Job Posting: Family Court Support Worker
Location: Lindsay, Ontario
Organization: Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes
Employment Type: Temporary Contract- Part-Time- 12 Months
Hours: 35 hours per week
Reports To: Residential Services Manager
Wage: $27.72 hourly
Application Deadline: October 14, 2026 at 12:00pm
Start Date: As soon as possible
About Women’s Resources
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes (WRKL) provides trauma-informed, feminist, anti-oppressive services to women and gender-diverse survivors of gender-based violence. We are committed to safety, empowerment, and systemic advocacy across the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Position Summary
The Family Court Support Worker (FCSW) provides trauma-informed, client-centred support to individuals experiencing domestic violence who are navigating the Family Court system. This role assists clients in understanding the court process, provides risk assessment and safety planning, and connects them with appropriate legal and community resources. As part of a collaborative team, the position also completes agency intakes, including initial client interviews, assessing needs, identifying appropriate services, and providing referrals to agency programs and community resources. Additional responsibilities include community outreach, education, and partnership-building to increase awareness of services and strengthen supports for survivors throughout the region.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Client Support
- Provide accessible, clear information about the Family Court process and Family Law matters.
- Support clients in preparing for legal proceedings, including abuse history timelines and documentation.
- Assist with safety planning & risk assessments (e.g., safe travel to/from court appointments).
- Accompany clients to meetings with lawyers and to court appearances.
- Support with applications for Emergency Custody and Access.
- Debrief and explain outcomes of meetings with legal counsel, Duty Counsel, or FLIC.
- Provide emotional support, grounding techniques, and anxiety management strategies during a high-stress time.
- Help clients understand and apply for Legal Aid and assess eligibility for Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) certificates.
- Respond to lawyer requests for documentation and timelines.
- Attend Case Conferences when needed.
- Offer referrals to internal and external supports (e.g., Outreach Counselling, therapy, emergency or transitional housing, employment support, cultural services).
- Advocate for clients with family and criminal court-based services.
Client Intake and Initial Assessment
- Conduct initial client interviews and intake assessments to identify immediate needs, risks, service priorities, and appropriate supports or referrals.
- Provide non-judgmental support, positive encouragement, and informal counselling grounded in feminist and trauma-informed principles.
Community Engagement
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with legal and justice-sector professionals, including lawyers, courts, and victim services.
- Stay informed about changes to Family Law and community legal supports and attend relevant trainings
- Provide presentations and workshops
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate, timely, and objective case notes in accordance with agency procedures, confidentiality requirements, and professional and ethical standards.
- Submit all administrative documentation (e.g., intake forms, service tracking, case files)
- Prepare statistical reports and contribute to program evaluation efforts.
- Participate in staff meetings, sharing relevant updates, insights, and opportunities for program growth.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, Psychology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of two years' experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, or gender-based violence.
- Strong understanding of the dynamics and impact of domestic violence, including coercive control and post-separation abuse.
- Knowledge of the Ontario family court process, including parenting, child support, spousal support, restraining orders, and court procedures.
- Experience conducting risk assessments, safety planning, crisis intervention, and client advocacy.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, survivor-centred, feminist, anti-oppression, and anti-racist practices.
- Ability to explain court processes and legal information in a clear and supportive manner.
- Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
- Excellent communication, documentation, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic client record systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in the Violence Against Women (VAW) sector.
- Knowledge of the intersections between family law, criminal law, and child protection.
- Experience supporting clients through the family court process.
- Valid driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
Accessibility & Inclusion:
- Women’s Resources welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Please contact us to let us know how we can support your participation.
- Womens Resources has an exemption to hire individuals identifying as women only.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to:
dbekintis@womensresources.ca by October 14, 2026 at 12:00pm
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Women’s Resources is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from Indigenous people, racialized persons, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.