Interval House of Ottawa
Transitional & Peer Support Worker (TPSP)
(Full-time, indeterminate, unionized)
Overview
Interval House of Ottawa is a 38-bed emergency home for those fleeing VAW/GBV and their dependents, and is the only shelter in Ottawa that provides on-site housing for their pets.
Vacancy status
This job posting is for an existing vacancy.
What we offer
Aside from meaningful work in a supportive environment, IHO offers a generous compensation package, including:
- 3 weeks of vacation to start
- 10 sick days
- 5 mental health days
- Personal emergency leave
- 100% employer paid health benefits
- RRSP program with employer contributions
- Parental leave top up
- Training and development opportunities throughout the year
*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms
Position summary
Under the supervision of the Program Manager and participating as part of the direct intervention team, the Transitional & Peer Support Worker (TPSP) provides transitional and housing supports and services for survivors of violence and their dependents, to help them connect with community supports, find and maintain housing, navigate the family law system, and connect with peers who are further ahead in their journey of recovery from abuse. They support the development of a transitional support plan and a safety plan for survivors of violence, based on the principles of person-centred planning, self-determination and choice, and ensure that services provided are reflective of their plans. In recognition of the importance of delivering gender-based violence (GBV) services in community-based organizations, IHO has partnered with Kind Space to provide on-site GBV support to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are at risk of or currently experiencing violence. The TPSP Worker will work from the Kind Space office one day per week.
All candidates must demonstrate the ability to work within the values and basic beliefs of IHO with a commitment to intersectional feminist principles. They have a strong knowledge of the issues of violence against women (VAW) and gender-based violence (GBV) and a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and advancing equity and social justice in our community. They are flexible and understand the realities of working in a small non-profit where, at times, priorities shift to meet the needs of service users and ensure smooth operations. This means that we all pitch in and occasionally shovel snow, stuff envelopes, and mop the floor.
Some of the key responsibilities & duties
- Provide crisis intervention to those experiencing violence by phone and in person
- Advocate for the needs of survivors of violence and their dependents
- Facilitate support and education groups as necessary
- Ensure that peer support curriculum is up to date
- Ensure the delivery of peer support groups, including supporting the hiring and training peer supporters to facilitate groups, coordinating group space and bus tickets for participants, and acting as the first point of contact for peer supporters
- Provide support in the areas of finding and maintaining housing, including collecting and completing required forms and letters of support, and working with the Transitional & Housing Support Worker (THSP) and housing providers to avoid evictions
- Accompany clients to community appointments as needed
- Assist clients in developing safety plans for themselves
- Assist clients in defining future goals and plans such as housing, school, work, etc.
- With clients, assess the community resources that may best serve their needs and provide referrals to bridge them to external programs and services
- Promote participation of clients in activities designed to educate and/or advocate for prevention of violence against women (VAW) and gender-based violence (GBV)
- Provide backup support to the IHO residential main office when required in the case of sick leave, vacation, breaks, lunches, etc.
- Maintain client, program, statistical and agency records in compliance with policies and procedures and to ensure confidentiality as required by legislation
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Education & experience
- Social Work (SW), Social Service Worker (SSW) Diploma, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or equivalent in experience, education and training
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working directly with survivors of VAW/GBV
- Demonstrated commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive and intersectional feminist principles and practices
- Knowledge of violence against women (VAW) and gender-based violence (GBV) issues
- Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, employment and training resources in the community
- Experience in community development
- Knowledge and proficiency in program development, delivery and evaluation
- Strong public speaking and public education skills
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to identify and serve the needs of diverse communities
- Ability to communicate fluently in spoke and written English is required. Ability to communicate in other languages is an asset.
Additional requirements
- Staff may be required to interact with animals that are housed on-site
- Valid driver’s license and access to own vehicle
- Valid CPR/First Aid certification
Compensation & hours
- Annual Salary: 54,000
- 35 hours per week
- Primary hours of work are daytime, Monday to Friday
- Must be available to work one evening per week, and occasional weekends
Diversity and inclusion at IHO
Interval House of Ottawa is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates to self-identify as members of equity deserving groups such as members of the BIPOC community, 2SLGBTQ+ community and/or people with disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodation(s) at any stage of the application process.
Statement on artificial intelligence
IHO is committed to a fair and equitable hiring practice that considers each candidate’s unique individual qualifications and experience. Applications are reviewed by human beings and employment decisions are made by our management team.
How to apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter via Indeed by 11:59 pm on August 10, 2025.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Per IHO policy, candidates who attend an interview will receive a $25 honorarium (e-gift card) in recognition of their time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $54,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
- French not required
Schedule:
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Licence/Certification:
- driver's license and access to a vehicle (required)
- CPR/First Aid certification (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-08-10