Transitional Housing Support Worker (PPH)

Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

YWork for us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

Position Description

Job Code: 1-PPH-2024

Department: Housing & Gender Based Violence Support Services

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 15 hours per week

Start Date: TBD

Posting Date: March 21^st, 2024

Provides support and services to women and children, residing in housing at the YWCA Hamilton Transitional Living and Phoenix Place, who are fleeing gender-based violence;

• Supports include crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referral advocacy, goal planning, programming and group facilitation to meet the needs of women in crisis;
• Assist in the operation of day to day shelter needs and working collaboratively with women and children in the areas of housing, legal, education, employment and mental health to establish a plan to assist them with a safe and effective path to independence;
• Conducts intake meetings and assessments of clients/residents to identify client trauma needs;
• Applies the knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies;
• Supervises placement students (typically one student placement per semester) and provides feedback to Program Supervisor for evaluation of placement students;
• Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor;
• Keeps records on day to day happenings, enters client information/daily events into an electronic data information system for reports and statistics;
• Communicates, advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts, legal services, housing) to provide resources and referrals to clients/residents;
• Offers clients appointment accompaniment (e.g. court), crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referrals and advocacy;
• Provides programming and facilitates group workshops (e.g. organizing, safety plans, anger management);
• Provides crisis intervention and counselling support for women and their children;
• Provides light housekeeping (preparing room for occupancy and clean units as clients move out, laundry) and cooks food for residents;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Performs other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a standard 15 hour work week; (days, afternoons, weekday and/or occasional weekends;
• Regularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolution;
• Work environment may be hostile at times;
• Only staff member at Phoenix Place (9am to 5pm).

Qualifications

• Completion of 2 years’ college in social work or human services, or equivalent;
• 1 to 3 years’ experience working with person crisis management and violence against women settings;
• Working knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act;
• Knowledge of harm reduction strategies and training in administering naloxone an asset;
• Experience in trauma counselling is an asset;
• Must be able to work from a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective;
• Ability to work a schedule which includes days, afternoons, weekday and/or occasional weekends;
• Food Handler’s certificate is an asset;
• Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Knowledge of social housing and in community resources;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages is an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.