GENDER BASED VIOLENCE SHELTER SUPPORT WORKER (CASUAL)

(Casual, indeterminate position)
Interval House of Ottawa is committed to building a diverse workplace. We encourage candidates to self-identify as members of equity deserving groups such as members of the BIPOC community, 2SLGBTQ+ community and/or people with disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodation(s) at any stage of the application process.
Interval House of Ottawa is a 38-bed emergency home for those fleeing VAW/GBV and their dependents, and is the only shelter in Ottawa that provides on-site housing for their pets.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Program Manager and participating as part of the Residential Program team, Gender Based Violence Shelter Support Worker (casual) with guidance from the Team Lead, provides immediate and responsive support to survivors of violence and their dependents at Interval House of Ottawa (IHO) in accordance with the IHO mission, vision and core values, and the needs of diverse communities. Promotion of and support with cooperative living is a component of this position.
All candidates must demonstrate the ability to work within the values and basic beliefs of IHO with a commitment to intersectional feminist principles. They have a strong knowledge of the issues of Violence Against Women (VAW) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and advancing equity and social justice in our community. They are flexible and understand the realities of working in a small non-profit where, at times, priorities shift to meet the needs of service users and ensure smooth operations. This means that we all pitch in and occasionally shovel snow, stuff envelopes, and mop the floor.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma, or equivalent experience, education and training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to intersectional feminist principles.
• Knowledge of Violence Against Women (VAW) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues.
• Demonstrated crisis intervention and counselling skills.
• Demonstrated group facilitation skills.
• Proven conflict resolutions skills.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Strong teamwork abilities.
• Strong communication skills.
• Multitasking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and serve the needs of diverse communities.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in French is preferred. Ability to communicate in other languages is an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be comfortable interacting with animals that are housed on-site
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification
• As a condition of employment, all employees must have and provide proof of full COVID-19 immunization. Where a person is unable to vaccinate for human rights protected reasons, an accommodation may be provided

• Provide coverage of the Residential main office.
• Provide crisis intervention through telephone and personal contact with those experiencing violence.
• Ensure that service is accessible to all clients by accessing communication and interpretive services as requested.
• Assess level of risk and execute emergency measures and safety planning as necessary.
• Assess requests for residential shelter services according to IHO policies and procedures, ensuring alternatives are found if IHO services are not appropriate.
• Assess with clients what resources might best serve their needs.
• Support with system navigation including legal aid applications, referrals to lawyers, social assistance/ODSP, support with obtaining identification, and other supports as needed.
• Conduct intake and discharge process for all residents.
• Ensure the effective day-to-day operation of services at IHO, including cleaning, supporting maintenance requests, occasional support with meal prep and clean up.
• Ensure the general cleanliness of IHO, and perform household chores as required to meet health and safety standards (e.g. cleaning, etc.).
• Assist residents of IHO with cooperative living guidelines, including maintenance of chore charts and move-in/move-out procedures.
• Ensure that all health, medical and safety needs of residents are attended to and documented.
• Assist residents in their adjustment to cooperative living in the shelter and to promote and practice conflict resolution.
• Provide opportunity for and facilitate peer support among residents.
• Maintain petty cash in accordance with procedural guidelines.
• Receive donations from outside contributors.
• Maintain client, program, statistical and agency records in compliance with policies and procedures and to ensure confidentiality as required by legislation.
• Respond to community requests for information.