Women's Advocate- YWCA Hamilton

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

Position Description
Provides support and services to women and gender non-binary individuals in life transition residing in housing at the YWCA Hamilton Transitional Living. Supports include crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referral advocacy, goal planning, programming and group facilitation to meet the needs of women in crisis.

• Assists in the operation of day to day shelter needs and working collaboratively with women to facilitate a plan to safe and effective independence;
• Conducts intake meetings and assessments of clients/residents to identify client needs, provides information and referrals in the areas of housing, health, employment, education, social assistance matters, and counselling;
• Maintains appropriate record keeping and reporting in accordance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures, and department specific procedures;
• Provides reports and updates to Program Management when required;
• Communicates, advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts, legal services, housing) to provide resources and referrals to clients/residents;
• Works with clients/residents individually and/or in groups to improve social and living skills by providing regular programming (e.g. goal setting, safety plans, planning);
• Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor;
• Provides crisis intervention and counselling support;
• Participates in case conference meetings and case management development;
• Provides light housekeeping (preparing room for occupancy and clean units as clients move out, laundry) and serves prepared food to residents;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
• Provides front line desk support including safety and security for Transitional Living building during evening and weekend hours;
• Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Provides recommendations to strengthen existing policies and/or processes;
• Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Perform other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a 15 hour work week; rotating shifts (days, afternoons, evenings, nights) – weekday and/or weekend;
• Regularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolution
• Work environment may be hostile or violent at times;
• Two staff members work at Transitional Living per shift.