Job Description

JOB POSTING

Victim Services Niagara (VSN) provides a 24 hour crisis support to victims of crime or tragic circumstance in the Niagara Region.

VSN programs create opportunities, foster hope and builds safer & healthier communities.

TITLE:

VCAO Coordinator

EMPLOYMENT TERM:

18month contract with possibility of extension

CLOSING DATE

: September 29, 2025

START DATE:

as soon as possible

HOURS OF WORK:

Casual/ On-call evenings, overnights (sleep shift), weekends, holidays, meetings and events. Scheduled and possible emergency shift coverage

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must have a college or university degree in social/human sciences, with a preference in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Social Service or years of professional service in a related field. French language or another second language is an asset.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Report to the Executive Director Monitor and answer calls coming in on the VSN 24hr phone line Take referrals from community partners/first responders/victims calling the emergency referral line outside of office hours Provide emotional support, system navigation, grief/funeral information, and community resources to victims/family members/witness of a crime or tragic circumstance Provide confidential short-term case management and service coordination for clients, including attending in person, on scene, and over the phone support Assess and determine needs and goals of the victim/survivor through active listening Assess immediate risk and provide safety options including individualized safety planning Provide immediate crisis intervention and critical incident stress management to victims/survivors in need Advocate on behalf of victims with government, social, and human services by providing referrals to partnering agencies and system navigation with larger institutions Determine eligibility for financial assistance based on criteria outlined by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Lead/manage dispatch volunteers Provide emotional and practical support to team members on your shift Debrief those who have come back from a dispatched call Maintain accurate and timely documentation in client database Lead/manage/dispatch volunteers on shift Promote public awareness about programs and services provided by VSN All other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Background including education and work experience in supporting victims/family members/witnesses of crime and or tragic circumstances.

Comfortability working with first responders including Fire departments, EMS, NRPS, OPP Niagara Parks Police, and various hospital units

Excellent understanding of programs and services provided by community organizations across the Niagara Region

Understanding the role of FACS and a duty to report

Exceptional communication and active listening skills

Skilled in crisis intervention, critical incident stress management, group and one on one debriefing

Proven ability to handle emergencies, crisis, or hostile behavior.

Maintain control in difficult and emotional charged situations.

Confident and consistent decision making skills

Excellent understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries

Resourcefulness and flexibility to meet the needs of the organization and demands of the position.

Critical thinking and problem solving skills

Exceptional time management and organizational skills

Work with all levels of staff, including volunteers, office front line staff, and management

Ability to work independently and as a team member to achieve outcomes and deadlines.

Ability to balance heavy workload demands/priorities effectively.

Understands the need for self-care and personal boundaries

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/TRAINING :

Bilingual CISM Training
Crisis Intervention Training
Suicide Intervention Training Mental Health Training Risk Assessment Training

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in office, remotely, and in community settings afterhours and on weekends Casual/on call hours and the ability to manage requirements of a 24/7 organization. This position requires the ability to respond in person to incidents in the community as mandated by the Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services Professional development is offered and encouraged Current Valid Ontario Driver's License without restrictions, insurability, and a reliable car. Work involves regular driving through the community. Criminal Reference Check. VSN adheres to the Workplace Safety Guidelines and Standards. We are an office environment with no special equipment or uniforms required. It is business casual attire, as per our Policies & Procedures manual.
Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter. We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted

Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Contract length: 18 months

Expected hours: 5 - 35 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Mileage reimbursement Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Niagara Falls, ON L2E 1X8

Application deadline: 2025-09-29
Expected start date: 2025-10-13