Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre·Kanata, Ontario
Provide crisis intervention and support for women escaping abuse, helping them establish support networks and secure stable housing. Act as an advocate and consultant within the community to promote health equity and inclusion regarding violence against women.
The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, safety, and inclusion across far west Ottawa. Since 1986, WOCRC has supported individuals and families through a wide range of community, social, and health services designed to strengthen and empower the communities we serve. Our programs support children, youth, families, newcomers, seniors, and individuals experiencing crisis or social isolation through counselling, housing and gender-based violence services, community development initiatives, health promotion, and family support programming. At WOCRC, we are committed to fostering healthy, inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.
Under the supervision of the VAW Manager and participating as part of the Violence Against Women team, the Bilingual Transitional Housing Support Worker is responsible for supporting women who are trying to establish lives separate from their abusers. The THSW will assist women by helping them establish a network of supports, and to find and maintain housing. This position is part‑time at 28 hours per week (4 days a week). Please note that the salary posted reflects the full‑time annual rate for this role. The actual compensation for this position will be pro‑rated based on part‑time hours. Employees in this role are eligible for benefits and pension participation following the standard waiting periods set by the employer and the insurance provider. How You’ll Make an Impact: Direct Service Provide crisis intervention, through telephone and personal contact with abused women; At times this will require meeting women in an office setting, in the community, or in their homes (when deemed safe); Accompany women to community appointments, as needed (at times, this may involve transporting women to appointments, if safe); Provide systems navigation including information, resources, and referral (ie: counselling, financial support, employment, legal aid, interpretation, etc…); Facilitate and empower women to develop action plans and to implement these plans; Provide support in the areas of finding and maintaining housing; (e.g. collecting and filing out all appropriate forms required by Housing Registry) and assist in avoiding eviction through contact with housing providers, support letters, and status applications; Assist women to develop safety plans for themselves and their children; Ensure that service is accessible to all women, by accessing communication and interpretive services as requested; Advocacy Advocate for the needs of clients; Promote and build links within the diverse local community to ensure that Health Equity and Inclusion perspectives are incorporated into differential frontline responses; Advocate with third parties in specific cases (e.g., landlords, interactions with Children’s Aid Society, court appearances, enrolling children in school, etc…); Community Education Act as a consultant to colleagues, agencies and the community regarding violence against women; Respond to community requests for information; Present to community groups regarding the issue of violence against women; Coordination of Policy and Service Ensure consistent and accountable implementation of the WOCRC vision, mission, values, guiding beliefs, policies and procedures in the day-to-day operation of programs and services; Establish and maintain links with community groups and agencies through positive working relationships; Participating as a Violence Against Women team member at internal and external meetings; Share in responsibilities that foster positive teamwork; Adopt and promote a participatory style of planning and problem solving. Evaluation Maintain accurate, up-to-date client data, documentation and statistics; Participate in WOCRC evaluation processes; Participate in the development and implementation of client and/or program evaluation as required.
All WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations.
These include: Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected. Working in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training; Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered; Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC (Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct); Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures; Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies, procedures and regulations; Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk in keeping with Privacy and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures. Supporting the Centre’s student and volunteer placement programs. Working during both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by the Centre.
Perform other related duties as assigned
Education and
Experience: Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in education and training; Minimum of two (2) years experience direct work in the VAW sector; Demonstrated crisis intervention skills; Knowledge and understanding of the purpose, scope, and process to access and retain social housing; Knowledge of Violence Against Women issues and counselling principles; Knowledge of legal, financial, housing, and employment resources in the community; Strong organizational and communication skills; Knowledge and understanding of the current VAW services and service providers; Demonstrated skills in facilitating information and education sessions; Demonstrated commitment to community based social service delivery and working within a Health Equity & Inclusion lens Competencies Strong critical analysis, problem solving, planning and decision-making skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team environment Language Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written is required Ability to communicate fluently in French, spoken and written is required (Advanced proficency) Computer Competencies Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products Familiarity with Data Management Systems Other Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required Active cell phone required Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. WOCRC welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers, and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact Human Resources via email at peopleservices@wocrc.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for interview will be contacted. This posting is for a new position; there is no existing vacancy.
Requires a Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent with at least two years of direct experience in the Violence Against Women sector. Must be fluent in both English and French and possess a valid driver's license with access to a vehicle.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.