Trauma Informed Specialist

_**Welcome to Willow Place**_, The heart of our work is healthy relationships. Willow Place provides inclusive, no-cost family violence prevention services, 24-hours, every day of the year to anyone in need of support with situations of family and interpersonal violence (women, men, youth)._

Are you seeking rewarding and challenging work? Willow Place has a full-time, term opportunity available. We welcome diverse skill-sets, experience, and backgrounds including students, semi-retired and retired persons.

**Our Approach**
- Trauma Informed
- Harm Reduction
- Strength-Based
- Client Centered

**Sound Good So Far? We’re Hiring**
- Full-time term position available - 6 months (maternity leave)_

**JOB SUMMARY**

The Trauma Informed Specialist is responsible for assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating programs designed to provide enhanced services for individuals experiencing family abuse/violence. The position is also responsible for Case Management which involves working in a team environment as well as advocacy and collaboration with community collaterals. These services are provided by utilizing various therapeutic modalities facilitating residential clients, in-group settings, via crises line, follow-up and the women in the community on an individual basis.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Minimum Undergraduate Degree, preferably in mental health nursing, counselling, psychology or social work
- Certification in mental health and/or addiction would be considered as an asset.
- Minimum one (1) year supervised clinical counseling experience.
- Demonstrated experience working from Trauma Informed/Harm Reduction lens is essential.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of working with individuals with complex needs including mental health issues and substance use is essentials.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health and its impact on women, men and children experiencing family violence.
- Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity is required to work effectively with the diversity of Willow Pace clients. Must be willing to work in a pro-choice, LGBTTQ positive environment.
- Must have the proven ability to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and work with vulnerable and marginalized individuals from a strength-based focus.

**MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Therapeutic Service
- Case Management/Programming
- Advocacy and Liaison with Community Collaterals
- Administration

**THERAPEUTIC SERVICE**:

- Assesses and develops individual need-based therapeutic plan and establishes a therapeutic relationship with clients from a strength-based perspective.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic services provided by working in collaboration with the clients and refer them to appropriate resources and other professionals as and when required.
- Ensures that individual therapeutic interventions meet the requirements of the Standard Manual for Manitoba shelters and Service Purchase Agreement.
- Provides positive role modelling, which encourages women to problem solve and identify their inner strengths, capabilities and capacity to heal.
- Plans and conducts therapeutic groups on regular basis which may include both residential and outreach clients.
- Ensures all clients have an ongoing risk assessment and safety planning according to their individual needs.
- Provides services on the crisis line, which can include risk assessments, protection planning and other therapeutic interventions.

**CASE MANAGEMENT/PROGRAMMING**:

- Ensures clients(s) is included in their case plan. Each case plan should be strength based with measurable goals and outcomes. Each case plan must include risk assessments and ongoing safety planning.
- In conjunction with the Clinical Supervisor(s) and the Executive director, ensures other program goals are current and measurable.
- Responsible for reviewing and revising program components to ensure enhanced client service with consultation of Clinical Supervisor(s) and Executive Director.
- Offer input into formal and informal evaluation of programs.

**ADVOCACY AND LIASON WITH COMMUNITY COLLATERALS**:

- Develop and maintain a professional working relationship and knowledge of community agencies and related services that would enhance clients’ stay while in shelter and for aftercare.
- Based on case planning and in conjunction with the clients, advocate for clients with other agencies that impact on the clients’ life.
- In conjunction with the clients and their case plan, make referrals to community agencies in order to ensure continuity of care.

**ADMINISTRATION**:

- Provides accurate documentation and statistics for any client or client related contact according to the Willow Place policy and procedure manual, Standards Manual for Women’s Shelters and Services and Funding Agreement.
- Maintains high degree of professionalism in all areas of documentation, which must also reflect the client goals and desired outcomes.
- Ensures