SUMMARY
Reporting to the Manager of Community Programs, the WEARS role is designed to provide generalized and violence against women (VAW) support and services to women experiencing intimate partner or domestic violence living in the rural areas of Hamilton. Through an intersectional, feminist lens, the WEARS Worker will engage in community development, raise awareness, and create pathways for rural women to receive supports such as safety planning, education, individual and group support, and advocacy for safe and affordable housing. Using their experience within the community, this team will continuously develop the WEARS program to make it an innovative outreach tool for Interval House of Hamilton (IHOH).
This position performs their duties in accordance with the vision, values, and strategic goals of the organization. All IHOH staff are required to work within and comply with any and all applicable legislation, internal policies, procedures and work practices. This role is vital to drive the expansion of services in the VAW sector for the broader Hamilton community.
CASE MANAGEMENT AND CASE PLANNING INCLUDING CRISIS PREVENTION/INTERVENTION, SAFETY PLANNING, HOUSING, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, PARENTING SUPPORT, EDUCATIONAL UPGRADING, JOB TRAINING, INCOME SUPPORT, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS SERVICES.
- Support the physical, emotional and safety needs of children to ensure that they are receiving the necessary intervention, protection, and support.
- Develop and coordinate good working relationships with referral agencies and other outside professionals, specifically including regional housing authorities, women’s and children’s counseling services, educational programs, job training programs, income support workers, and health and welfare services.
- Working knowledge of various housing options including non-profit, private, co-op and housing benefit programs.
- Refer, advocate, and network within the various systems.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, community meeting, committees, and related activities.
- Coordinate and perform various operational and administrative responsibilities such as record keeping, preparation of comprehensive statistical reports, data collection and providing research to support special projects including the preparation of the program reports as required by funders.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum undergraduate degree/diploma in Social Work, Social Service Work, or a related discipline, from a recognized University/College.
- Membership with an applicable professional college such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, is an asset.
- 3-5 years of experience and a proven track record of success with support, women’s services, and a minimum of 2 years of mobile assertive engagement experience.
- Experience delivering community programming through an intersectional, feminist lens.
- Proficiency in engaging, assessing, and supporting women living rurally.
- Skilled in crisis management, including non-violent crisis intervention and prevention.
- Experience navigating housing systems, including non-profit, second stage, and private market.
- Keen ability and interest in working with and for diverse populations.
- Experience working in a politically sensitive environment.
- Proficient with technology, Microsoft Office suite of programs, and others.
- Valid driver’s license and access to an insured (2 million insured), roadworthy vehicle or alternate ability to meet travel requirements of this role.
- Valid Standard First Aid/CPR + AED, and ASIST certification.
- Completion of WHMIS, Bill 168, AODA, NVCI, Occupational Health and Safety training.
- Original copy of Police Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector clearance to meet the requirements of the vulnerable sector standards for employment by IHOH.
- Able to meet the IHOH COVID-19 vaccination policy requirements.
- Fluency in French or a second language is an asset, but not required.
Work Conditions: IHOH is a busy environment, whether in the emergency shelter, drop-in centers, or when working on community outreach/engagement, attending meetings, or events. The schedule is predictable but can change to accommodate events or during crisis management work.
Employees work with diverse groups of women and children in traumatic, emotional states and must be willing to assist them with personal care items, system navigation, conflict management, crisis support and advocating for them with community members, housing providers, and justice services. Below is a summary of the working conditions for this position:
Stress: Constant, predictable & unpredictable, from clients, environment, co-workers, outside affiliations.
Interruptions & Distractions: Constant, predictable & unpredictable, from a shared workspace or cubicle within a busy/open/public area.
Physical Effort: Regular, predictable & unpredictable, requirement to lift objects of varying weights up to 40 lbs., must be able to move quickly and constantly.
Workplace and Work Environment Hazards: The Victoria and Friends Women’s Shelter is an emergency, VAW shelter where women who experience abuse, with or without children, reside. IHOH also has outreach locations where women seeking assistance will drop in. All employees working at any IHOH location are responsible for creating a friendly, inclusive (non- discriminatory), compassionate, and cohesive environment that will implement strategies and plan to ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive environment is kept at all times.
The setting is fast paced with constantly changing priorities and crises. Most of the work time will be working directly (formally/informally) with clients in fluid, non-office settings. Extended periods of informal client work liaising/advocating with community/stakeholder services is also required. Thus, workplace hazards will include listening to traumatic stories, exposure to barriers/conflict with lack of services and supports for women experiencing abuse. This role works to prevent, defuse, and manage clients and/or community services whose behaviours may become aggressive, discriminatory, or despondent towards staff, other women, and children living in the shelter and accessing supports. Additionally, their abusive partner/person may attempt to access our program locations. At times, when staff are working in the community, they may be exposed to negative attitudes and beliefs or biases towards women and children experiencing abuse and violence. Personal safety plans must always be in place.
The Victoria and Friends Women’s Shelter is a pet-friendly shelter to the women and children we serve. IHOH’s policies and procedures regarding pets in residence are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, residents, and guests. While the responsibility to care for pets in shelter rests solely on the pet owner, employees must be aware that they will be working in close proximity to various pets during their shifts.
The work environment is funded through grants and government contracts thus employees will be required to keep daily records, notes, and at times produce reports and documentation.
Disclaimer: Due to the changing nature of work and work to be done, other responsibilities may be assigned, and qualifications may be altered. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected and may not cover a fully comprehensive list of locations, activities, duties, or responsibilities.
IHOH is a living wage ambassador, and an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. In extension, IHOH recognizes that a diverse staff team working in an inclusive environment will make superior and more innovative decisions, better serving the organization, and consequently, the population it serves.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Aug 12, 2025 at 4:30pm
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.09-$32.11 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-04-15
Expected start date: 2025-05-0
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