Job Posting: Shelter Counsellor- Permanent Part-Time
Location: City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Organization: Women's Resources of Kawartha Lakes
Position Type: Permanent Part-Time (50 Hours bi-weekly)
Wage: $27.72
Dates: As Soon as Possible
Reports To: Residential Services Manager
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026 at 4:00pm
About us
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes (WR) provides emergency shelter, counselling, advocacy, and support services to women and their children experiencing abuse throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes. We are committed to providing services within a feminist, trauma-informed, anti-oppression, and anti-racism framework that promotes safety, empowerment, and social change.
We are currently seeking a Permanent Part-Time Shelter Counsellor to join our dedicated team at our 18-bed emergency shelter in Lindsay, Ontario. This position is scheduled for 50 hours bi-weekly and requires flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as required.
Position Summary
The Shelter Counsellor provides crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, case management, and practical assistance to women and children accessing emergency shelter services. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-risk environment while maintaining a calm, compassionate, and professional approach.
Schedule
This is a permanent part-time position (50 hours bi-weekly) with a combination of fixed and flexible scheduling.
The successful candidate will work:
· Regularly scheduled overnight shifts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of alternating weekends.
· Additional scheduled shifts as part of the regular bi-weekly hours.
· Opportunities to pick up additional shifts, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and vacation or sick leave coverage.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
- Social Service Worker (SSW) Diploma or equivalent post-secondary education in a related field.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience working in a Violence Against Women sector, VAW residential shelter or comparable crisis setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of feminist analysis of violence against women and gender-based violence.
- Strong understanding of anti-oppression, anti-racism, intersectionality, and trauma-informed practice, with the ability to apply these principles in daily work.
- Experience providing strength-based, harm reduction supports to women experiencing intimate partner violence, mental health concerns, substance use, and complex trauma.
- Excellent crisis intervention, de-escalation, risk assessment, safety planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to work confidently in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where priorities shift quickly and sound judgment is essential.
- Strong communication, documentation, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment.
- Knowledge of community resources, legal systems, housing supports, social services, and the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of residents.
- Commitment to maintaining a welcoming, clean, safe, and supportive shelter environment.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to accurately complete electronic documentation, maintain client records, and respond to crisis inquiries through online platforms (e.g., Chatline).
- Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking, standing, stair climbing, lifting, housekeeping duties, and responding promptly in emergency situations, with or without accommodation.
Additional Requirements
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C (or willingness to obtain).
- Valid Ontario Driver's Licence and reliable access to a vehicle.
- Current satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.
We Are Looking for Someone Who Is
- Compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental.
- Adaptable and resilient under pressure.
- Committed to empowering women through a feminist, survivor-centred approach.
- Able to establish professional boundaries while building trusting relationships.
- Dedicated to continuous learning and reflective practice.
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes Offers
- A supportive and collaborative workplace.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Comprehensive health benefits (in accordance with eligibility provisions).
- Participation in a defined contribution RRSP program.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children in our community.
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of our community, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our organization.
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.
· WR has an exemption to hire women only.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to:
[email protected] by July 10, 2026 at 4:00pm
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 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Pay: $27.72 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
