Sexual Assault Services Caseworker

Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, KWS invites you to join our team as a Sexual Assault Services Caseworker.

About Us:

KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980.  Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary:

The Sexual Assault Services (SAS) Caseworker is a frontline, community-based role delivering trauma-informed, client-centered support to individuals impacted by sexualized assault and violence. The program provides provides services, support, and information to victims of sexual assault, assisting them to navigate the criminal justice system. It also provides accompaniment and support to survivors of sexual assault to access healthcare services, safety planning, and community supports. 

This program supports individuals of all genders and is grounded in inclusive, participant-centered practice.

The SAS Caseworker liaises with key partners including RCMP, SART, Crown Counsel and other community service providers, to enhance the safety and support of victims of sexual assault. The role ensures coordinated, timely support while maintaining accurate, confidential documentation in alignment with established policies and procedures. This position focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for victims of sexual assault and violence to address the impacts of violence and enhance safety and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed and response-based support, and direct service to victims of sexualized assault including navigation of the criminal justice, family law, health, child welfare and other related systems.

• Conduct intake, risk assessment, and safety planning; develop survivor-led service plans and informed consent processes while ensuring culturally safe and trauma informed care.

• Provide general information on the justice system, relevant federal and provincial legislation and programs pertaining to victims of crime, crime prevention, safety planning, and available community, government, justice, health, and other resources.

• Assess and address victims’ needs for additional supports, make appropriate referrals to community, government, justice, health, housing, immigration, and other services, while documenting referrals and outcomes.

• Facilitate and provide access to information related to police investigations, charges, protective orders, sentence/probation/parole, courtroom procedures, and court etiquette. Provide courtroom orientation as needed.

• Assist clients with completing applications for programs such as Crime Victim Assistance Program, provincial supports, and victim impact statements, while coordinating and tracking related paperwork.

• Provide or facilitate, with informed consent, accompaniment to police, Crown Counsel, or court appearances. Support clients through the criminal justice process, including updates and restitution processes.

• Maintain a professional, collaborative working relationship with Sexual Assault serving services (SART, SAFE), local community, justice, health, and other service providers. Participate in cross-system planning as appropriate.

• Lead or participate in case conferencing with partners (police, Crown, probation) and other community agencies, ensuring information sharing is compliant with legislation, policy, and individual consent.

• Facilitate or provide advocacy support, including accompaniment to appointments (police, court, medical) and liaison with partner agencies. Support client-centered decision-making.

• Engage in outreach and community education activities to raise awareness about Sexual Assault services, consent, and available supports. Build community partnerships with Indigenous organizations and Sexual Assault/ IPVU-serving networks.

• Understand and apply knowledge about sexual assault and high-risk domestic violence and refer to the Interagency Case Assessment Team (ICAT) as indicated by the assessed risk level.

• Develop and maintain positive, trusting relationships with clients.

• Maintain accurate, timely case notes and participant files, document service delivery, referrals, outcomes, and client progress in accordance with agency policy and funder requirements.

• Maintain and submit accurate statistics and reports as required by the funder, the Society or as requested by Community Program Manager.

• Ensure that policies and procedures are adhered to in the delivery of service.

• Participate and contribute as a member of the Victim Services and Community Programs teams.

• Adhere to the philosophies, policies, procedures and Code of Ethics of the Society.

• Report to the Community Program Manager and participate in regular supervision and team meetings as required.

• Ensure that personal safety of self is at the forefront in delivery of services.

• Communicate promptly with the Community Program Manager regarding any personal safety concerns.

• Participate in professional development through workshops, in service training, etc. as required.

• Develop and maintain current knowledge of the effects of power-based crimes and the justice systems.

• Communicate with team regarding Sexual Assault Services Program. Provides information to team with respect to serving victims of crime.
• Participate in community coordination, presentations, and public awareness activities to promote the Sexual Assault Services program, increase awareness of power-based crimes, enhance client services, and support program initiatives as required the Community Program Manager.
• Represent the Society positively and professionally in the community and in all activities.

• Build and maintain a network of working relationships with other community service providers, community groups, etc. to develop programming, coordinate program delivery, ensure effective referrals and a good continuum of care.

• Participate in program development through collaboration with the Program Leadership Team and make recommendations to create and enhance programming designed for those affected by power-based crime.

• Process confidential Third-Party Reports (TPRs). Receive, process, and securely submit anonymous sexual assault reports to police on behalf of survivors who wish to report an offense without identifying themselves or participating directly in a criminal investigation.

• Duties and responsibilities may be reasonably modified from time to time to ensure alignment with funder contracts, operational requirements, and the evolving needs of KWS.

Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in social work, criminology, counselling, or related field.
• 2 or more years’ experience in Sexual Assault program, Community Based Victim Services, Stopping the Violence counselling/outreach, DVU/ICAT coordination, or similar anti-violence roles.
• Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (Enhanced Criminal Record Check may be required.)
• Valid BC driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Location: Central Okanagan

Hours of Work:

·       35 hours work week (flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed),

Pay: $32.52/hour

Benefits:

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Paid Sick Leave
• Long Term Disability
• Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• KWS Thrift Store Discount

Closing Date: once filled

Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.