Shelter Support Worker

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Contract; Work Hours: 35 hours per week (Rotating shifts: evenings and weekends); Salary: $55,808 (L6) annually plus comprehensive benefits; Location: Confidential Address – Downtown Toronto; Contract Start Date: January 2, 2026; Contract End Date: January 1, 2027; Internal Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025; External Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

JOIN OUR TEAM

YWCA Toronto upholds anti‑discrimination practices and anti‑oppression principles, welcoming women and individuals who identify as Trans, intersex, non‑binary, agender, or Two‑Spirit. We encourage applications from women and gender‑diverse people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations.

As a specialist in community engagement, the Shelter Support Worker – Community Engagement Worker works within a collaborative team to provide meaningful services within a feminist framework and knowledge of trauma and oppression dynamics. The role includes crisis counselling, developing and evaluating workshops, groups, and activities that positively engage families with the community. The worker will also serve as the primary case worker for at least one woman or family in the shelter.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO – YWCA ARISE

YWCA Arise provides safe and secure emergency shelter for women, gender‑diverse people, and their children fleeing violence. The shelter operates 24/7, supports eight families and one single woman, and offers case management, enriching groups, and community activities to address trauma and help residents build lives free of violence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Apply knowledge of trauma issues and dynamics of women’s abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies.

- Provide case management support services to residents.

- Use mediation and counseling skills to maintain a cooperative, supportive, and productive house environment.

- Promote inclusion, participation, and creativity through community engagement, building a safe community evident by connection within the shelter and outside.

- Promote positive family interactions through collaborative activities within the shelter and in the community.

- Provide opportunities for residents to develop leadership, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution skills.

- Work with women individually or in groups to establish plans for a safe and effective path to independence.

- Develop and implement plans with clients to support daily living skills, stress and health management, social and creative engagement, and self‑efficacy.

- Co‑facilitate weekly resident meetings to evaluate programs, determine emerging needs, and encourage skillful problem‑solving.

- Develop, implement, facilitate, and evaluate psycho‑educational, life skills, and mutual‑aid groups addressing resident issues, trauma, and women’s abuse, focusing on strengths and resilience.

- Engage with the staff team in reflective practice to ensure high‑quality programs and services.

QUALIFICATIONS

- In‑depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through a clinically supervised undergraduate degree (e.g., BSW); analytical framework identifying clients’ relation to social systems and practical application.

- Completion of workshops and courses pertaining to mental health and trauma (Cases for equivalency will be considered).

- 1 to 3 years experience developing and facilitating community engagement groups, programs, and activities that draw on participants’ strengths.

- Knowledge of issues related to women’s abuse and trauma.

- Knowledge of community resources and supports.

- In‑depth knowledge of dynamics of women’s abuse and trauma.

- Demonstrated experience in developing, delivering, and evaluating workshops and groups, including group and community engagement dynamics.

- Experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, e‑mail, and the Internet.

- Knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, addictions, advocacy, refugee and immigration issues, child development, and parenting.

- A certificate in trauma counselling would be an asset.

- Knowledge of a second language and/or culture would be an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER

- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.

- Life insurance and long‑term disability benefit.

- Multi‑sector pension plan: employer contribution 5.75% and employee contribution 3.25%.

- Time off: 20 vacation days, 1.5 days per month sick leave, 12 paid holidays, health promotional days, and 4 float days.

- Other benefits: child‑care benefits, maternity/parental leave supplement, education/sabbatical leave, and financial assistance for professional development.

Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring. YWCA Toronto is a unionized workplace. Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. This position is within the bargaining unit. Please indicate on your cover letter if you are an internal candidate. For internal applicants this position is not secondable.

YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti‑oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender‑diverse people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations.

YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

YWCA Toronto is a scent‑sensitive workplace.

Vaccination Policy: In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID‑19 vaccination policy, all employees, students, and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID‑19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Toronto Public Health.

Posting date: November 21, 2025.

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