YWCA Toronto
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Salary
CA$32,921 - CA$32,921 / YEAR
Provide participant-centered support, including crisis intervention and safety planning, for women and gender-diverse people experiencing homelessness. Assist with meal services, document program activities, and facilitate clinical and recreational programming across multiple shelter sites.
Requires a college diploma in Social Service Work or Community Service Work and 1-3 years of experience in direct service settings. Candidates must have knowledge of gender-based violence, Toronto Shelter Standards, and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
JOIN OUR TEAM Join YWCA Toronto, where intersectional feminism, community voices, and social justice drive lasting change. We welcome women and gender diverse people of all identities into a workplace rooted in equity, collaboration, and inclusion.
The Shelter Support Worker - Community Care provides supportive, participant-centred services across YWCA Toronto’s four shelter programs and will be required to work at any shelter location based on operational needs. The incumbent supports women and gender-diverse people, and their dependents experiencing varying forms of homelessness as well as intersecting social and systemic barriers by promoting dignity, safety, autonomy, and well-being. This role is designed to collaborate with interdisciplinary staff teams in each program to support high-quality, integrated services. The Shelter Support Worker – Community Care plays a key role in ensuring the continuity and enhancement of services across all shelter sites located in the Toronto area
ABOUT YWCA TORONTO – YWCA ARISE Arise Shelter is a 27-bed emergency shelter for women and gender-diverse people, with or without dependents, who are fleeing intimate partner violence. The program includes a Transitional Housing and Support Program that provides continued, community-based support for up to two years after residents leave shelter. Our shelters operate 24/7 and are grounded in feminist principles, trauma-informed and strengths-based care, harm reduction, anti-oppressive practice, transparency, and a spirit of inclusion. In addition to shelter accommodation, all programs provide nutritious and culturally diverse food, access to health care, crisis intervention, supportive counselling, individualized service planning, clinical and recreational programming, as well as opportunities to engage in advocacy.
General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of a college diploma (example: Social Service Work, Community Service Work) Cases for equivalency will be accepted. 1-3 years experience working in a diverse, direct service setting for participants that range from youth to seniors who have experienced impacts of poverty, violence/trauma, mental health/substance use or concurrent disorders and other sources of marginalization or oppression Demonstrated experience in cultivating leadership within groups and developing dynamic and innovative programming Supportive counseling and group-work approach that is flexible, client-centred and strengths-based In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based violence and trauma within an anti-oppression framework Working knowledge of the Toronto Shelter Standards, Residential Tenancies Act, Mental Health Act and Ontario Human Rights Code Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services Very good knowledge and understanding of community resources Fluent in MS Office, internet, and client management software Excellent oral and written communication Knowledge of a second language or culture an asset Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle with 2-million-dollar liability is an asset This position requires travel within the Toronto area on a frequent basis utilizing the most economical mode of transportation.
Required to travel between 4 shelter programs if needed during shift; Shifts can be scheduled at any site during rotation
Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit Multi-Sector Pension Plan: Employer’s contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25% Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days, 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Health Promotional Days and 4 Float Days Other Benefits: Child Care Benefits, Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits, Educational/Sabbatical Leave, and Financial Assistance for Professional Development
A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring. YWCA Toronto is a unionized workplace. Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. This position is within the Bargaining Unit. Please indicate on your cover letter if you are an internal candidate. For internal applicants, this position is not secondable.
Posting date: June 4, 2026
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