Trauma Specialist

Who We Are

For more than 130 years The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church each year we help more than 2 million people providing necessities such as food clothing and shelter. In addition we support people experiencing unemployment addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission vision and values of hope service dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose Summary:

The Trauma Specialist will provide trauma-informed care consultation workshops and specialized support to women residing in the transitional housing program with a focus on survivors of human trafficking. This role involves direct client support crisis intervention therapeutic counseling and collaboration with staff and community partners to facilitate the reintegration of survivors into society. Working as part of a team with various specialties especially close with Resource Specialists the Trauma Specialist will ensure a holistic and survivor-centered approach.

Accountabilities:

Counselling

• Provide internal consulting services and expertise to women in the transitional housing program at Community Services (Calgary)

• Apply a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities (CBT DBT SFT EFT EMDR etc.) to develop and implement personalized care plans.

• Provide trauma-informed client-centered care to women recovering from human trafficking.

• Conduct assessments to determine each clients emotional psychological and social needs to inform individualized care.

• Offer individual and group therapy sessions focused on trauma recovery resilience and empowerment.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of trauma interventions on resident well-being.

• Support staff offering consultation on crisis intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques as needed.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (resource specialists program staff spiritual care team) and external partners to ensure comprehensive support for clients.

• Advocate for residents by connecting them with relevant community services and resources.

Staff & Client Trainings

• Design and facilitate trauma-informed workshops for residents on self-care emotional regulation boundaries and healthy relationships.

• Conduct individual peer or group support sessions with the residents to promote healing and peer connection.

• Provide ongoing training for staff on trauma-informed care crisis intervention and best practices for working with survivors of human trafficking.

• Develop educational materials and training sessions to enhance staff understanding of trauma-related behaviors and effective intervention.

• Lead debriefing sessions and reflective practices for staff to prevent secondary trauma and burnout foster resilience and mitigate the impact of secondary trauma.

Administration & Program Development

• Contribute to trauma-informed program development staff education and operational effectiveness to enhance client outcomes.

• Assist in the development and implementation of trauma-informed policies procedures.

• Provide input on program design to enhance trauma-sensitive support for residents.

• Develop workshops training materials and resources to educate staff on trauma-informed care.

• Completes data management tasks (including collection entry and required reporting and other related administrative documentations and tasks) in accordance with the program standards and timelines.

• Participate in team meetings and case conferences to discuss client progress and interventions.

Written & Verbal Communication

• Maintain clear professional and compassionate communication with clients staff and external partners.

• Maintain accurate confidential case notes and documentation in compliance with organizational policies and ethical standards.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate case notes progress reports and treatment plans in compliance with confidentiality guidelines.

• Prepare reports on client progress and program effectiveness for internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure documentation aligns with grant requirements and organizational policies.

• Ensure compliance with government reporting requirements including submission of residents progress outcomes and reports as required by the government for funding accountability.

• Provide support with grant reporting.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a full time fixed term position at 40 hours per week until March 31 2027.

• Weekly Schedule is Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 6:30 pm

• Works in a Womens Transitional Housing.

• May deal with people with challenging behaviour.

• May work under pressure due to the nature of a crisis environment.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a university program consisting of four academic years in Social Work Psychology Counseling or a related field

• Masters degree in Social Work Psychology Counseling or a related field or working towards completion is a strong asset.

• Registered or eligible for registration with a recognized professional body (e.g. ACSW CAP CCPA).

• Current Standard First Aid certification with Level A or C CPR from an Alberta approved training provider.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of related experience working with trauma survivors preferably survivors of human trafficking or gender-based violence.

• Experience facilitating group therapy and psychoeducational workshops.

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care harm reduction and mental health interventions.

• Computer proficiency includes Microsoft Office and experience working with client database.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability and willingness to respect promote and support the mission vision and values of TSA and develop an understanding of the purpose of the Salvation Army in Canada and its implication as related to position responsibilities.

• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.

• Ability to provide Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search.

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population.

• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.

• Knowledgeable about best case practices in intimate partner violence human trafficking and sexual assault.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrates cultural competency in working with a diverse population.

• Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback.

• Ability to network with other community partners building strong relationships.

• Attention to detail problem solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to prepare and present education material.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions internal equity and candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.