Residential Support Worker

Do you desire a community that is free from violence and abuse in any of its forms? Do you have a genuine passion to support women and children move beyond violence? Do you possess a feminist philosophy and have an understanding of an anti-oppressive framework? Then we just might have the opportunity for you Keep reading.

Let’s start with the general details

**Position**: Residential Support Worker - Overnight Shift

**Location**: Kitchener (Anselma House)

**Status**: Full-Time approximate 15 month contract (Sep 2024-Dec 2025)

**Hourly Wage**: $27.40 per hour as outlined in the UNIFOR Local 302 Collective Agreement

Schedule: Overnight 12:00am to 8:00am

So, how do we define a **Residential Support Worker**? The main buckets of work will include;
- supporting women and children to move beyond violence by providing crisis line support, safety planning, ongoing assessment, emotional support through one to one and group activities
- providing community referrals/information, discharge planning and advocacy
- support women to adapt to communal living and facilitate their transition to independence
- MSW, BSW or SSW is preferred
- Experience in social service field, ideally in a residential setting
- Experience in the VAW Sector an asset
- Flexibility and priority setting required to de-escalate crisis situations and to manage the multiple demand of the role.
- Knowledge of the effects of all types of abuse on both women and children.
- Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations.
- Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to multi-task.
- Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of women and children, such as ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, survivors of trauma, mental health and addiction issues.
- Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines.
- Current knowledge of basic criminal and family law, _The Child and Family Services Act_ and related legal issues and resources.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient in the use of computer software.

The following would be additional **assets**:

- Experience in providing crisis intervention, trauma informed, harm reduction support and advocacy, risk and ongoing assessments.
- Experience working with interpreters.
- Knowledge of and skills in accessing and utilizing appropriate community resources.
- Valid First Aid/CPR-C Certificate and Naloxone training, will be provided if required.
- Ability to speak in two or more languages.

We do also have some **general employment eligibility requirements**;
- Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check

Okay so this role feels like the perfect fit for you. Great Now what about **the organization?**

**Who Are We?** Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR**) provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing abusive relationships. 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.

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

So, the job is a fit, the work is meaningful what about **the culture?**

**What makes WCSWR a great place to work?**
- 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
- Certified Living Wage employer
- Generous total rewards package (health benefits, RRSP, paid time off etc.)

**Make a difference while building your career with WCSWR, voted Waterloo Region’s #1 Not
- For Profit by “The Community Edition”**

As excited about this opportunity as we are?

Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting why you are excited about this opportunity.

**Job Type**: Contract