Women's Support Partner- 1.0 FTE

Reporting to the supervisor, YW crisis shelter the Women's Support Partner will provide inclusive and equitable support to women and their children residing in our emergency domestic violence shelter. The women's support worker works collaboratively with key shelter staff to ensure a strong, innovative support system is in place for women and children impacted by domestic violence. The Women's Support Partner is a highly engaged, energetic, and motivated individual who recognizes the intersectional ways women's experiences can impact their stay in shelter and works through an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lens. The Women's Support Partner works collaboratively with the shelter team to ensure a strong, innovative support system is in place for women and children impacted by domestic violence through provision of information, education, resources, referrals, and advocacy to support inclusion, empowerment and the development of assets needed to thrive in a safe and equitable community.

This position is a full-time permanent position working 40 hrs/week with a schedule of Monday- Friday 3:00 pm- 11:30 pm. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work arrangement and is located at our YW Crisis Shelter location.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Truly rewarding work; contribute to lasting, positive change for individuals and our community
• Flexible schedules and a hybrid work arrangement where possible to help our employees manage work and life
• A supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development
• Comprehensive benefits including an employee assistance plan
• Onsite fitness and childcare facilities
• Participate in ongoing opportunities for professional development

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Use principles of client-centred, trauma-informed care to provide support and crisis intervention for women and children shelter residents who have experienced violence and homelessness.
• Answer all calls on the 24-hour crisis line during shift, screen potential residents and support transition to another shelter or support if we cannot accommodate.
• Monitors security cameras and secure entrances to ensure safety and assists supportive housing tenants as needed.
• Conduct intake with residents, including risk assessment and safety planning.
• Provide move-in and move-out room checks with residents if moves occur during overnight shift.
• Build and maintain positive, supportive, non-judgmental, and respectful resident relations.
• Support and assist shelter residents with questions, concerns, hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, bedding, food, and other needs as they arise.
• Provide information about and/or referrals to appropriate community agencies and resources.
• Maintain the safety and security of the shelter and report concerns to the organizational and/or facilities on-call, as well as property owner emergency line and the appropriate authorities if required.
• Ensures the privacy and confidentiality of all shelter residents by not confirming the identity of residents, and monitoring the admission of guests, visitors, vendors, contractors, and authorities as required.
• Communicate necessary resident information at shift at shift change to incoming staff.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the shelter through light housekeeping duties and ensuring spaces are hazard-free i.e. mopping, sweeping, disinfecting surfaces, salting icy areas, et cetera during each shift.
• Enter and maintain resident information in electronic and physical files.
• Completes nightly occupancy and firebox report during evening or overnight shifts.
• Review key worker case notes and service plans to ensure awareness of needs.
• Keeps accurate records and ensures data entry is completed on time and according to organizational and program standards.
• Completes data audits regularly to ensure data entry is accurate and fixes errors in a timely manner when requested by supervisor.
• Completes relevant pre and post scales and other data collection as required.
• Assists with general inventory of shelter materials and supplies and always ensures adequate levels of supplies and materials.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships and contributes to a culture of learning, equity, diversity, inclusion and psychologically safety.
• Maintains high standards of ethical work and demonstrates good judgment, respect, and professionalism in all interactions with employees, students, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into one's role, work, and engagement with others, as aligned with YW Calgary's values and Practice Framework.
• Share individual accountability to create and maintain inclusive and safe spaces and practices (physically and psychologically) that are open, transparent, and encourage accountability, advocacy, and mentorship.
• Understand and remain current with YW Calgary Health, Safety and Wellness policies, practices and protocols and ensure work is performed in alignment with YW's culture.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Bachelor's in social work or equivalent in the Human Services field. A combination of education and experience in other areas will be considered.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training, Alberta Brain Story and/or Gender-based Violence are considered an asset.
• Certification and/or knowledge in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices.
• Experience working with women facing oppression, violence, mental health, and various other intersecting barriers, particularly in a crisis setting, is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience in systems navigation, case management, community development and partnership development, specifically in the areas of domestic violence are an asset.
• Experience working with a diverse clientele, including multi-cultural, newcomers to Canada and other equity-seeking groups is an asset.
• The ability to speak other languages would be an asset.
• Proficiency in using MS Office suite and other computer-based systems is required.
• Knowledge of family law and the impacts of domestic violence on individuals is an asset.
• You have a well-developed understanding of and commitment to anti-oppressive work, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.
• You possess the capacity to be aware of and control your own emotions, moderate your behaviors and be flexible in your responses.
• You handle interpersonal relationships judiciously
• You regularly take initiative, use good judgment, show strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• You have experience and skills in conflict management and an aptitude towards managing crisis.
• You are an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, and you don't shy away from the difficult conversations.
• You openly question actions that are inconsistent with our ethics, code of conduct, mission and values and you treat everyone with fairness and respect.

If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.
Deadline: Until Suitable Candidate Found
Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations.
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YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.