Careers

Position:                              Casual Relief Shelter Counsellor

Accountability:                    Shelter Manager/Shelter Services Director

Hours of Work:                   As needed, must be available to work ALL shifts, which include Days, Afternoons and Overnights, weekdays and weekends

Rate of Pay:                         Start rate: $24.36 Job rate: $25.12   

Location:                              Y’s WISH Shelter – Oshawa (undisclosed)

Start Date:                            Immediately

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The incumbent develops, coordinates and facilitates professional casework, advocacy and referral services for abused women and children in a confidential, safe, supportive manner.

1. Provide counselling, referral, advocacy and support to abused women and their children.
2. Conduct assessments and provide crisis intervention as required.
3. Maintain appropriate and accurate file documentation and statistical data with respect for confidentiality of client files, subject to legal and policy parameters.
4. Facilitate house meetings and support/education groups for clients.
5. Promote public awareness and foster understanding of the organization and its purpose and philosophy, as well as issues surrounding abused women and their children.
6. Assist/support co-workers within the Shelter staff team.
7. Assist with on-the-job training of new staff, placement students and volunteers.
8. Attend all staff meetings and training sessions as assigned and participate in Shelter committees as appropriate/requested.
9. Perform any other duties that may be assigned for the efficient and effective operation of the Shelter.
10. Perform all duties in keeping with the philosophical framework set out in the Mission Statement, values and objectives of the YWCA of Durham.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess a Diploma or Degree in social services, counselling, health services or a related field.
2. 3 years direct experience counselling abused and at risk women and children in an abused woman’s shelter setting.
3. Previous experience in domestic violence intervention techniques.
4. Sound knowledge of casework, counselling and advocacy principles and application.
5. Knowledge of a range of women’s issues and sensitivity to the diverse needs of women and children exhibited in a supportive and non-judgmental manner.
6. Sound knowledge of community agencies and resources.
7. Ability to write clear and concise reports.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of the Shelter staff team.
9. Understand and respect the confidentiality of the YWCA, partner agencies, and program participants.
10. Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential.
11. Demonstrated assertiveness, poise, tact and patience to deal productively with complex and sensitive issues.
12. Current C.P.R. and First Aid training is an asset.
13. Second language is an asset
14. Candidate must be available to work ALL shifts, both days, afternoons and overnights , both weekdays and weekends

Submit Letter of Interest and Resume quoting job title by September 16^th, 2025

Stephanie Fetter

Shelter Manager

Email – sf@ywcadurham.org

The YWCA of Durham seeks to be an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage applications from women of all race; colour; ethnic origin; religion; ability and sexual orientation.

Position:                            Employment and Life Skills Facilitator

Accountability:                  Executive Director

Term:                                 Contract – Approximately 7 Months

Hours of Work:                  28 hours (full time) (days and some afternoons)

Rate of Pay:                      Start rate $24.36 – Job rate $25.12

Location:                           33 McGrigor St.

Start Date:                        October 1^st, 2025

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Employment and Life Skills Facilitator will provide one-on-one employment counselling to promote Job Readiness and Employment Maintenance and develop and facilitate Life Skills programming for women in our programs including 2nd Stage, VAW Shelter, Supportive and Interim Housing as well as the broader community. They will provide general case management support, and collaborate with other YWCA staff to residents through a Trauma-Informed Approach from a Feminist lens.

