Job Title: Women’s and Family Support Advocate
Location: Harmony House
Language Requirements: English, French is an asset
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours a week, usually Monday to Friday, but some weekend hours may be required from time to time
Hourly Wage: $30.40

This is a one-year contract from August 7, 2023 to August 9, 2024

Job Summary
As part of a team of frontline staff, the Women’s and Family Support Advocate plays a pivotal role in the lives of the women-identified individuals and their dependents fleeing abuse.  Using a client-centered approach, and Anti-Racism / Anti-Oppression (AR/AO) lens, this position is the main intake worker for residents of Harmony House.  The Women’s and Family Support Advocate also responds to inquiries, helps clients resolve issues, and provides other necessary supports while respecting each woman’s self-determination and personal decision making.

Job Purpose 
The purpose of this position is to work as part of a team to ensure that residents of Harmony House are assisted by providing daily support, information, practical assistance, intakes, and referrals.  The Women’s and Family Support Advocate also participates in facilitating skill development and providing advocacy with the various systems women may encounter in re-establishing their abuse-free lives. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

The main duties and responsibilities of this position includes, but are not limited to:

• applying knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies 
• completing intakes, assessments, risk assessments/safety plans, and goal planning
• in collaboration with the Executive Director and staff team, recommends, develops, and delivers creative programming based on client feedback and identified needs
• keeping accurate case files, and recording information on the database
• working with women individually and/or in groups to establish a plan that will facilitate a safe and effective path to independence 
• participating in facilitating monthly house meetings as required
• engaging with the staff team to ensure the development and implementation of quality services
• participating in case management meetings, and acts as an advocate on behalf of residents 
• providing daily support services to residents 
• accompanying women to appointments as necessary, which may include the legal and judicial systems, housing, and other service supports
• exercising the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all residents 
• using mediation, facilitation and negotiation skills to maintain a co-operative, supportive and productive house environment 
• providing information and referrals, and responding appropriately to needs presented by residents, former residents, and other clients 
• liaising with professionals and agencies in the community to facilitate access to services by clients 
• communicating any issues relating to building to the Safety and Environment Coordinator 
• providing crisis intervention, informal counselling, safety planning, and referrals to shelter residents and callers 
• providing information and referrals to detox centers, treatment programs, supportive recovery programs, and other relevant mental health /addictions services 
• negotiating treatment plans with clients that focus on harm reduction as needed
• collaborating with community partners to ensure holistic and efficient service delivery to clients
• maintaining, records and compiling program statistic and other reports as needed such as for the Annual Report, and donor impact information packages as requested by the Manager of Fundraising 
• ensuring updates to client information is recorded, i.e. crisis calls, incidents reports, security issues, and Serious Occurrences Reports (SORs)
• participating in ongoing program evaluation, including conducting client surveys
• ensuring that residents are aware of, and understand their rights and responsibilities, house practices and procedures 
• ensuring programming expenditure stay within budget allocation 
• supervising students and volunteers as required 
• assisting with food bank, moves-in, and moves-out as needed
• any other duties as required that facilitate effective service delivery 

Minimum Education, General Skills and Experience: 

• Successful candidates will hold at minimum a diploma in Social Service Work. A diploma in Assaulted Women and Children Counsellor/Advocate, or degree in Social Work, is preferred
• Minimum two (2) years of work experience in fields of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health, concurrent disorders, counselling and other social services supporting vulnerable women
• An understanding of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health disorders, addiction, poverty and homelessness, refugee and immigration issues, child development and parenting, and emerging trends and issues
• Ability to provide person-centered, trauma-informed and AR/AO services and supports to women and children with diverse experiences and identities
• Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations, and within the context of a team structure
• Confident decision maker and enthusiastic team player
• Committed to upholding the organization’s mission, values and standards
• Working knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, knowledge of community resources and supports, working knowledge of the Landlord and Tenant Act 
• Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritize workload
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft software application, and the Internet 
• Valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed (Criminal Reference Check to be updated every 3 years after employment) 
• Current First Aid and CPR training 
• Certificate in trauma counselling, definite asset 

