Job Description

Are you committed to ending the cycle of abuse and violence by raising awareness through prevention, education, and advocacy? Are you looking for the opportunity to support women with or without children to live free of abuse by providing shelter and confidential, non- judgmental services? If this sounds like you then please consider joining the team at Optimism Place!

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services is an organization that provides emergency shelter, supportive counselling, legal advocacy, and wrap around support for women and their children fleeing domestic violence in Perth County

Family Court & Transition Support Worker Contract until March 2028

Full Time (40 hours per week) anticipated Start date is Dec. 1/2025

Salary range, $52,000 to $58,000 per annum

Vacation and other benefits provided

Required to:

Be flexible with hours of work, depending on position needs

Have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle

Provide a valid and recent vulnerable sector check

Provide valid CPR/First Aid Certification

Have a positive impact on the lives of women and their children

Work with like-minded individuals in an anti-oppressive, feminist framework

Work with a close-knit team contributing to the community and a significant way

Eligibility to participate in health and dental benefits program and RRSP contribution plan

Report to the Manager of Legal Advocacy and Transition Services

Optimism Place is committed to equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. In alignment with its commitment to equity, Optimism Place values diversity and provides a positive and supportive environment. Optimism Place offers reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to participate in the recruitment process. If you are contacted regarding this opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. While we appreciate all interest in our positions, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interested candidates are asked to send their resumes to Joanne Grimes, Manager of Legal Advocacy and Transition Services, at Joanne@optimismplace.com with the subject line, "Family Court & Transition Support Worker".

Resumes must be submitted by: November 13th by 5pm

The Opportunity Details:

The Family Court & Transition Support Worker is responsible for helping women to navigate the family court process. This would include assisting women to apply for Legal Aid, find a lawyer, utilize legal resources, assist to identify needed court documents, documenting history of abuse, safety plan for court, accompany to legal appointments (lawyers, FLIC) and virtual or in person court accompaniment. In addition, this role provides legal guidance to other staff positions, community presentations and collaborative tables as required. This role also provides transitional supports to women living in Perth County and actively participates as a member of the Transition Support Team. This work includes completing housing applications, safety planning, employment supports, referrals to community services and anything else required to assist women to transition from their abusive relationships.

To be considered for this opportunity you will have the following:

A college diploma from a registered institution in a Social Service Worker, Justice or comparable program. A Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Arts in Social Work or Law would be an asset. A minimum of six (6) months of related experience in the field of violence against women services, sexual assault services, or community-based services. Volunteer or placement student experience is welcomed. Understands and operates from a trauma-informed perspective. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.

Other qualifications: Knowledge of the family court system is an asset.

Please email :

Joanne Grimes at joanne@optimismplace.com to submit your resume along with any relevant skills, experience that may be an asset to this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00-$58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Vision care
Work Location: In person