• Applies knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse and homelessness to develop and implement effective support strategies
• Provides daily support services to residents (e.g. tokens, providing personal hygiene items and toiletries, first aid, long-distance calls and assists with completion of forms and statements);
• Exercises precautions to ensure the safety of residents and completes risk assessments and safety plans;
• Uses mediation and counselling skills to maintain a co-operative, supportive and productive shelter environment;
• Provides information and referrals and advocates for clients facing issues of homelessness and trauma;
• Negotiates supportive and flexible strategies to assist residents with mental health issues to access the support within the shelter and in the community;
• Negotiates treatment plans with residents that focus on harm reduction;
• Assists clients in applying for priority, RGI, rent supplement, supportive housing, group homes and any other relevant housing programs and advocates on their behalf;
• Develops, implements and evaluates workshops and groups that address clients’ mental health issues and experience of trauma using interactive techniques (i.e. expressive art techniques) and collaborates with other YWCA programs;
• Maintains, records, compiles program statistics and prepares reports and correspondence.

• In-depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through completion of a supervised undergraduate degree (e.g. BSW); (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
• An analytical framework that identifies clients' relation to social systems and the demonstrated practical application of this framework;
• Completion of workshops and courses pertaining to mental illness, trauma, harm reduction, crisis de-escalation and anti-oppressive practice;
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in counselling and group work focused on clients at risk and/or homeless women;
• Completion of Toronto Hostel’s Training Certificate (T.H.T.C.) or equivalent;
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles and practice;
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and supports focused on mental health and group support;
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of woman abuse and trauma within an anti-oppression framework;
• Demonstrated experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of workshops and groups;
• Experience delivering culturally sensitive services in a multicultural environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health, substance use/addictions, advocacy, refugee and immigration issues and homelessness;
• Life Skills Certificate an asset;
• A certificate in trauma counselling would be an asset;
• Knowledge of a second language and/or culture would be an asset.

YWCA Toronto is dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people. We help women and girls flee violence, secure housing, find jobs, establish their voices, enhance skills and develop confidence. We offer a range of housing options, employment and training programs, community support programs, girls' programs and family programs; we also engage in systemic advocacy. As part of a national and international movement, the YWCA is a turning point in the lives of 25 million women and girls world wide. We welcome women of all faiths, sexual orientations, races, cultural affiliations and creeds. YWCA Toronto is funded by the United Way Toronto & York Region, the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, as well as many corporate sponsors, foundations and individual donors.