Women’s Rural Resource Centre is seeking a strong, kind, compassionate woman-centered Women and Family Services Advocate (WFSA) for a full time position up to 33 hours a week.
Reporting to the Shelter Supervisor and working closely with the Women and Family Services Teams, the WFSA is accountable to create a safe, engaging and supportive environment for vulnerable women and families impacted by violence and abuse.
The WFSA will be an essential role in providing direct support, kindness and services to women and children in the shelter as well our 24-hour crisis helpline and walk ins. Our services include a 24-hour helpline and emergency shelter, risk assessment and safety planning, advocacy, system navigation, individual and group healing opportunities, counselling, programming, education for prevention, and community development.
We are seeking a motivated individual who shares our values and commitment to helping women and children, to join our team. We come alongside one woman, one family at a time, to support them on their healing journey, while working towards restoring the broader wellbeing of our community. We have a vision for a vibrant connected community where individuals can thrive in healthy relationships.
Key Responsibilities
In a manner consistent with the agency’s values and aligned with the agency’s vision and purposes, the WFSA will:
- Provide immediate assistance, emotional support, crisis intervention, and safety planning for women and children who are or have experienced violence, ensuring they feel safe and heard.
- Crisis support to women and individuals who walk in, over the telephone and in shelter.
- Enhance women’s capacity to make informed choices by active listening, identifying strengths, and reviewing options while they access WRRC services either through the shelter, helpline, or walk-in.
- Conduct shelter intakes with kindness and empathy, building trust and rapport with callers and residents. Gather information about residents' needs and assess their immediate safety requirements.
- Respond to crisis calls, providing appropriate support and internal and/or external referrals where necessary.
- Provide and complete strength-based assessments and risk assessments for women seeking services at WRRC.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of resident interactions, services provided, programs attended and follow-up actions.
- Support the implementation and facilitation of programming for shelter residents.
- Create an individual care plan with and for all residents after assessing needs with resident. Sharing important information with the team to best support the resident and family.
- Act as the care lead when attending meetings with the client and community partners when appropriate.
- Assist with all shelter duties such as room checks, meal preparation, and support during mealtimes to ensure nutritional needs are met.
- Assist with house meetings as needed.
- To support with shelter upkeep, complete housekeeping tasks such as general cleaning, laundry, and room preparation for incoming residents to maintain a clean, welcoming and safe environment.
- Maintain security of the shelter, monitor entrances and security cameras, conduct regular checks, and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
- Maintain shelter expectations and guidelines and address any safety concerns as it relates to WRRC Health and Safety protocols.
- Address and resolve emotionally unsafe situations using a person-centered approach. Ensure all incidents are accurately documented and shared during shift change to maintain continuity of care and compliance with shelter policies.
- Address and mediate any conflicts that arise between residents, promoting a peaceful and respectful environment.
- Work collaboratively with other shelter staff, volunteers, and external partners to ensure comprehensive support for residents.
- Engage with clients and community members in a respectful, non-judgmental, and supportive way that helps to improve their health and well-being, develop life skills, increase their sense of belonging, and build resilience.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- (1+) years’ counselling experience; counselling in the area of violence against women, gender-based violence, sex and labour trafficking preferred.
- The ability to make independent decisions based on experience and judgment; flexibility to work as a member of a team with minimal supervision.
- Experience with women and children in a supportive housing, residential/shelter setting an asset.
- Demonstrates Indigenous cultural competency including awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the impacts of colonialism and systemic issues.
- Case management and program facilitation experience, including knowledge of various resources to support people with diverse needs to achieve their goals.
- Knowledge of de-escalation techniques, harm reduction, and crisis management.
- Excellent conflict resolution skills: ability to facilitate difficult conversations in a restorative manner.
- Outstanding organizational and multi-tasking skills, exceptional customer service skills.
- Understanding and awareness of cultural safety.
- Sound understanding of gender-based violence and the complex issues facing our clients.
- Excellent computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Training an asset.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Child and Family Services Act an asset.
Required Qualifications
· University Degree/College Diploma is a Social Services program or related field.
· Working towards completion of a diploma/degree.
· A combination of experience and training will be considered.
· Valid driver’s license; access to a reliable vehicle and proof of adequate insurance; willingness to facilitate transportation to appointments/shelter transfer, etc., as deemed necessary/appropriate to care.
· Clean driver’s abstract; Clear current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
· CPR and First Aid (ASIST, CPI an asset).
Schedule Requirements
The schedule will include working 4 day shifts of either Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday rotating 8 hour shifts of either days or afternoons, up to 33 hours per week.
In this role, the agency offers 14.6 days vacation and 11 days of personal time based on hours worked per week. After a probationary period of 3 months, you can participate in our health and dental benefit package which is 80% agency paid.
Physical requirements
This position will require providing on-going emotional support and advocacy to women, youth and children who have experienced gender-based violence in a secured residential setting.
Ability to lift 25 lbs.
Ability to ascend/descend stairs to complete safety, room and resident checks.
Direct reports
None
Pay: $24.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
