Relief Overnight Shelter Support Worker (5 Positions Available)

About this position

Employment Type:   Relief

Work Hours:   Varied as needed

Salary:  $26.84 per hour

Location:  80 Woodlawn Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M4T 1C1

JOIN OUR TEAM

YWCA Toronto strives to uphold anti-discrimination practices and anti-oppression principles to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected and protected. We work to promote a climate that is welcoming of all women and individuals who identify as Trans, intersex, non-binary, agender, and/or Two-Spirit. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people from all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations.

The Relief Overnight Shelter Support Worker within a collaborative team to provide meaningful and relevant services within a feminist framework that includes a working knowledge of the dynamics and effects of trauma, mental health and oppression. This position acts as a resource to staff and clients in the area of housing, legal, education, employment, mental health and is responsible for working collaboratively with residents to establish a plan which will facilitate a safe and effective path to independence.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO - 1^st STOP WOODLAWN

1st Stop Woodlawn Shelter, funded by the City of Toronto, provides 62 shelter beds to women and gender diverse people including 28 beds for individuals 16 years of age and older, who are in need of shelter or fleeing violence. This includes Second Stage Supportive Housing for participants not ready for independent living. The Housing program provides advocacy referral and support to participants in the shelter and to those who have moved into the community. The Transitional Support program provides aftercare to participants and their children through group work, counselling and connecting women and gender diverse people to supports. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies;
• Conducts intake meetings and assessments to identify participant’s needs, provides information and referrals in the areas of health, sexuality, counseling, conflict resolution, housing, employment, education, immigration, income alternatives, and social assistance matters;
• Liaises with professionals and agencies in the community to facilitate access to services by the participants;
• Demonstrates and maintains knowledge of relevant legislation and effective support  strategies regarding trauma and the dynamics of women abuse;
  • Works with participants individually and/or in groups to develop and improve social and living skills by assisting them to set goals, follow through on plans, recognize options and make positive choices;
  • Provides crisis intervention and counselling;
  • Uses mediation and counselling skills to encourage and maintain a co-operative, supportive and productive environment for the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through completion of a clinically supervised undergraduate degree (e.g. BSW) (Cases for Equivelancy will be considered); 
• An analytical framework that identifies clients' relationships to social systems and the demonstrated practical application of this framework;
• Completion of workshops and courses pertaining to trauma;
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in client centered counselling focused on trauma issues with clients at risk and/or homeless women;
• Completion of Toronto Hostel’s Training Certificate (T.H.T.C.) is an asset;
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles and practice;
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and supports focused on trauma;
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of woman abuse and trauma within an anti-oppression framework;
• Demonstrated experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of workshops and groups;
• Understanding of the obstacles homeless women face and experience; 
• Experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, e-mail and the Internet;
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health, substance use/addictions, advocacy, refugee and immigration issues and homelessness;
• Life Skills Certificate an asset;
• A certificate in trauma counselling would be an asset;
• Knowledge of a second language and/or culture would be an asset.

Note: Employees must remain awake and alert throughout the shift to ensure a supportive environment.

Vaccination Policy: In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all YWCA Toronto employees are required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination series by October 30, 2021. As a condition of hire, new staff will be required to submit proof of vaccination prior to their first day of work.  The YWCA will consider written requests for accommodation under the Human Rights Code on a case-by-case basis and will accommodate those individuals who are legally entitled to accommodation.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and résumé to: Dominique Boivin, Associate Manager of 1^st Stop Woodlawn Shelter at woodlawnjobs@ywcatoronto.org. Please quote JOB ID number STOP826 and your name in the subject line.

YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations. 

YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

YWCA Toronto is a Scent-Sensitive Workplace.

Posting date: January 20, 2023