Working Conditions

• Physically able to climb stairs as shelter is on three levels without an elevator
• Must be able to lift boxes of food for the food bank as required
• May be required to lift furniture from time to time to assist with move-ins and move-outs
• Must be able to share in evening duties with other team members
• Must adhere to all policies and procedures of Harmony House

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Director@HarmonyHouseWS.com.  No phone calls please. This job posting will stay open until the position is filled.

At Harmony House we value diversity in the workplace and believe our work is stronger when it benefits from the experience and knowledge of a diverse team. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized and LGBTQ2+ communities, women with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this employment opportunity. However only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Job Title: Safety & Environment Coordinator
Location: Harmony House
Language Requirements: English, French is an asset
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours a week, usually Monday to Friday, but some weekend hours may be required from time to time
Hourly Wage: $25.56 an hour

This is a one-year contract from September 5, 2023 to August 30, 2024

Job Summary
As part of a team of dedicated staff, the Safety & Environment Coordinator plays a pivotal role in the lives of the women-identified individuals and their dependents fleeing abuse by ensuring a safe and welcoming living environment.  This position also participates in service planning and making suggestions to help improve service delivery.

Job Purpose 
The purpose of this position is to create and maintain safety standards for the individual shelter units, external grounds, and indoor space; and collect and track rent payments.  This position is also responsible for coordinating needed building services, such as yard care and snow removal.  In addition, the Safety & Environment Coordinator may be called upon to assist families move in and out of the shelter.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The main duties and responsibilities of this position includes, but are not limited to:

• Conducting ongoing maintenance inspections of units 
• Developing and tracking maintenance logs and coordinating services to resolve problems and undertake repairs
• Scheduling annual, semi-annual or monthly services to prevent issues or meet required standards
• Organizeing and distributing “Welcome Kits” to new residents
• Providing information to residents regarding kitchen appliances, household fundamentals, garbage/recycling distribution and fire safety procedures
• Overseeing contracted cleaning and maintenance workers, and other contracted services related to the building and facilities
• Monitoring and organizing household donated items and distribute as necessary
• Receiving and recording rent payments
• Assisting with budget management for maintenance supplies and other facility related expenses
• Ensuring a timely turnover of units by inspecting units as soon as they are vacated, and ensuring needed repairs are done before new tenants move in  
• Ensuring all furniture and fixtures in the units are in top condition before welcoming new tenants 
• Assisting with and/or deals with crisis situations as necessary
• Responding to emergency situations in accordance with established procedures and guidelines
• Contributing to general cleanliness of the facility, including ensuring all food waste garbage is removed from the office and common spaces daily
• Assisting with food bank as needed
• Other duties as required that facilitate effective service delivery 

Desired Education, General Skills and Experience: 

• Completion of a post-secondary Diploma in Administration and Facility Management or equivalent education and experience
• Knowledge and understanding of property management and upkeep
• 2 years facility management experience
• Knowledge of general household maintenance procedures Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations, and within the context of a team structure
• Cross-cultural awareness
• Confident decision maker and enthusiastic team player
• Committed to upholding the organization’s mission, values and standards
• Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritize workload
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft software application, and the Internet 
• Valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed 
• Current First Aid and CPR training 

Working Conditions

• Must be physically able to carry out work, as much of the work requires lifting, moving boxes, and going up and down stairs
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Must adhere to all policies and procedures of Harmony House 

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Director@HarmonyHouseWS.com.  No phone calls please. This job posting will stay open until the position is filled.

At Harmony House we value diversity in the workplace and believe our work is stronger when it benefits from the experience and knowledge of a diverse team. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized and LGBTQ2+ communities, women with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this employment opportunity. However only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.