Tropicana Community Services·Toronto, Ontario
Provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive counseling and housing support to women and children experiencing gender-based violence. Develop personalized safety and transition plans while facilitating workshops and building community partnerships for long-term stability.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices.
Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.
ABOUT THE POSITION The Social Worker, Transitional Housing support will provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support to women and children experiencing gender-based violence.
This position will work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized safety and transition plans, connect them to essential community resources, provide individual and group counselling, and advocate on their behalf throughout their journey.
This position also involves facilitating workshops (including START programs), coordinating community outreach initiatives, building partnerships with service providers, and helping create meaningful pathways toward safety, healing, and long-term stability for the women and families we serve.
Assess the needs of women, review the various options for services in the community and assist in the development of a transitional plan Assist in safety planning for women and children Assist women in using services such as, but not limited to, supportive housing (including rent supplements), counselling, parental support, education upgrading, job training, income support resources, legal aid, safety planning for children, health, and wellness programs Accompany clients to court and to utilize other services where possible. Initiate and/or participate in case conferences Accept referrals from agencies delivering violence against women counselling programs, family counselling programs, shelters, other professionals or service providers, and women in the community who self-refer Provide culturally appropriate counselling services to women and children, assisting them to cope and work through situations involving issues such as self- image, grief, abuse, settlement, relationship breakdown, behavior management, anger control, life skills, and stress management Maintain contact with women for several months after they have received services. Consult with relevant staff at Tropicana on an on-going basis as to the transition support services being provided to the clients Share service experiences and ideas on a regular basis with colleagues of the Transitional Support Worker network
Develop and facilitate groups as determined by demonstrated need evidenced by caseload (e.g. self-image, grief, healthy living, etc.) Develop and facilitate Aggression Replacement Training (START) program for women Assist with special projects, event coordination, and other administrative duties assigned by management Monitor workshop facilitation and service outcomes by evaluating, collecting data, and participation feedback
Develop positive links and partnerships with organizations through committee membership to enhance service delivery and ensure that members of the Black, African, and Caribbean community are receiving fair and equitable treatment Conduct community visits to promote services to agencies including, but not limited to, social services, education, immigration, medical and legal systems
Other Duties Provide culturally responsive counselling and anti-oppressive, trauma-informed counselling and education to women experiencing gender-based violence to help them develop actionable plans that facilitate their well-being and achievement of goals for themselves and their dependents including safety planning, information sharing, advocacy, system navigation, and accompaniment Assess needs for eligibility into the Success through Aggression Replacement Training (START) program and, where necessary
AND SKILLS Education in Social Work and related work experience in counselling individuals and families from the Black, African, and Caribbean community Current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Valid police clearance with vulnerable sector check Experience in the field of violence against women and children prevention especially as it pertains to the Black, African, and Caribbean communities Experience facilitation START programs Knowledge of community resources not limited to social services, education, employment, housing, health, criminal justice, and immigration Ability to work well in a team setting and with minimal supervision Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, creativity, versatility, adaptability, and ability to engage people of all ages
Requires education in Social Work and registration in good standing with the OCSWSSW, along with a valid vulnerable sector police check. Candidates must have experience working with Black, African, and Caribbean communities and experience facilitating START programs.
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.
