Family Violence Prevention Program Support Worker

Woolwich Community Services (WCS) has a unique full-time career opportunity in the Family Violence Prevention Program supporting survivors of violence living in Woolwich Township and immediate surrounding area. WCS offers a supportive, positive work environment that encourages impactful work supporting people where they are in their lives. Staff enjoy having input in program development and professional development opportunities, while having their work-life balance respected. WCS offers a competitive wage, paid vacation, paid sick days, and a benefit package that includes an RRSP matching plan.

Job Title:Family Violence Prevention Program Support Worker

Position Type:Full-time (35 hours per week), 1 Year Contract (with the intent of a permanent position if all parties are in agreement.)

Reports to: Director of Family Violence Prevention Program

Position Requirements:

• Vulnerable Sector police record check
• Knowledge of and experience working with resources, agencies and support systems
• Demonstrated effective group facilitation skills
• Computer literate in MS Office 2010
• Knowledge and experience providing court support for Family and Criminal Court
• Knowledge and training pertaining to family violence, trauma and recovery
• Proven skills in support, crisis intervention, safety planning and advocacy with survivors of family violence
• Extensive knowledge of the impact of gendered based and family violence
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Knowledge of Woolwich Township and rural issues an asset
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to meet deadlines, to function well under pressure, and to respond to frequently changing demands and priorities

Education Requirements:

• Several years of relevant experience
• Post-secondary education in a counselling related program

Key Responsibilities:

Individual Support

Work with survivors of violence to:

• Provide long-term emotional and general support to assist with the removal of the barriers to self-compassion
• Ensure their safety, develop safety plans, provide information on options, and advocate on their behalf
• Develop transition plans
• Provide timely services in case management, crisis intervention, intake, risk assessment and safety planning, accompaniment and referrals from a trauma informed lens
• Maintain participants’ files

Group Facilitation

• Provide a variety of validated practices to promote healing from trauma
• Develop, coordinate and facilitate support groups for survivors of violence including groups for adults, young women and others as requested

Program Development and Evaluation

• Collect relevant program statistics for ongoing evaluation and reporting, including the MCCSS Client Satisfaction Survey
• Develop and implement on-going evaluation and adapt the program’s services to ensure supports are effective, responsive and impactful
• Maintain up-to-date records and statistics as required by WCS, MCCSS, and others

Service Coordination

• Collaborate with other service providers to best meet the needs of program participants
• Keep up-to-date on available internal and external services and supports

Committees

• Participate in community committees as requested by the program Director

Public Education / Outreach

• Promote November as Family Violence Prevention Month throughout the Townships
• Build and maintain community partnerships and promote public speaking opportunities to community groups to educate about healthy relationships, and the impact of violence
• Actively promote the FVPP, and other WCS programs and services

General Responsibilities:

·Comply with the mission, vision and values ofthe WCS

·Comply with all WCS policies and procedures

·Participate fully in staff meetings and agency functions

·Participate in professional development opportunities as they become available

·Assist with WCS fundraising events and other activities as requested

·Create and update a ‘how to’ job task manual

·Train, support, schedule and celebrate program volunteers

·Obtain and keep current all certification requirements for positions

·Support staff in meeting community requests

·Other duties as assigned

This job requires intense concentration during meetings with participants. Repeated exposure to details of violence can lead to vicarious trauma. The need for debriefing, communication with management, self-care and balance is critical for incumbents in this position.

Wages are $27.70/hr, 2 weeks vacation, paid sick days, mileage paid, benefits after 3 months and RRSP matching plan after 1 year. It is a contract with the intent of a permanent position if all parties are in agreement.

Applicants will only be considered if they include a cover letter and resume that clearly demonstrates how their previous skills and experience correspond with the above requirements. Applications are due by noon on Sunday, May 7^th 2023, to Kelly Christie, Executive Director, 5 Memorial Ave, Elmira, ON N3B 2P8; fax 519-669-4210; or by email to [email protected].