Shelter Trauma Counselor – Contract until January 2027

(Contract Immediate-January 5, 2027, Full-Time, 37.5hrs, Varied Shifts - must be available weekdays including evenings)

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager of Residential Services, the Shelter Trauma Counselor uses a feminist based, trauma-informed, anti-racist/anti-oppression and harm reduction lens in all aspects of intake and assessment, goal planning, case management and group programming including offering short-term counseling for residents of our emergency anti-violence against women shelter. This includes one to one counselling, advocacy, referrals and support to residents. The schedule varies and includes day, afternoon, evening, weekday and weekend shifts.  The Shelter Trauma Counselor also participates on relevant committees and advocacy groups and attends and facilitates relevant workshops.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Trauma-Informed Intake and Assessment

• Conduct intake procedures, inform residents of WHE services and programs
• Perform risk audit to assist residents to identify areas of risk and develop a documented safety plan
• Support new residents to complete the intake assessments to assess their basic needs and how sustainable their lives are in the areas of physical, personal, social, human and financial domains
• Conduct housing readiness assessment and determine supports needed

• Provide crisis counselling and support to residents who have experienced trauma
• Answer 24/7 crisis line and provide trauma-informed crisis counselling and support by phone.
• Assess crisis calls to determine if the individual seeking shelter meets our mandate

Trauma-Informed Case Management and Ongoing Service

• Collaborate with the residents to develop goal plans and activities as per outcomes of the intake assessments
• Provide trauma-informed crisis and ongoing individual counselling to residents during their stay at the shelter.
• Engage in harm reduction principles (collaboration, choice, resource/information sharing, safety, empowerment, non-judgmental, acceptance, minimize harm, community involvement, flexibility, etc.)  to support residents to increase safety and develop healthy coping strategies
• Address the impact of systemic barriers on the resident’s life

Referrals and Systems Navigation

• Provide support regarding systems navigation to residents to access needed and critical resources such as education, childcare, healthcare, child tax, child protection, etc.
• Arrange and work with cultural interpreters as appropriate.

• Assist residents to develop awareness of internal/external referral options including researching, locating and utilizing community resources as appropriate
• Collaborate with colleagues to refer clients to other counselors, support workers or other organizations as additional needs are identified (e.g. parenting support, employment, ongoing counseling, housing, immigration, etc.)

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Track case management and evaluate progress as it relates to goal plans and assessments
• Seek ongoing resident feedback to ensure residents’ needs are being met and goal plans remain relevant
• Provide initial check-ins with the resident and monthly check-ins depending on the needs of the resident
• Meet with resident weekly to follow up on case management activities and monitor progress of goal plans
• Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure their safety and well-being over time.

Group Programming

• Develop Logic Models and other assessment tools to design group programming
• Facilitate workshops and one on one sessions to educate on topics including, but not limited to: movie nights, systems navigation building skills, cycle of abuse, impact of trauma, learn and share strategies, coping strategies, life skills, digital literacy, healthy relationships, building self-advocacy, harm-reduction, awareness of rights/options/choices, accessing services, developing a road map to a sustainable livelihood and independence, etc.
• Organize other special groups/events (e.g. Mother’s Day, International Women’s Day, Pride Month, self-esteem, etc.) that are of interest to resident population or based on feedback identified by residents

 Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Act as an advocate if necessary/appropriate, including accompanying residents to service appointments such as family court, social assistance offices, etc.
• Act as a resource for groups and individuals from the community requesting information or assistance in the area of gender-based violence
• Participate in speaking engagements on the topic of gender-based violence and the services provided by WHE
• Represent WHE in the community on task forces and on working groups, as assigned by the Manager, the Executive Director or designate
• Liaise with colleagues in other Shelters to refer residents

• Liaise and maintain positive working relationships with service providers, other shelters, mental health agencies, other community agencies, etc.

• Represent WHE in all communications with residents, other community services and the general public that aligns with our mission, vision and values
• Participate in community meetings and events, as well as training and workshops where applicable.

Administration and Planning

• Set goals and objectives with the Manager in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Agency.

• Keep the Manager apprised of service delivery and issues.
• Develop and implement shelter related programs and its components i.e. individual counseling and support, group sessions, referrals, advocacy, workshops and community support
• Maintain up-to-date selection of resource materials

• Participate in supervision, staff and case management meetings as scheduled
• Responsible for the supervision of students and volunteers when necessary
• Complete an annual self-evaluation form as part of the organizational performance management process
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of resident information and maintain confidential case records as appropriate ensuring all documentation is stored in the database
• Participate in training and workshops where applicable.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned

