Job Description

Note: IHOH is a SEIU unionized workplace and this role is covered under the current collective agreement.

Summary

Under the supervision of the Manager of Community Programs, or designate, the Transitional Support Worker (TSW) & Employment Navigator will work with women experiencing violence, abuse, and/or trafficking and assist women to obtain and maintain safe/affordable housing. This position is mobile and will meet women in the community or at places the woman is most safe. Additionally, this position will support women with system navigation that focusses on improving women's sense of self-efficacy through employment/education. This position focuses on and is anchored in harm reduction and will provide support to staff and women to ensure women are served through a harm reduction framework.

This position performs their duties in accordance with the vision, values, and strategic goals of the organization. All Interval House of Hamilton (IHOH) staff are required to work within, and comply with, any and all applicable legislation.

Job Duties

The main responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provide harm reduction support to women, including assisting with risk mitigation and safe-use plans. Educate and support staff and women on the benefits of harm reduction, harm reduction strategies, safe-consumption, and safe-use. Case management and case planning including crisis prevention/intervention, safety planning, housing, general support, parenting support, educational upgrading, job training, income support, health, and wellness services. Support the physical, emotional, and safety needs of children to ensure that they are receiving the necessary intervention, protection, and support. Develop and coordinate good working relationships with referral agencies and other outside professionals, specifically including regional housing authorities, women's and children's counseling services, educational programs, job training programs, income support worker and health and welfare services. Assist women with employment preparation and readiness by providing employment coaching, resume preparation, job searches and/or skill development. Refer, advocate, and network within the various systems. Attend and participate in staff meetings, community meetings, committees, and related activities. Coordinate and perform various operational and administrative responsibilities such as preparation of comprehensive statistical reports, data collection and providing research to support special projects including the preparation of the program reports as required for the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Other related duties as assigned.
As a member of the IHOH team, this role will also assist with the following duties:

Assist in soliciting for donations and sponsorships. Assist in receiving donations and deliveries at the shelter, engaging with donors during their drop off, and providing receipts. Provide reports on your department/responsibilities to your Supervisor, as requested.

Core Competencies

- Action oriented and results driven

- Stress resilient, adaptable, and flexible

- Strong oral and written communication skills

- Client-focused and compassionate

- Approachable, people-centered

- Confident decision maker

- Creative and organized

- Autonomous worker

- Skilled in intersectional feminist-based support techniques

- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation affecting abused women and their children

- Confident in crisis management/conflict resolution

- Sound judgement, ethics, and values. Trustworthy and high integrity

Requirements

Minimum undergraduate degree/diploma in Social Work, Social Service Work, or a related discipline, from a recognized University/College. Background in healthcare is an asset. 3-5 years of experience with health promotion, concurrent disorder, and addictions with a minimum of 2-years of mobile assertive engagement experience. Working knowledge of various housing options including non-profit, private, co-op and housing benefit programs. Proven ability to engage and support high-acuity service-users. Demonstrated experience in digital marketing. Experience working in non-profit with an understanding of gender-based violence. Evidenced experience delivering health promotion, withdrawal management and concurrent disorder services. Strong digital skills including experienced with Office 365. Strong understanding of system navigation. Ability to lift up to 40lbs for various tasks. Valid driver's license and access to an insured (2 million insured), roadworthy vehicle or alternate ability to meet travel requirements. Valid certification in First Aid/CPR +AED and ASIST. Completion of WHMIS, Bill 168, AODA, Occupational Health and Safety training. Original copy of Police Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector clearance and ability to meet the requirements of the vulnerable sector standards for employment by IHOH. Able to meet the IHOH COVID-19 vaccination policy requirements. Flexibility is required in this position to ensure needs of women met in evenings and weekends. Fluency in French or a second language is an asset, but not required.
Work Conditions: IHOH is a busy environment, whether in the emergency shelter, drop-in centers, or when working on community outreach/engagement, attending meetings, or events. The schedule is predictable but can change to accommodate events or during crisis management work.

Employees work with diverse groups of women and children in traumatic, emotional states and must be willing to assist them with personal care items, system navigation, conflict management, crisis support and advocating for them with community members, housing providers, and justice services. Below is a summary of the working conditions for this position:

Workplace and Work Environment Hazards: The Victoria and Friends Women's Shelter is an emergency, VAW shelter where women who experience abuse, with or without children, reside. IHOH also has outreach locations where women seeking assistance will drop in. All employees working at any IHOH location are responsible for creating a friendly, inclusive (non- discriminatory), compassionate, and cohesive environment that will implement strategies and plan to ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive environment is kept at all times.

The setting is fast paced with constantly changing priorities and crises. Most of the work time will be working directly (formally/informally) with clients in fluid, non-office settings. Extended periods of informal client work liaising/advocating with community/stakeholder services is also required. Thus, workplace hazards will include listening to traumatic stories, exposure to barriers/conflict with lack of services and supports for women experiencing abuse. This role works to prevent, defuse, and manage clients and/or community services whose behaviours may become aggressive, discriminatory, or despondent towards staff, other women, and children living in the shelter and accessing supports. Additionally, their abusive partner/person may attempt to access our program locations. At times, when staff are working in the community, they may be exposed to negative attitudes and beliefs or biases towards women and children experiencing abuse and violence. Personal safety plans must always be in place.

The Victoria and Friends Women's Shelter is a pet-friendly shelter to the women and children we serve. IHOH's policies and procedures regarding pets in residence are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, residents, and guests. While the responsibility to care for pets in shelter rests solely on the pet owner, employees must be aware that they will be working in close proximity to various pets during their shifts.

The work environment is funded through grants and government contracts thus employees will be required to keep daily records, notes, and at times produce reports and documentation.

Disclaimer: Due to the changing nature of work and work to be done, other responsibilities may be assigned, and qualifications may be altered. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected and may not cover a fully comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Employees may also be reassigned to other duties or departments as needed to support overall organizational operations and priorities.

IHOH is a living wage ambassador, and an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. In extension, IHOH recognizes that a diverse staff team working in an inclusive environment will make superior and more innovative decisions, better serving the organization, and consequently, the population it serves.

Please forward a resume and letter of interest describing your skills, competencies, experiences to:

Sue Taylor, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

630 Sanatorium Road, Hamilton, ON, L9C 7S7

or via email at: execassist@intervalhousehamilton.org

NOTE: No resumes will be accepted after the deadline.

NOTE: If selected for an interview, please inform us of any accessibility requirements you may require.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $27.09-$32.11 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Extended health care On-site parking Vision care
Schedule:

10 hour shift 8 hour shift Day shift Evening shift Holidays Monday to Friday Morning shift Night shift Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-23