After-care Assistant

**Gillian’s Place**

As one of the first shelters of its kind in Ontario, Gillian’s Place brings over 45 years of experience and expertise in gender-based violence service in Niagara. Since 1977, we have grown from an eight-bed emergency shelter to a multi-site provider of free and confidential services that support women, children, genderqueer, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals escaping the cycle of violence and abuse. Today, these services include a 34-bed emergency shelter, second-stage housing, a 24/7 phone or text crisis support line, safety planning, expert counselling, child and youth programs, legal advice and support, education and violence prevention programs, and a transitional housing and support program.

**Beyond the paycheque. Why you want to join our team**
- We are an organization where you can realize your aspirations and achieve your personal and professional goals in an inclusive and supportive environment
- We are a dynamic and talented team who collectively provide practical compassionate client-centered care to those who have experienced gendered abuse
- We invest in our team through training, professional development opportunities, and wellness initiatives
- We are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access

**Position Summary**

The **After-Care Assistant** plays a critical role in empowering clients to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. This position provides hands-on support to clients by teaching essential life skills, coordinating housing transitions, and facilitating access to vital services.

The After-Care Assistant assists clients in overcoming barriers to independent living, such as navigating complex systems, building practical daily living skills, and accessing community resources. The role also involves organizing and facilitating life skills workshops and recreational activities while maintaining a client-centred, trauma-informed approach.

By fostering confidence, capacity, and resilience, the After-Care Assistant helps clients create and implement actionable strategies for sustainable change. This position requires strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to help clients achieve their goals in a safe and supportive environment.

**Working Schedule & Hours**
- 35 hours per week.
- Some flexible hours (evenings/weekends) are required to effectively meet the client's needs.
- Flexibility to provide in-person and virtual appointments as required by the clients
- Approved overtime compensated by time off rather than pay.
- This position requires a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and insurance to effectively meet the program's needs, including driving throughout the Niagara Region.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Administrative intake, reach out to clients transitioning out of shelter or referred from transitional housing programs
- Conduct initial intake interviews to assess their needs
- Support move-in and move-out processes for transitional housing units.
- Screen participants for Outreach programs and assist in coordinating group facilitation.
- Support the implementation and facilitation of life skills workshops and recreational groups for outreach clients.
- Assist with developing personalized action plans that align with client goals, fostering self-sufficiency and empowerment.
- Teach practical life skills based on clients’ case plans to foster long-term independence, including cleaning, organizing, cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, childcare, and other daily tasks.
- Assist clients in navigating complex systems and services, such as law enforcement, child welfare, Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program, employment resources, education, and healthcare.
- Provide targeted support for clients with children, including sourcing recreational activities, obtaining school supplies and clothing, accessing childcare, and connecting with Niagara Region Public Health.
- Offer accompaniment to appointments, ensuring emotional and practical support during key interactions.
- Assist in organizing transportation and childcare for appointments, if needed
- Maintain accurate and detailed client documentation within the client management system.
- Assist in preparing reports for Family and Children Services and meet reporting requirements.

**What you need to succeed**:

- Foster a trauma-informed, supportive environment for clients.
- Uphold confidentiality and adopt a non-judgmental, client-centered approach.
- Adapt services to meet each client's unique needs while respecting their autonomy.
- Maintain composure in high-pressure situations and evaluate safety concerns with sound judgment.
- Ensure detailed, accurate documentation and prioritize client safety at all times.
- Positively contribute to workplace culture and maintain professional relationships.

**Qualifications**:
Post-secondary education

Familiarity with community resources and partnerships.

Strong understanding of gendered violence and Intimate