills to maintain a co-operative, supportive and productive house environment

• providing information and referrals, and responding appropriately to needs presented by residents, former residents, and other clients

• liaising with professionals and agencies in the community to facilitate access to services by clients

• communicating any issues relating to building to the Safety and Environment Coordinator

• providing crisis intervention, informal counseling, safety planning, and referrals to shelter residents and callers

• providing information and referrals to detox centers, treatment programs, supportive recovery programs, and other relevant mental health /addictions services

• negotiating treatment plans with clients that focus on harm reduction as needed

• collaborating with community partners to ensure holistic and efficient service delivery to clients

• maintaining, records and compiling program statistic and other reports as needed such as for the Annual Report, and donor impact information packages as requested by the Manager of Fundraising

• ensuring updates to client information is recorded, i.e. crisis calls, incidents reports, security issues, and Serious Occurrences Reports (SORs)

• participating in ongoing program evaluation, including conducting client surveys

• ensuring that residents are aware of, and understand their rights and responsibilities, house practices and procedures

• ensuring programming expenditure stay within budget allocation

• supervising students and volunteers as required

• assisting with food bank, moves-in, and moves-out as needed

• any other duties as required that facilitate effective service delivery

Minimum Education, General Skills and Experience:

• Successful candidates will hold at minimum a diploma in Social Service Work. A diploma in Assaulted Women and Children Counsellor/Advocate, or degree in Social Work, is preferred

• Minimum two (2) years of work experience in fields of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health, concurrent disorders, counselling and other social services supporting vulnerable women

• An understanding of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health disorders, addiction, poverty and homelessness, refugee and immigration issues, child development and parenting, and emerging trends and issues

• Ability to provide person-centered, trauma-informed and AR/AO services and supports to women and children with diverse experiences and identities

• Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations, and within the context of a team structure

• Confident decision maker and enthusiastic team player

• Committed to upholding the organization’s mission, values and standards

• Working knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, knowledge of community resources and supports, working knowledge of the Landlord and Tenant Act

• Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritize workload

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft software application, and the Internet

• Valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed (Criminal Reference Check to be updated every 3 years after employment)

• Current First Aid and CPR training

• Certificate in trauma counselling, definite asset

Working Conditions

• Physically able to climb stairs as shelter is on three levels without an elevator

• Must be able to lift boxes of food for the food bank as required

• May be required to lift furniture from time to time to assist with move-ins and move-outs

• Must be able to share in evening duties with other team members

• Must adhere to all policies and procedures of Harmony House

Harmony House Women’s Shelter is committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace.  We invite and welcome applications from visible minorities, Indigenous People, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of our community.