Job Description

Violence Against Women Counsellor / Transitional and Housing Support Program Worker

TNO - The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) is a well-established community-based social and health service agency providing a wide range of programs and services supporting low-income and newcomer communities across Ontario and sometimes across different provinces through online services and referrals. We are seeking one

Violence Against Women Counsellor

to join our team in a

full-time contract

role until

May 10, 2027

.

The ideal candidate for the Violence Against Women (VAW) Counsellor position is a compassionate and experienced professional with a strong background in support counselling and advocacy for women who have experienced domestic or spousal abuse. They

hold a diploma or degree in Social Work, Women's Studies

, or a related field, and bring

2-4 years of direct experience in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, or crisis intervention

. They possess a deep understanding of the

complex dynamics of abuse and trauma, and demonstrate a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive

, and LGBTQ+ inclusive approach to service delivery. The ideal candidate is comfortable providing both individual and group counselling in a confidential and safe setting, and is skilled in crisis response, safety planning, transitional housing support, and advocacy. They have experience working with diverse, low-income, and newcomer communities, and are proficient with computers, data entry, and communication tools.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide intake and assessment and review various options for services. Completes risk assessment and the development of safety strategies or client centred safety plans for women and their dependents Work within a framework of solutions focused brief therapy and supportive counseling for female victims of intimate abuse. Identify and support women's short-term and long-term goals, focusing on safety, stability, and independence. Assist clients in securing legal assistance, including referrals to legal aid or immigration services. Support clients in finding and maintaining safe, stable housing, including navigating emergency and transitional housing options Help clients access financial assistance, such as income support, benefits, or emergency funding. Connect clients with counselling and mental health services, as well as other relevant support services. Facilitate connections to community resources, including schools, childcare, healthcare, legal, and immigration services. Develop individualized action plans and provide ongoing follow-up to support goal achievement. Assists women in accessing services by providing information and resource materials about available services and support face to face or through the phone, referrals, and other services to serve the client's needs. Assists in the construction of support systems with the development of social and living skills, safety plans necessary for reestablishment within the chosen community. Develop support groups for victims or survivors of violence. Accompany clients to courts and law agencies. Refer clients to other agencies. Provide reference letter on behalf of clients Designs appropriate forms to assess and monitor the client's progress including a follow-up and closing client file process. Develops work-plan and maintain required program records and submits required weekly and monthly reports as requested by management of the agency. Liaison with other service providers and conduct case conferences when needed Consults and advocates on behalf of clients with other professional in social services, immigration, CAS/CCAS, medical and other such services to achieve the goals of the client. Plans, prepares and evaluates appropriate material for group facilitation & workshops.

Screening

- As a condition of employment, the successful applicant must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Job Type:

Full-Time contract until May 10, 2027.

Work Location(s):

10 Gateway Blvd, Toronto, ON, M3C 3A1, 45 Overlea Blvd. Toronto, ON M4H-1C3, and other TNO locations.

Schedule:

35 hours per week, and flexible between 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM based on programming needs. Some evenings and weekends will be required.

Benefits:

Personal Emergency Leave Professional Development Support Social activities organized by the organization

Application Process: Please submit your application to recruitment@tno-toronto.org with the subject line "Application for VAW Counsellor" by September 21. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

TNO is committed to employment equity initiatives. We encourage residents of Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, and surrounding communities, and people who are racialized, Indigenous, people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, people with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups to apply. TNO is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Application question(s):

Do you hold a diploma or degree in Social Work, Women's Studies, or a related field? Do you have 2-4 years of direct experience working in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, or crisis intervention?
Work Location: In person