1. Support at-risk women in developing job readiness skills.
2. Develop relevant Life Skills programming based on assessed needs that cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to wellness, trauma & mental health, digital and financial literacy, and employment-centric topics.
3. Facilitate Life Skills programming across multiple YWCA sites, engaging residents and building rapport.
4. Participate in Case Management meetings alongside 2nd Stage and Interim Housing to help women establish goals and identify practical steps to meet them.
5. Assist residents with daily, weekly and monthly tasks and responsibilities to help build independence and further develop necessary skills
6. Maintain documentation of caseload for both employment clients and residents, communicating and sharing with program leads.
7. Develop effective community partnerships with agencies, companies, and Schools to secure employment opportunities, job placements, volunteer opportunities and job internships for clients.
8. Maintain and report monthly statistics, and prepare written, narrative and/or statistical reports as required.
9. Manage Demographic Tracking data for multiple YWCA Programs to monitor trends, assess needed services, and help the YWCA Durham apply for grants.
10. Respond in a positive manner to all relevant inquiries from residents, potential residents, outside contacts, staff etc.
11. Liaise with community partners to promote and maintain cross-sectoral relationships.
12. Promote public awareness and foster understanding of the organization and its purpose and philosophy.
13. Attend all staff meetings and training sessions as assigned, and participate in YWCA committees as appropriate/requested.
14. Provide backup and additional support where needed to 2nd Stage and Interim Housing staff.
15. Perform any other duties that may be assigned for the efficient and effective operation of YWCA Durham.
16. Perform all duties in keeping with the philosophical framework set out in the Mission Statement, values and objectives of the YWCA Durham.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess a Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Social Services or related work experience with a special expertise in Adult Education, Life Skills, and a strong understanding of Social Services.
2. Previous experience in program development on topics such as Employment Readiness, Mental Health, and Life skills.
3. Experience in Employment Counselling (either within EO or not) and assisting others to become job ready.
4. Thorough knowledge of casework and proper documentation, informal counselling, and advocacy principles and application.
5. Thorough knowledge of community agencies and resources within Durham Region.
6. Experience working from a Trauma-Informed Approach through a Feminist lens.
7. Experience working in Gender Based Violence and knowledgeable in the unique systemic and historic challenges women experience, specifically in Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, and Human Trafficking.
8. Experience working in the homeless sector with an understanding of the challenges faced by those who experience chronic homelessness and the systems they engage in.
9. Able to collect, analyze and report statistical data as required.
10. Able to write clear and concise reports.
11. Ability to work independently and as part of the YWCA staff team.
12. Understand and respect the confidentiality of the YWCA, partner agencies, and program participants.
13. Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential.
14. Demonstrate assertiveness, poise, tact and patience to deal productively with complex and sensitive issues.
15. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
16. Current C.P.R. and First Aid training is an asset.
17. Must have a clear Criminal Reference Check
18. Second language is an asset

Submit Letter of Interest and Resume by:       September 16^th, 2025

(quote job title)        Susanne Groen

Executive Director

sg@ywcadurham.org

We invite all qualified applicants from within the Bargaining Unit to apply.

The YWCA Durham seeks to be an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage applications from women of all race; colour; ethnic origin; religion; ability and sexual orientation.

Position:                              Shelter Counsellor – Full Time

Accountability:                   Shelter Manager/Executive Director

Hours of Work:                   40 hours per week – rotational shifts (7am-5pm, 2pm-12am, 9:30pm-7:30am)

Rate of Pay:                        $24.36 – $25.12

Location:                             Y’s WISH Shelter – Oshawa (undisclosed)

Start Date:                           Immediately

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The incumbent develops, coordinates and facilitates professional casework, advocacy and referral services for abused women and children in a confidential, safe and supportive manner.

1. Provide counselling, referral, advocacy and support to abused women and their children.
2. Conduct assessments and provide crisis intervention as required.
3. Maintain appropriate and accurate file documentation and statistical data with respect for confidentiality of client files, subject to legal and policy parameters.
4. Facilitate house meetings and support/education groups for clients.
5. Promote public awareness and foster an understanding of the organization and its purpose and philosophy, as well as issues surrounding abused women and their children.
6. Assist/support co-workers within the Shelter staff team.
7. Assist with on-the-job training of new staff, placement students and volunteers.
8. Attend all staff meetings and training sessions as assigned and participate in Shelter committees as appropriate/requested. Perform any other duties that may be assigned for the efficient and effective operation of the Shelter.
9. Perform all duties in keeping with the philosophical framework set out in the Mission Statement, values and objectives of the YWCA Durham.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess a Diploma or Degree in social services, counselling, health services or a related field.
2. 5 years direct experience counselling abused and/or at risk women and children in an abused woman’s shelter setting.
3. Previous experience in domestic violence intervention techniques.
4. Sound knowledge of casework, counselling and advocacy principles and application.
5. Knowledge of a range of women’s issues and sensitivity to the diverse needs of women and children exhibited in a supportive and non-judgmental manner.
6. Sound knowledge of community agencies and resources.
7. Ability to write clear and concise reports.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of the Shelter staff team.
9. Understand and respect the confidentiality of the YWCA, partner agencies, and program participants.
10. Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential.
11. Demonstrated assertiveness, poise, tact and patience to deal productively with complex and sensitive issues.
12. Current C.P.R. and First Aid training is a requirement.
13. Second language is an asset

Submit Letter of Interest and Resume quoting job title by September 16^th, 2025

Stephanie Fetter

Shelter Manager

Email – sf@ywcadurham.org

We invite all qualified applicants from within the Bargaining Unit to apply.

 The YWCA of Durham seeks to be an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage applications from women of all race; colour; ethnic origin; religion; ability and sexual orientation.