Job Description

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

Summary

Reporting to the Residential Supervisor, the Child and Youth Worker (CYW) provides diverse, intersectional, feminist-based compassionate and innovative daily supports, and therapeutic/activity-based group programing for parents, caregivers, and their children living in the Victoria and Friend's Women's Shelter.

This position performs their duties in accordance with the vision, values, and strategic goals of the organization. All IHOH staff are required to work within, and comply with, any and all applicable legislation. This role is a vital to ensuring continuity of service at the shelter by providing shift coverage for shelter staff.

Job Duties

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

Case management provision and planning for women who are fleeing violence and abuse and residing in the shelter. Assess and plan for each caregiver to assess and plan for the child(ren)'s personal safety, coping (harm reduction planning if necessary), support, and legal support needs/requirements. Provide support and system navigation/advocacy for caregivers who are accessing/ intersecting with community/health services (mental health, Child Welfare, childcare, education, and etcetera.) Work along with client's caseloads, including the administrative functions associated with this work. Prevent, manage, and support any parent and child social/behavioral/emotional/mental health issues that arise during residency within the shelter. Create and foster a healthy and safe environment for all residents and children. Develop strong partnership with children-based services and to provide public presentations from time to time. Efficiently responding to crisis calls and walk-in clients. Skillfully promote and implement a safe, healthy, secure, and comfortable environment for the residents of the shelter.
Key Activities:

Build resiliency with children and youth by providing daily, individual support, and group programming. Work collaboratively within the direct service team to assess the needs of individual children, families, and caregivers. Provide consultation, support, and education to individuals and families. Demonstrate healthy behavior management techniques appropriate to each child's developmental stage and ability. Complete safety assessments and explore risk management strategies with women and children. Provide childminding on an ad hoc basis to families in shelter and assist with making childcare referrals. Develop and implement supportive and engaging programming for children and youth. Connect families with community supports through appropriate referrals. Facilitate groups/workshops. Attend and participate in staff meetings, community meeting, 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 by funders. Assist with general operational tasks to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy environment. Additional duties and/or locations may be assigned to support program goals and organizational objectives. Duties and work location may be adjusted or expanded to align with the evolving scope of the position.
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 superb problem solver Stress resilient, adaptable, and flexible Excellent communicator, written/oral Thrives in a team, social activator, reliable Approachable, compassionate, and creative Confident decision maker Skilled in intersectional feminist-based support techniques Sound knowledge of relevant legislation affecting abused women and their children Autonomous worker who can prioritize well Client-focussed Excellent listening skills Sound judgement, ethics, and values
Requirements

College diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Services Work, undergraduate degree in Social Work, or related child/youth disciplines, from a recognized University/College. Membership with an applicable professional college, such as the Ontario Association for Child and Youth Care and/or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Minimum of 2+ years experience and a proven record of success working as a Child and Youth Worker, with preference given to those who have worked in a residential setting and/or crisis work. Experience with group facilitation, program planning, and working with high-risk women/parents. Experience with case management and record keeping. Working knowledge of child developmental stages. Experience working with high-risk women and working with modalities including Stages of Change, motivational interviewing, and practice experience using an intersectional feminist and trauma informed lens related to gender-based violence is an asset. Skilled in stats collection and analysis to meet performance targets. Keen ability and interest in working with and for diverse populations. Experience working in a politically sensitive environment. Fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Resourceful, motivated and energetic. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs for various tasks. Valid driver's license and access to an insured (minimum $2,000,000 liability), roadworthy vehicle or alternate ability to meet travel requirements. Valid certification in First Aid/CPR +AED and ASIST. Completion of WHMIS, Bill 168, AODA, NVCI, and 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. 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.

Interval House of Hamiton is a low-barrier space that serves all women - cis, trans, and nonbinary and genderfluid individuals age 16+.

Staff may work near animals, as IHOH is a pet-friendly environment. All employees are expected to maintain professional boundaries, follow safety procedures, and contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplace.

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.

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.

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.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.77-$30.72 per hour

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Flexible schedule On-site parking Paid time off
Education:

Master's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person