Data Collection, Reporting and Evaluation

• Document and collect data and maintain up to date record keeping (per WHE documentation policies and using the internal database) that includes each stage of engagement including but not limited to: intake and assessment results, safety plans, risk audits, resident histories, goal plans, counseling notes, case management, discharge information and resident outcomes, type of service delivered and hours involved, program and service evaluation and resident feedback/satisfaction, and any other information stipulated by WHE and program funders (socio-demographic).
• Report on case management and client goal progress
• Conduct pre- and post- programming evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the effectiveness and impact of our services throughout each stage of engagement (intake/assessment, goal planning, case management, group programming, discharge), resident outcomes and overall resident satisfaction
• Report on program progress to the Manager including quarterly reports outlining outcomes for residents
• Conduct annual evaluation to assess overall program outcomes and measure against annual targets

Discharge/Closure

• Complete resident departure form to:
  • Review with resident their goal plans and identify areas completed and areas outstanding that require internal or external referrals
  • Offer the resident the opportunity for follow-up after 3 months and again at 6 months to determine sustainability of the supports given
  • Conduct a post service evaluation
• Update, store and close relevant resident information in the database

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Each employee will adhere to, and reflect in all areas of their work, the policies, procedures, mission, vision and values of Women’s Habitat. Therefore, each employee will have the following competencies:

1. Ensure that the Health and Safety guidelines are followed in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Agency.
2. Ensure appropriate notification of child abuse as required by the Child and Family Services Act.
3. Adhere to and abide by Women’s Habitat’s harm reduction philosophy.
4. Ability to conduct trauma-informed work when dealing with Agency clients.
5. Understand and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code at all times and in all aspects of your work.
6. Understand and implement anti-oppression and equity principles in all aspects of your work.
7. Ability to respond to a crisis in ways appropriate to your role at Women’s Habitat.
8. Demonstrate willingness and the necessary skills to attend to conflict and tension with colleagues and non-client stakeholders.
9. Engage in constructive communication with peers, staff, clients, volunteers and other stakeholders, share information in an appropriate and timely manner and adhere to the Agency’s confidentiality agreement.
10. Ability to critically examine how you carry out your role and takes responsibility for the impact of your behaviour on others.
11. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in order to ensure the delivery of high quality service.
12. Has the ability to work collaboratively as part of an effective team to best meet the evolving needs of clients and advocate on their behalf.
13. Build strong working relationships and communication with colleagues, the management team and other stakeholders to ensure optimal efficiency and fulfillment of Women’s Habitat’s mandate.
14. Ensure timely, accurate and effective communication with regards to Women’s Habitat and/or program specific policies and procedures.
15. Able to manage competing and conflicting priorities effectively and efficiently.
16. Flexible and open to learning new concepts.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

• A Degree in Social Work or diploma in Social Services or related field from a recognized post-secondary institution
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in trauma-informed crisis counselling, including group work.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with women and children in who are impacted by gender-based violence, with demonstrated knowledge of the issues of gender-based violence
• VAW (Violence Against Women) Shelter experience is an asset.

• Experience working in a harm reduction model would be an asset.

• Working knowledge of income security programs such as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program, etc.
• Working knowledge and experience of completing and submitting housing applications including knowledge of Special Priority Program and other programs
• Demonstrated ability to develop safety plans for women and their dependents who have experienced gender-based violence
• A critical understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, feminist, anti-oppression, anti- racist principles and frameworks and the demonstrated ability to incorporate them in all aspects of their work.
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act Ontario, Child Protection Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, etc.

• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, including resources for individuals with precarious immigration status, relevant legislation and social justice issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various systems impacting or intersecting with the lives of residents who have experience violence (eg. legal, child protection, immigration)
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the intersections of violence, trauma, mental health and addiction
• Knowledge of and application the intersections of colonialism, oppression and marginalization and experiences of trauma.
• Ability to assess a situation quickly and take appropriate action that will ensure the safety of all residents.
• Extensive and applied knowledge of crisis management including, crisis prevention, intervention and problem solving that supports resident and colleague safety and promotes overall health and safety

• Maintain the confidentiality and security of resident-related and Agency information.
• Demonstrated ability to support women and children with a positive, calm and collaborative approach
• Ability to respect and promote an inclusive work environment to uphold the Culture of Wellness
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Ability to work equitably and collaboratively with cultural, racial, economic and socially diverse communities.
• Be a dedicated and flexible team player, able to interact with team members and colleagues at all levels of the organization.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, Internet search and navigating database systems.
• A Trauma Awareness/Trauma Informed Practice Certificate is an asset
• Vulnerable Sector Check and valid First Aid CPR AED Certification is required.
• Ability to administer harm reduction supports are required for this position and may include but are not limited to: administration of Naloxone
• Must be able to work regular evenings and weekends.

Women’s Habitat is unionized through CUPE Local 3877 and this position is within the bargaining unit.

Wage: Starting at $26.24/hr for probationary employees and increasing to $27.35/hr after the probationary period is completed. Benefits available after completion of the probationary period.

Accommodation: Should you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process we will be happy to accommodate as best we can. Please let us know by emailing: hr@womens-habitat.ca

Application: To apply for this position please forward your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@womens-habitat.ca.

Artificial Intelligence: AI is not used in any part of the recruitment and selection process.