Community Support Worker

Tri-City Transitions Society, a registered charity, founded in 1975, serves the Tri-City communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra. Our programs support women and children who want to escape the cycle of abuse and pursue peaceful lives by providing shelter, counselling and educational opportunities.

Our transition house provides temporary safe shelter and support for women and their dependent children who are victims of domestic violence or are at risk of experiencing abuse, threats and/or violence. We offer a safe, secure place to rest, rejuvenate and rebuild their lives.

Position Summary:

The Community Support Worker plays a vital role in enhancing services for women who have experienced violence and abuse while placing a strong emphasis on safety and confidentiality. This position provides support services to both current and past transition participants of the transition house.

The Community Support Outreach Worker will be responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with service providers and community agencies to support the unique needs of transition house participants. Key responsibilities include delivering culturally appropriate supports and services directly to participants including referrals to safe housing, transportation, and advocacy for housing, medical, legal, and social services.

Responsibilities

• Model personal accountability, responsibility, inclusion, boundary setting and initiative.
• Demonstrate safety practices, problem-solving, crisis intervention skills, critical thinking, and active listening.
• Engage with participants from a trauma-informed perspective.
• Orient new participants to the program/agency services and expectations
• Complete a Domestic Violence Risk Assessment with the client.
• Assist clients in the development of a Personal Service Plan and Safety Plan
• Assist clients in the development of a Personal Budget
• Assist participants in developing/maintaining good hygiene, nutritional, and household management practices.
• Assist participants in developing strategies to overcome barriers to independence, resiliency, and autonomy – personal, housing, financial, physical/health, and educational;
• Present participants with research information to increase the client's ability to make an informed choice.
• Where required seek collaborative service opportunities both intra and inter-agency to assist clients.
• When appropriate and in accordance with the Personal Service Plan, facilitate referrals to community resources.
• Participates in integrated case management meetings as required.
• Participates in Second Stage case management.

Program Administration

• Screen potential participants for program alignment.
• Respond to crisis calls by providing support and/or information.
• Maintain accurate records – logs, statistics, client files, schedules.
• Liaise with related professionals and community partners.
• Performs other related Agency duties as directed by Program Manager.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• A college diploma from a recognized institute with an emphasis on social services.
• Specialized training in violence/trauma in the family from a recognized program.
• A minimum of one year direct experience working with women and children who have experienced violence
• · A current specified First Aid Certificate that includes child first aid and infant CPR.

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the cycle of power and control.
• Extensive knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of ancillary systems involved in domestic violence; legal system, community advocates, applicable legislation, practices, and policies of MCFD.
• Demonstrated non-judgmental compassion, empathy, and perspectives through a trauma-informed lens.
• Well-developed ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Well-developed critical thinking skills.
• Ability to assess needs, strengths, and challenges in self and others.
• Well-developed decision-making skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision while working in a team setting.
• Ability to work on your own.
• Knowledge of the local resources.

Additional Information:

• This position requires you to work in a stressful environment, often dealing with participants in crisis situations, which are or have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Criminal Record Check required.
• This is a unionized position.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this position.

Posting will be open until filled.

Tri-City Transitions Society is an equal-opportunity employer.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those invited to an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Pay: $25.95-$29.76 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Port Coquitlam, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person