Family Court Support Worker
Location: Lindsay, Ontario
Organization: Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes
Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time- 30 hours per week
Reports To: Residential Services Manager
Wage: $27.72 hourly
Application Deadline: August 7, 2026 at 12:00pm
Start Date: As soon as possible
Position Summary
The Family Court Support Worker (FCSW) provides direct, trauma-informed support to victims of domestic violence who have left, are preparing to, or are in the process of, leaving an abusive relationship and are navigating the Family Court system. This role is key in ensuring clients feel supported, informed, and connected to the appropriate legal, safety, and community resources.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate is compassionate, organized, and committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence. They have a strong understanding of the family court system and provide trauma-informed, survivor-centred support. They build positive relationships with clients and community partners and are able to guide clients through complex legal and community service systems with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
Key Responsibilities
Client Support
- Provide accessible, clear information about the Family Court process and Family Law matters.
- Support clients in preparing for legal proceedings, including abuse history timelines and documentation.
- Assist with safety planning & risk assessments (e.g., safe travel to/from court appointments).
- Accompany clients to meetings with lawyers and to court appearances.
- Support with applications for Emergency Custody and Access.
- Debrief and explain outcomes of meetings with legal counsel, Duty Counsel, or FLIC.
- Provide emotional support, grounding techniques, and anxiety management strategies during a high-stress time.
- Help clients understand and apply for Legal Aid and assess eligibility for Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) certificates.
- Respond to lawyer requests for documentation and timelines.
- Attend Case Conferences when needed.
- Offer referrals to internal and external supports (e.g., Outreach Counselling, therapy, emergency or transitional housing, employment support, cultural services).
- Advocate for clients with family and criminal court-based services.
Community Engagement
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with legal and justice-sector professionals, including lawyers, courts, and victim services.
- Stay informed about changes to Family Law and community legal supports.
- Provide presentations and workshops
- Attend relevant trainings
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate, timely, and objective notes (case notes) in accordance with agency procedures.
- Submit all administrative documentation (e.g., intake forms, service tracking, case files)
- Prepare statistical reports and contribute to program evaluation efforts.
- Participate in staff meetings, sharing relevant updates, insights, and opportunities for program growth.
- Deliver occasional team presentations on relevant legal or social service topics.
- Ensure all documentation aligns with confidentiality, ethical, and professional standards.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, Psychology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of two years' experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, or gender-based violence.
- Strong understanding of the dynamics and impact of domestic violence, including coercive control and post-separation abuse.
- Knowledge of the Ontario family court process, including parenting, child support, spousal support, restraining orders, and court procedures.
- Experience conducting risk assessments, safety planning, crisis intervention, and client advocacy.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, survivor-centred, feminist, anti-oppression, and anti-racist practices.
- Ability to explain court processes and legal information in a clear and supportive manner.
- Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
- Excellent communication, documentation, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic client record systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in the Violence Against Women (VAW) sector.
- Knowledge of the intersections between family law, criminal law, and child protection.
- Experience supporting clients through the family court process.
- Valid driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
Accessibility & Inclusion:
· Women’s Resources welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Please contact us to let us know how we can support your participation.
· Womens Resources has an exemption to hire individuals identifying as women only.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to:
[email protected] by August 7, 2026 at 12:00pm
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Women’s Resources is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from Indigenous people, racialized persons, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Pay: From $27.72 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
