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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of social service diploma, social work degree or related/relevant combination of education and experience;
Minimum of 1-3-years’ experience in outreach, advocacy, or support in a community organization and/or equivalent experience;
Demonstrated ability to communicate, engage, and build strong therapeutic relationships with complex clients;
Demonstrated ability in brokering and liaising with a range of community partners, service providers and sectors towards creative solutions for vulnerable clients;
Committed to advocating for and engaging unsheltered women and gender diverse people;
Experience in working alongside and engaging PWLE (People with Lived Experience), PWUD (People Who Use Drugs) and peer staff to contribute to effective community responses;
Ability to work from a trauma informed practice;
Knowledge of community resources, social housing and shelter system in Hamilton;
Proven experience in crisis management and de-escalation techniques;
Must have skills using MS Office programs including Excel, Word and program specific data collection/documentation software;
Ability to maintain a positive and professional approach at all times;
Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police Check or willing to obtain at own cost;
Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willing to obtain at own cost;
Must be able to work from a feminist, anti-racist/ anti-oppressive perspective and harm reduction framework;
Bilingual English/French or other languages 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

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Supports women (Trans and Cis), non-binary, and gender diverse persons experiencing poverty and homelessness outside of YWCA Hamilton’s MacNab location and surrounding areas. Using an integrated feminist anti-racist and Trauma informed perspective, the Outreach Worker will assess the needs of individuals and offer supports that include crisis intervention, referrals, systems navigation, connections to community resources and advocacy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Engagement of women and gender-diverse people who are clients of YWCA Hamilton, towards active attendance within available programs in house (e.g. YWCA programming & drop-in space when available ) or support in accessing other immediate offsite resources that will accommodate their needs, (shelter, public spaces where they can sit/congregate), accompaniment to appointments, advocate on their behalf in collaboration with Supervisor to increase service access/resource connection where applicable;

• Provide direct support, services and harm reduction supplies to unsheltered individuals, where participants are at, including encampments, public spaces and YWCA Hamilton, excluding private homes;
• Work in collaboration with YWCA Hamilton facilities, security team, and cleaners, as well as police, City by-law, and other outreach teams in Hamilton to support women and gender-diverse people to move to appropriate locations when not accessing YWCA Hamilton services;
• Work in collaboration with YWCA Hamilton direct service teams (CAP, Harm Reduction, Justice Services and Safer Use team) as well as Management to secure support and identify needs / barriers that could be resolved through internal access points;
• Respond to crises safely and professionally while following all safety protocols;
• Liaise with community agencies to coordinate care / support and attend regular interdisciplinary team meetings;
• Facilitates case conference meetings with community organizations to support service users and community members with complex barriers;
• Provides on-going input and feedback of possible interventions and internal/external service options;
• Ensuring necessary collaboration with community resources and advocacy occurs with or on behalf of clients;
• Provides recommendations to strengthen existing policies and/or processes;
• Maintains appropriate and accurate record keeping (documentation/reports) including safe storage of confidential information, timely data entry, and objective case noting, in accordance with YWCA’s policies and procedures;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality and privacy when working with client information;
• Follows the Sharps Safety and Reporting Guidelines to minimize risk to self and others while exposed to sharps;
• Works safely, reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Hamilton Health and Safety policies and procedures;
• Participates in mandatory organizational and departmental training and meetings;
• Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Develops and nurtures meaningful internal and external working relationships with service teams and partnerships;
• Supports YWCA’s mission, vision and values;
• Performs other duties as required.