RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER (RSW) – Three (3) Vacancies
Reporting to: Shelter Manager
Responsible to: Executive Director
Position Status: Full-Time Days, 12-Hour Shift Rotation 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
POSITION SUMMARY
Guided by the values of respect, dignity, cultural safety, and community, the Residential Support Worker (RSW) is responsible for providing trauma-informed, client-centred support to women, children, and families experiencing domestic and family violence. Working within an Indigenous-led organization, the RSW recognizes the impacts of colonization, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, systemic barriers, and ongoing inequities affecting Indigenous women, children, families, and communities.
Reporting to the Shelter Manager and accountable to the Executive Director, the RSW works collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients are empowered to build on their strengths, reconnect with their identities, and move toward safety, healing, and self-determination.
The RSW serves as a first point of contact for clients and visitors and provides crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, childcare support, shelter operations, reception duties, and general facility maintenance. The position contributes to a culturally responsive environment that honours Indigenous cultures, traditions, teachings, and ways of knowing while respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all clients.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS
Core Competencies
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
- Effective Communication
- Ethical Practice and Confidentiality
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Cultural Safety and Humility
- Trauma-Informed Practice
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Knowledge of domestic violence, family violence, abuse, addictions, mental health, and homelessness.
- Understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, residential schools, child welfare involvement, systemic discrimination, and intergenerational trauma.
- Demonstrated commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and culturally safe service delivery.
- Ability to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and risk assessment through both in-person and telephone interactions.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, harm-reduction, and client-centred approaches.
- Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, teachings, and community resources, or a willingness to learn.
- Ability to establish healthy professional boundaries while building supportive and respectful relationships with clients.
- Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with children and families.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, databases, and internet-based systems.
- Current CPR and Emergency First Aid certification.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and Child/Adult Abuse Registry Checks.
- Valid Driver’s Licence and access to a vehicle are an asset
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Support
- Welcome clients in a respectful, non-judgmental, and culturally safe manner.
- Conduct intake and crisis assessments to determine client needs and eligibility for services.
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, advocacy, safety planning, and referrals.
- Support clients in accessing community resources, including housing, health services, legal supports, income assistance, and cultural supports.
- Encourage client autonomy, self-determination, and goal setting.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, case notes, and records.
- Support clients in reconnecting with culture, family, community, and traditional healing opportunities where appropriate.
Cultural Safety and Indigenous Practice
- Foster an environment that honours Indigenous identities, cultures, languages, teachings, and traditions.
- Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples.
- Participate in cultural learning, training, ceremonies, and teachings as appropriate.
- Support organizational efforts toward reconciliation, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.
- Build respectful relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous service providers, and community partners.
Shelter Operations
- Answer and direct phone calls, including crisis line calls.
- Maintain accurate visitor and resident records according to safety protocols.
- Assist with medication storage and distribution procedures.
- Ensure shelter safety through room checks, wellness checks, and adherence to organizational policies.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the facility.
- Complete housekeeping duties including cleaning, laundry, garbage removal, and supply management.
- Assist with meal preparation and kitchen support as required.
Child and Family Support
- Provide childcare support as needed.
- Assist with recreational, educational, and culturally relevant activities for children and families.
- Support healthy child development through positive role modelling and age-appropriate engagement.
- Ensure children’s spaces remain safe, welcoming, and well maintained.
Team and Organizational Responsibilities
- Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
- Represent the organization respectfully and professionally within the community.
- Support volunteers, students, and placement workers as required.
- Stay informed regarding emerging best practices in domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and Indigenous community wellness.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates within a trauma-informed residential shelter environment and may involve exposure to crisis situations, emotional distress, and complex client needs. The role requires physical activity including cleaning, lifting, stair use, childcare support, and occasional outdoor work. Staff may work independently at times and must be comfortable responding to emergencies and crisis situations.
COMMITMENT TO INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT
We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Indigenous applicants, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, are strongly encouraged to apply. We value lived experience, cultural knowledge, community connections, and traditional teachings alongside formal education and work experience.
Pay: $18.00-$22.08 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
