VAW Jobs

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region – Outreach Support Worker


Hey you! Yes, you! Do you desire a community that is free from violence and abuse in any of its forms? Do you have a passion for empowering people to move beyond violence? Do you also have a heart for meeting individuals where they are? Providing emotional support and practical service? Then we just might have the opportunity for you! Keep reading.

Let’s start with the general details

Position: Outreach Support Worker – Engaging Men Assignment
Location: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge
Status: Full-Time 35-hour work week
Salary Range: $26.86 per hour

So, how do we define an Outreach Support Worker? The main buckets of work will include;

    • Meeting with clients in their home or in the community and helping them identify the supports that they and their children need
    • Assisting clients with supports such as; court support, housing, financial aid and counselling services
    • Providing emotional support, crisis and transitional intervention, community referrals/information; and advocacy
    • Leading and facilitating presentations and workshops within the community

This particular Outreach assignment has two additional areas of focus

    • Engaging men in supports and services in order to end the cycle of domestic violence. This may mean assessing risks for the whole family, creating collaborative plans for increasing family safety, and connecting men with community resources to help support them in their healing journey.
    • Involvement in early intervention work in partnership with another Outreach Worker, as well as prevention via youth programming.

This is a relatively new and exciting developing program.

Given this description we are anticipating the successful candidate would have the following skills and experience;

    • BSW and/or MSW from a University of recognized standing. Experience in a related field would be an asset, or related or relevant degree or diploma from a recognized university and/or college.
    • Skills in advocacy, crisis intervention, risk and ongoing assessments
    • Knowledge of the effects of all types of abuse
    • Have a feminist philosophy with an understanding of intersectionality
    • Understands equity and works from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework
    • Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations
    • Current and informed knowledge of multicultural issues
    • Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of clients, such as but not limited to: disability, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity, survivors of trauma, mental health issues, and addiction issues
    • Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to multi-task
    • Experience working with interpreters
    • Experience working with people with no or minimal literacy
    • Working knowledge of current community resources
    • Ability to fluently speak more than one language would be an asset
    • Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines
    • Knowledge of group processes including the ability to design, plan, and research, facilitate, co- facilitate and implement groups for abused women and children
    • Current knowledge of basic criminal and family law, the Child and Family Services Act and related legal issues and resources
    • Compassionate and self-directed
    • Strong administration, organizational skills and strong computer competency
    • Experience participating in initiatives that pertain to equity, diversity, and inclusion
    • Passion for working towards social inclusion, fostering trusting relationships with marginalized populations, community development, and serving those at risk of falling through the cracks
    • Experience working in community development and community engagement
    • Demonstrated skills at building relationships with diverse groups
    • Highly developed interpersonal skills, and verbal and written communication skills
    • The ability to travel and provide own transportation

We do also have some general employment eligibility requirements;

    • Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
    • Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations

Okay so this role feels like the perfect fit for you. Great! Now what about the organization?

Who Are We? Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR*) provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing abusive relationships. We operate two shelters: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. Our facilities operate on a 24/7 basis, and we pride ourselves in being more than shelter. We also offer a robust region-wide outreach support program which supports families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse.

*WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

So, the job is a fit, the work is meaningful what about the culture?

What makes WCSWR a great place to work?

    • A full team of staff that are passionate about the cause and about helping others (strong values alignment)
    • A culture of encouragement and celebration
    • Leaders that are committed to continuous improvement and listen to and act on feedback
    • A supportive working environment committed to continuous learning and growth
    • Internal programs committed to staff wellness, engagement and development
    • Generous total rewards package (health benefits, RRSP, paid time off etc.)

Make a difference while building your career with WCSWR, voted Waterloo Region’s #1 Not- For Profit! by “The Community Edition”

As excited about this opportunity as we are?

Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting why you are excited about this opportunity to ATTN: Human Resources at hr@wcswr.org.

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region welcomes and encourages applications from people who identify as male, Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and all equity seeking community members. We are also committed to a barrier-free recruitment process: If you are selected for an interview please advise if you need accommodation for a disability and we will make every effort to accommodate.