The Trauma Specialist provides counseling and support to clients experiencing trauma, focusing on crisis management and mental health recovery. They develop trauma-related treatment plans and facilitate psychoeducational group programming to help clients achieve independence.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field with over 3 years of experience in trauma treatment and 1 year supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Candidates should possess strong assessment skills and certifications in First Aid, CPR, ASIST, and CPI.
Trauma Specialist is responsible for supporting and counselling SHIP clients experiencing trauma regarding its cause, symptoms, and treatment.
They will be a resource and advocate in their comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction challenges. They will be considered an expert on its treatment while collaborating with colleagues to determine appropriate plans of care.
Their main goal is to ensure that program participants receive the best support possible to enable them to access and achieve independence in their own home, transitional housing program and daily activities
Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, develop, implement and evaluate trauma related treatment plans
Provide counseling to those with complex challenges
Collaborate with colleagues by providing expertise, guidance, and consultation
Facilitate and deliver programming to residents in a group setting (psychoeducational programming, life skill based programming, leisure based activities, etc).
Offer motivational interviewing using the stages of change and a harm reduction philosophy
Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out recovery and support
Create and facilitate trauma and attachment groups
Partner with clients and their families as members of the health care team
Use standardized assessment tools within a community setting
Develop and maintain a community resource network
Refer to partnering organizations and provide linkages to community supports
Provide comprehensive, holistic, person-centered access to services
Benefits
Competitive Salaries
Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
Paid Vacation Days
Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out mental health recovery and support
Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
Ensure appropriate records are kept and ensure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
Adhere to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management
You may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. You will receive training within the first eight weeks of employment.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
3+ years’ providing treatment and support to individuals experiencing trauma
1+ years’ experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or equivalent
Member of Ontario Association of Social Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapist, or equivalent is an asset
Experience with GAIN-SS, ADAT, or full SPDAT is considered an asset
Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, and/or dual diagnosis, and experience with intake services
Knowledge and best evidence based practice for trauma related mental health services
Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention
Expertise in collaboration with healthcare services
Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
Training in ASIST and CPI
Reporting Function
They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization. They will have no supervisory responsibilities.
They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Organization.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Able to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time
Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
Vehicle travel to sites for community engagement and open doors as required.
Ship Values
Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional
About Us
Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.
Accessibility
“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do.
Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process.
We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments.
Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.
Why Work For Us?
Work-Life Balance
SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization
Our Mission To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness
Our Culture Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.
Our Commitment People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:
Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
Comprehensive Health Plans
Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
10 Paid Vacation Days
3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
Generous Parental and Family Leave
Learning and Development Opportunities
Travel Allowances
Employee Assistance Program
Company Culture to be Proud of
Possibility to Create a Real Impact
35+
Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families
5,000+
Clients and Residents served annually
20+
Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario
500+
Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees
Sat- Sun 7: 00am- 3:30 pm Union | 15 hours per week
Market context
Behavioral health roles remain in steady demand
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.
