Number of Vacancies: 1
Type of Contract: Temporary
Hours of Work: 37.5 Hours/Week
Compensation: $25.66-$26.70/Hour

Job Code: 2-JOS-2025
Contract Start Date: TBD
Contract End Date: March 31 2027
Department: Housing and Gender Based Violence Support Services
Location: Hamilton Ontario

ABOUT US

Founded in 1889 YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamiltons original social innovators and works from a feminist anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework. We are committed to providing meaningful and accessible services that create opportunities to amplify voices and co-create gender-inclusive and equitable communities.

YWORK FOR US

Grounded in our core values of intersectional feminism people-centred approaches belonging shared responsibility and strong partnerships our work is guided by the belief that lasting change can be created together. YWCA Hamilton envisions an equitable world where women (cis and trans) girls Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have the rights and resources to shape their own lives and lead their communities. Join us in taking bold action that leads to life-changing impacts in our community.

AS A YWCA HAMILTON EMPLOYEE YOU GET

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package that may include extended health benefits and paid sick time (eligibility criteria applies)

If youre passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women children gender diverse people and families every day we would love for you to join our team!

RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role you will provide individual counselling and group facilitation to women who are or have been in conflict with the law. The GBV Counsellor will provide access to trauma informed and harm reduction-based intervention for women and gender diverse individuals with a focus on support and education around the impacts of violence on their lives. Facilitation of group workshops year-round that address a broad range of topics of which YWCA has specialized knowledge including emotional wellbeing housing gender based violence and healthy relationships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works collaboratively with women and gender diverse individuals to support a diverse range of needs including legal support systems navigation housing education employment and mental health/ addictions to establish and maintain a plan to assist them with a safe and effective path to independence;

Support with release planning safety planning & risk assessment harm reduction strategies referrals to community agencies and case management;

Conducts intake meetings and assessments of clients to identify needs and establish service goals;

Applies the knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies;

Supports the training of placement students and provides feedback to Program

Supervisor for evaluation of placement students;

Works within general rules procedures and standards referring issues or problems to direct supervisor;

Maintains professional recordkeeping standards in a system for reports and statistics on client interactions;

Communicates advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts legal services housing) to provide resources and services to clients/residents;

Offers clients crisis intervention supportive counselling referrals and advocacy;

Provides programming and facilitates group workshops (e.g. safety plans healthy relationships impact of trauma on children);

Provides crisis intervention and response as required;

Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client employee and contract information;

Maintains accurate records/statistics and evaluation information related to the activities undertaken/outcomes achieved;

Implements appropriate program guidelines and procedures/templates for program to ensure consistency and excellence;

Provides program reports to Supervisor as required;

Attends industry related networking events and representing the YWCA on community committees;

Understands and incorporates emerging trends leading practices industry professional standards;

Works safely reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Hamilton Health and Safety policies and procedures

Familiar with and adheres to the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)

Workplace Safety Insurance Board Act (WSIB) Human Rights and Employment

Standards Act (ESA);

Participates in annual Health & Safety training provided by the YWCA;

Attends and participates in staff/team meetings;

Ensures compliance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures;

Supports YWCA Hamilton mission vision and values;

Performs other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Regularly on-call rotation for emergencies crisis situations and resourcing issues;

Work schedule includes days afternoons weekday and/or occasional weekends;

Often works in high conflict situations requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff;

Ability to use frequent medium to heavy physical effort: lifting up to 22.7 kg (50 lbs.) bending and stooping.

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of 2 years college in social work or human services or equivalent;

3 years experience working in violence against women services and supportive counselling;

Strong knowledge and experience in group or workshop facilitation;

Sound knowledge of the Canadian criminal justice system court processes.

Ability to navigate legal resources Probation and Parole as well as familiarity with various justice services partners

A solid understanding of factors that contribute to individuals involvement in the criminal justice system and the systemic causes of the over representation of women and gender-diverse people with mental health and addictions issues in the criminal justice system

Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and Immigration and Family Law is

an asset;

Experience in trauma-based counselling and education;

Must be able to work from a feminist anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective;

Ability to work a schedule which includes days afternoons weekday and/or occasional weekends;

Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;

Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;

Knowledge of community resources in the violence against women sector;

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and also work effectively in a team;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

Bilingual English/French or other languages is an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamiltons commitment to Access and Equity we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women First Nations Métis immigrant refugee LGBTQ2S; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process if you require accommodation please reach out to

Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered. YWCA Hamilton may use AI tools to screen assess or select applicants during the hiring process.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.