We invite qualified candidates to submit their application for the position of Counselling for Indigenous Women Experiencing Violence Support Worker.
Your application must include (in pdf):
● Cover Letter (1 page maximum)
● Resume (2 pages maximum)
● References (2 Professional, 1 personal)
If you are an Indigenous person, please self-identify in your application, and specifically indicate the Indigenous Nation and community you are affiliated with.
About Us
Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to the development and delivery of healing services for Anishnaabekwewag (Indigenous women) and their families who have experienced violence or are at risk of experiencing violence. Therapeutic healing work is conducted using Anishnaabe practices, blended with community-centred and client-centred methods of healing.
The position is located at the main office in Peterborough Ontario. In addition to the City of Peterborough, NASC supports the County of Peterborough, Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and the Durham Region; the First Nations of Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Burleigh Falls, and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
What we offer:
Niijkiwendidaa offers an exceptionally generous time-off package that supports employee wellness, family balance, and cultural responsibilities:
Paid Statutory and Special Holidays (14 total):
New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Summer Solstice, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Winter Solstice, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Annual Vacation Entitlement:
All employees begin with three (3) weeks of paid vacation per year, granted following the successful completion of the statutory three-month probationary period. Vacation entitlements increase with years of service—rising to four (4) weeks after four years and five (5) weeks after seven years of continuous service.
Additional Paid Leave:
Employees also receive paid days each year for:
• Sick Leave (15 days)
• Domestic or Sexual Violence Leave (5 days)
• Family Responsibility Leave (5 days)
• Bereavement Leave (5 days)
• Emergency Leave – Declared Emergencies & Infectious Diseases (3 days)
• Jury Duty (paid)
• Election-Related Leave (3 hours paid per election)
• Cultural Leave (up to 5 days) – to support participation in Anishnaabe ceremonies, feasts, and other cultural responsibilities.
Winter Shutdown:
In addition to the above, Niijkiwendidaa closes for a two-week paid winter break each year, typically aligning with local school holidays from mid-to-late December through to the Monday following January 1st. Altogether, new employees at Niijkiwendidaa begin with approximately 59 paid days off per year, which includes 14 holidays, 15 paid sick days, 10 days of paid winter shutdown, and 15 vacation days—plus other paid leave options as needed. This represents about 30 more paid days off annually than required under the ESA, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to supporting employee wellness, balance, and cultural engagement.
Description
The goal of the Counselling for Indigenous Women Experiencing Violence Support program is to provide community-based counselling, support and referral services for women and their dependents who have experienced abuse and/or sexual assault, including historic sexual abuse in childhood in order that they may live free of violence. In addition, the program supports the development of a personal safety plan for women and their dependents, who have experienced abuse, in order to confirm their immediate safety and help them avoid further abuse.
Key Responsibilities
Facilitation of Group Programming:
Design, implement, and facilitate group programs aimed at supporting women and their dependents fleeing violent relationships. These programs focus on increasing safety, preventing re-victimization, and empowering participants through culturally appropriate interventions.
Safety Planning and Advocacy:
Provide support to women in understanding their rights, safety planning, and violence prevention strategies. Advocate for women and their dependents regarding their health, safety, and well-being, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Counselling and Support Services:
Deliver support counselling in person or through various means such as phone, email, or videoconference. Offer a range of counselling services including short-term goal-focused counselling, sexual assault counselling, and long-term therapeutic counselling to address the complex needs of survivors.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
Develop and implement services that are culturally sensitive and inclusive, with a specific focus on supporting Indigenous women. Provide short-term, goal-focused counselling tailored to the needs of Indigenous women in the community, acknowledging and addressing historical trauma and systemic barriers.
Program Development and Coordination:
Develop, plan, and implement workshops, programs, and groups both internally and within the community. Foster strong community linkages to enhance engagement and response to crises. Regularly participate in the development, execution, and assessment of programs and services.
Community Engagement and Promotion:
Conduct community outreach and promotion of the program, including public presentations, awareness campaigns, and cultural events/fairs. Build and sustain positive business relationships and strategic partnerships to support program participants.
Position Requirements
• Formal Education and Certification:
Minimum of an university undergraduate degree in Social Work, Counselling, or a related field, or applicable employment experience combined with Indigenous cultural expertise.
Knowledge and Experience:
• Understanding of financial support resources and systems such as OW, ODSP, OSAP.
• In-depth knowledge of violence against women, including issues related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Boys.
• Ability to recognize and address instances of power imbalance and privilege, particularly in the context of anti-Indigenous racism and colonialism.
• Extensive understanding of Indigenous culture, communities, and ways of being.
• Experience in supporting women with safety planning strategies and navigating complex systems.
• Proficiency in program planning, budgeting, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications and client management software.
• Experience with traditional healing and wellness approaches utilized by various Indigenous nations.
• Proven experience in facilitating meetings and group activities within a team environment.
Personal Attributes:
• Compassionate and empathetic with a genuine concern for others.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a nonjudgmental and open approach.
• Strength-based and solutions-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse team members and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and serving as a positive role model within the community.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a changing environment, including occasional weekends and flexible hours.
• Possession of a valid Ontario Driver's License, reliable vehicle, and comprehensive vehicle insurance.
Considered Assets:
• Proficiency in speaking an Indigenous language.
• Previous experience within a community-based Indigenous non-profit organization.
• Familiarity with client management software and additional certifications such as Food Educator certification or Opioid Addiction Awareness Training.
As our work puts us in direct contact with young people and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and provide a clean drivers abstract before commencement of their employment.
Administration
• Provide funder and NASC documents as required (may include quarterly statistics and narrative reporting, annual reports, proposals, workplans, etc.);
• Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date service user case files, program records and statistics ensuring the maintenance of a secure and confidential filing system;
• Attend staff and supervisory meetings, and training and planning sessions as directed;
Supervision:
Employed by Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC),
responsible to the policies and directions as determined by the NASC Board
of Directors and under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and NASC’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Starting at $48,600.00 per year
Benefits:
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
• Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
• Are you an Indigenous Person?
• If you are an Indigenous person, what Nation are you from, and what Indigenous community are you affiliated with?
Education:
• Bachelor's Degree (required)
Language:
• English (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7