Women's Support Worker Part-time Weekends

**Job Summary**

Provides support, security, advocacy, information, crisis response, referrals, and safety planning to residents and crisis line callers under the harm reduction model through an intersectional feminist approach.

**Shifts: Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 6 pm, and one weekday from 8 am
- 4 pm TBD**

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Speaks with prospective residents and conducts intakes. Significantly reduces barriers for women and children accessing services. Orients and assists residents to settle in the house.
- Using a women-centred approach, supports residents to define and meet their self-determined goals and to plan for their safety. Offers advocacy and assistance, provides information on resources available, and recommends appropriate services.
- Provides emotional support, encouragement, goal setting, and problem-solving support to women and their children. Facilitates house and/or support group meetings.
- Monitors and ensures the safety and comfort of residents and the security of the facility. Maintains a pet-friendly environment when the program allows. Facilitates resolution of conflicts between residents, which may include de-escalation of violence. Negotiates with residents who behaviour is unpredictable and highly volatile to find ways for them to continue in the program.
- Assists women with dependent care by providing emotional support to children and youth, monitoring and conducting developmentally appropriate recreational activities (such as craft projects and games) and attending to children’s physical needs (which may include preparing meals, feeding, diapering, and toileting). Occasionally cares for children in the temporary absences of their mothers.
- Consults and liaises with other service agencies and professionals to develop community relations. Maintains current knowledge of issues related to violence as well as information on available resources. Participates in public education to raise awareness.
- Ensures housekeeping services are completed. Performs minor maintenance. Uses universal precautions for safe cleaning and disposal of harm reduction supplies and bodily fluids and waste.
- Maintains documents, resident records, forms, and statistical information.
- Orients and delegates tasks to volunteers and practicum students.
- Accompanies and/or transports residents to outside services.
- Promotes Ishtar Society’s Vision, Mission, and Values. Integrates the organization’s Belief Statements into their work. Adheres to all policies, procedures, and systems.
- Performs other related duties as required.

**Qualifications**:

- One (1) year recent related experience and a diploma in a related human/social service field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License and reliable vehicle (mileage paid for work use)
- Current First Aid Certificate (CPR Level C with AED) and recent Naloxone training
- Intersectional feminist perspective, compassion, and a demonstrated understanding of oppression
- Current knowledge of issues and resources related to feminist anti-violence work.
- Ability to constructively resolve conflict with colleagues and women accessing services.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize competing demands, and work under pressure.
- Ability to work independently and in a group.
- Fluency in languages other than English a definite asset
- This position requires a Criminal Record Check.

**About Us**

Celebrating over 50 years of service, Ishtar is one of the oldest operators of Transition Houses in Canada. We advocate for, support, and empower women and their children affected by abuse, offering safe housing, counseling, and education. With a range of programs including Transition Houses, Outreach, Community-Based Victim Services, Domestic Violence Liaison, PEACE Child and Youth Counselling, and Stopping the Violence Counseling, Ishtar staff work to break the cycle of violence and build healthier communities. To learn more about our organization and our approach visit IshtarSociety.org

Please submit your cover letter and resume.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.95-$29.76 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance

Application question(s):

- Are you available to work Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm and one weekday from 8 am - 4pm?

**Education**:

- DCS / DEC (required)

**Experience**:

- Women Support Worker or related: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Standard First Aid Certificate CPR Level C with AED (required)
- Class 5 driver's License (required)

Work Location: In person