Community-Based Victim Services Caseworker – Intimate Partner Violence Unit

Community-Based Victim Services Caseworker – Intimate Partner Violence Unit (IPVU)

Location: Kelowna, BC

Position Type: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Reports To: Program Manager, Victim Services or designate

Who We Are

The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society (COEFS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence, sexual assault, and child abuse through prevention, intervention, advocacy, and client-driven support services.

Our work is grounded in a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centered approach. We believe in creating safety and stability for individuals who have experienced violence, while working collaboratively with justice, health, and community partners to reduce risk and build pathways toward healing.

The Intimate Partner Violence Unit (IPVU) is an integrated service delivery model, co-locating a Community-Based Victim Services Caseworker within the RCMP Detachment alongside a dedicated police partner. Together, this collaborative team responds to the highest-risk domestic violence cases to increase safety for victims and their children and to reduce the harmful impacts of intimate partner violence.

The IPVU model strengthens communication between police, community-based services, and justice partners—ensuring the people most at risk receive timely, coordinated, and effective support.

Who You Are

You are a skilled and compassionate professional with a deep understanding of the complexities of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and trauma. You bring empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment to every situation—knowing that your work can be the difference between continued harm and lasting safety.

You thrive in collaborative environments and value working alongside police, Crown Counsel, and community agencies. You are confident in navigating the criminal justice system and supporting clients through highly sensitive and complex cases. You are organized, grounded, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a client-centered approach.

Above all, you are motivated by the belief that every person deserves safety, dignity, and respect—and you are committed to walking alongside survivors as they reclaim those things.

Key Responsibilities

· Provide direct crisis response, safety planning, emotional and practical support to victims of intimate partner violence and other forms of abuse.

· Work collaboratively with police partners to identify and respond to high-risk domestic violence cases, developing coordinated safety and intervention plans.

· Offer information, advocacy, and accompaniment throughout criminal court proceedings, including courtroom orientation and Victim Impact Statements.

· Assist clients in completing Crime Victim Assistance Program applications, Victim Impact Statements, protection orders, and referrals to community, health, and legal supports.

· Maintain regular communication and case coordination with justice, health, and community partners, including participation in ICAT and IPVU meetings.

· Provide or facilitate public education and community awareness related to victim services and the prevention of gender-based violence.

· Maintain detailed and confidential case records, data entry, and monthly statistical reporting.

· Support onboarding and training of new victim services staff as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Training

· Bachelor of Social Work, relevant BA, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience preferred.

· Victim Service Worker Certificate or related trauma-informed training considered an asset.

· Understanding of the criminal justice system and Victim Services programs preferred.

· Must successfully obtain an Enhanced RCMP Security Clearance.

· Clean criminal record check (including vulnerable sector).

Experience

· Minimum 2 years' experience supporting individuals impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or trauma.

· Demonstrated knowledge of community-based supports, relevant legislation, and provincial systems.

· Experience working in collaboration with police, Crown, or justice-based partners considered an asset.

Skills & Abilities

· Strong understanding of trauma, violence dynamics, and risk assessment.

· Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

· Cultural safety and competency in working with Indigenous, newcomer, and marginalized populations.

· Skilled in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Windows 10/11 Pro.

· Valid BC driver's license and reliable transportation.

Cultural Competence

The IPVU Caseworker must demonstrate awareness of the cultural, social, and systemic barriers that impact clients' experiences with violence and justice.

This includes:

· Recognizing how ethnicity, gender, religion, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation influence access to services.

· Providing culturally safe and inclusive support, particularly for Indigenous and newcomer survivors navigating the legal system.

What We Offer

· Competitive compensation aligned with the Community Social Services (CSS) sector wage grid. Starting wage $29.30

· Comprehensive extended health benefits after successful completion of probation.

· Generous vacation and wellness time.

· Ongoing professional development opportunities and training.

· A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (PDF format) to:

Chantal Banman (She/Her)

Executive Director, Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society

Email:

649 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S3

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $29.30 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Application question(s):

• What attributes or experience do you bring that you think will be an asset to our organization?
• Why do you want to work at Elizabeth Fry and Support Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse?

Work Location: In person