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Job Title


Women\'s Advocate


Company : YWCA Hamilton


Location : Hamilton, Ontario


Created : 2025-11-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

OverviewWho We AreFounded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamiltons original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening womens and girls voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.YWork for us?At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:On-the-job training and professional development opportunitiesChildcare discountsOpportunities to get involved in our communityA competitive total rewards packageIf youre passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!Position DescriptionJob Code: 18-MRE-2025Department: Housing and Gender Based Violence Support ServicesReports to: Program SupervisorLocation: Hamilton, ONHours of Work: 37.5 hours/weekContract Start Date: TBDContract End Date: October 10, 2025Schedule: Rotation of days, overnights and afternoonsPosting Date: September 26, 2025Posting Close Date: October 3, 2025Overview of ResponsibilitiesProvides support and services to women and gender non-binary individuals in life transition residing in housing at the YWCA Hamilton Transitional Living. Supports include crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referral advocacy, goal planning, programming and group facilitation to meet the needs of women in crisis.ResponsibilitiesAssists in the operation of day to day shelter needs and working collaboratively with women to facilitate a plan to safe and effective independenceConducts intake meetings and assessments of clients/residents to identify client needs, provides information and referrals in the areas of housing, health, employment, education, social assistance matters, and counsellingMaintains appropriate record keeping and reporting in accordance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures, and department specific proceduresProvides reports and updates to Program Management when requiredCommunicates, advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts, legal services, housing) to provide resources and referrals to clients/residentsWorks with clients/residents individually and/or in groups to improve social and living skills by providing regular programming (e.g. goal setting, safety plans, planning)Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisorProvides crisis intervention and counselling supportParticipates in case conference meetings and case management developmentProvides light housekeeping (preparing room for occupancy and clean units as clients move out, laundry) and serves prepared food to residentsMaintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract informationProvides front line desk support including safety and security for Transitional Living building during evening and weekend hoursUnderstands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standardsProvides recommendations to strengthen existing policies and/or processesNurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnershipsSupports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and valuesPerform other duties as requiredWorking ConditionsFull Time hours at 37.5 hours/week; Part Time hours at 15 hours/week; rotating shifts (days, afternoons, evenings, nights) weekday and/or weekendRegularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolutionWork environment may be hostile or violent at timesTwo staff members work at Transitional Living per shiftQualificationsCompletion of 2 years college in social work or human services or equivalent1 to 3 years experience working with telephone and in person crisis managementExperience working with women with multiple barriers and concurrent disorders (mental health, addiction, violence)Experience working with newcomer womenMust provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own costMust have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own costKnowledge of harm reduction strategies and training in administering naloxone an assetMust be able to work from a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspectiveAbility to work rotating shifts (days, afternoons, evenings) on weekdays and/or weekendsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsBilingual English/French or other languages an assetFood Handlers certification an assetKnowledge of social housing and in community resourcesAs part of YWCA Hamiltons commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Mtis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr