Temporary Full Time Outreach Support Worker

**Who We Are**

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) empowers and supports women* and children to move beyond violence by providing safe shelter, outreach services, prevention and education.

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.

We foster equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility to attract, retain, invest, and sustain a psychological safe working environment for all WCSWR stakeholder, with a focus on wellbeing, where people can thrive.

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

**Position Overview**

The Outreach Worker supports people to move beyond violence by providing safety planning; risk assessment; emotional support; crisis and transitional intervention; community referrals/information; and advocacy. The worker will meet with clients in the community whenever possible and help them identify the supports that they and their children need and assist them to access those supports such as: legal support; housing; financial aid; and counseling services.

This Outreach assignment has two areas of focus: the first is to engage in community development and target marginalized and underserved groups in order to provide ongoing outreach support services. The second is to engage in awareness raising initiatives including, but not limited to, youth education programs, trainings, and other ambassadorship opportunities. A comfort and skill in public speaking is important to this role.

**Education, Experience, and Qualifications**
- 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.
- Continuous priority setting and flexibility is required in meeting the needs of multiple job expectations
- 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 mínimal 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, cofacilitate 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 within Waterloo Region and provide own transportation

asset

**About our Culture**
- 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

**Make a difference while building your career with WCSWR**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: $28.63 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Application question(s):

- Demonstrated sound judgment skills
- Ability to work independent