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 Frontline Worker provides innovative, strengths-based, diverse, intersectional, feminist-based supports, referrals, and advocacy with women living in or seeking services at 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 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 women's personal safety, coping (harm reduction planning if necessary), general support, and legal support needs/requirements. Work along with client caseloads, including the administrative functions associated with this work. Efficiently responding to crisis calls and walk-in clients. Provide short term, strength-based support. Use risk assessment tools to assess risk of harm, lethality, and safety plan accordingly. Skillfully promote and implement a safe, healthy, secure, and comfortable environment for the residents of the shelter.

Key Activities:

Support the physical, emotional, and safety needs of children to ensure that they are receiving the necessary intervention, protection, and support they require. Develop and coordinate good working relationships with referral agencies and other outside professionals, specifically including regional housing authorities, women's and children's counselling services, educational programs, job training programs, income support worker and health and welfare services. Facilitate general and VAW-specific group workshops to women, focusing on safety and community re-engagement. Maintain working knowledge of housing options including non-profit, private, co-op and housing benefit programs. Refer, advocate, and network within the various systems. 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 the preparation of meals, kitchen duties, housekeeping, and general operational tasks to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy environment. 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

- Superb communicator, written/oral

- Thrives in a team, social activator

- Approachable, people-centered

- 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 and compassionate

- 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. Membership with an applicable professional college such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, is an asset. Minimum of 2+ years experience and a proven record of success working in Women's services, with preference given to experience within residential settings. Women's service experience includes, but is not limited to group facilitation, program planning, and working with high-risk women. 2 or more years of experience working with women who have experienced abuse/violence; preferably work experience in shelter/community, criminal or victim services work environment. Experience with case management and record keeping. Experience with community stakeholder engagement and presentation/group facilitation. 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. Experience with group development and facilitation. Skilled in statistics 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 40 lbs 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, NVCI, 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.

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.

How to apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Sue Taylor, Executive Director Email: acowan@intervalhousehamilton.org Mail: 630 Sanatorium Road, Hamilton, ON L9C 7S7

Applications must be received by September 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.

If you require accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 17 months

Pay: $27.09-$32.11 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

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