Relief Shelter Support Worker (5 Positions Available),YWCA Davenport-(REPOST)

Employment Type:     Relief

Work Hours:               Varied as needed

Salary:                     $26.84 per hour (L5)

Location:                    348 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5K 1K6

Application Deadline:     Monday, February 20, 2023

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 Shelter Support Worker works within a collaborative team to provide meaningful and relevant services within a theoretical feminist framework that includes a working knowledge of the dynamics and effects of trauma and oppression. They act as a resource to staff and clients and is responsible for providing a full range of services which includes crisis counselling, case management and the development, implementation and evaluation of workshops. The position shares in the responsibility of the overall health and safety of the building and will work in an open shelter/work environment without a dedicated office space.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO – YWCA DAVENPORT

YWCA Davenport provides up to 80 emergency shelter beds to young women and gender-diverse people (16 – 24 years of age) and adult women and gender-diverse people (25 and older) and is staffed 24 hours a day. This pet friendly shelter is funded by the City of Toronto and adheres to Toronto Shelter Standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman and gender diverse people 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 and gender diverse people 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;
  • Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through completion of a clinically supervised undergraduate degree (e.g. BSW) (Cases for Equivalency 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.

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: Melissa Furlano, Associate Manager of YWCA Davenport at . Please quote JOB ID number DAV830 and your name in the subject line.

Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring. YWCA Toronto is a unionized workplace. Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. These positions are not within the Bargaining Unit. Please indicate on your cover letter and email subject line if you are an internal candidate.

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: February 7, 2023