Family Support Worker

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 

Title: Family Support Worker

Department: Housing

Job Classification: Full-time, Salaried, 12-month term

Location: HRM

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse individuals.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Program Overview

The Family Support Worker will work within the YWCA Halifax Housing program, which provides housing support for women led families. We provide individual case management and navigational support that helps moms, and their children develop the skills they need to build strong families in a safe, encouraging environment. The Housing program provides safe, affordable, supported housing for women led, single parent families. The goal of all of YWCA Halifax housing programs is to provide safe, secure, and supported housing to women and gender diverse people who have experienced barriers to stable housing. The Family Support Worker will work with families of both of our second stage housing programs to ensure programming excellence.

Essential Duties of the Position:

• Provide support to participants within the housing programs, which may include: Case Management, Navigation, Advocacy, Life Skills Programming, and General Support
• Provide supportive interventions, risk management, and guidance for both families
• Monitoring of safety and risk management concerns.
• To work collaboratively with internal support staff and external stakeholders, such as the Department of Community Services
• Support administrative duties, such as case files and logbooks

Other Duties:

• Advance the vision and mission of the YWCA Halifax.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Serving on internal and/or external committees that support the YWCA Halifax’s capacity to provide quality participant support and housing.
• Other duties as delegated by the Housing Manager and Team Leads.

Qualifications and Requirements:

The Family Support Worker will hold a degree in social work or related field such as, international development studies, sociology, child and youth studies, education, health promotion, or equivalent education and experience. They will have experience working in a supportive role, as well as a minimum of 6-12 months’ experience working in supportive housing. The Family Support Worker must have experience caring for infants and young children; as well as family dynamics and child development. The Family Support Worker will have an understanding of feminist theoretical perspectives and intersectionality. Also, of issues such as racism/colonialism, violence against women, sexualized human trafficking, sexual health, and poverty. They will have knowledge of, and experience with community-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction practices as well as a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development in these areas and experience working in collaborative environments on complex issues involving multiple and diverse stakeholders.

The Family Support Worker will have:

• Experience working in a supportive role and providing individual case management using a woman centered approach
• Experience in providing support in life skills development and positive parenting education
• Ability to assess risk and respond to crisis situations
• Knowledge of local resources and services, including Department of Community Services
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills: able to negotiate and enforce policies, provide support and encouragement and accurately maintain written logs
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Certification in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid, ASIST or willingness to obtain these at the start of employment
• Experience caring for infants and young children
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in an environment that is not always predictable
• Must be able to provide a Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable Sector search upon hiring
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for appointment accompaniment
• Knowledge of infant and child development and experience with program delivery are considered assets

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disability, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com

Subject Line: Family Support Worker

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: January 27^th, 2025