Title: Community Support Worker- Drop In

Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week

Location: 962 Bloor St West and in the community

Supervisor: Program Supervisors

Sistering is a multi-service agency which offers practical and emotional support to women and trans people facing a variety of challenging life circumstances, including poverty, homelessness, social isolation, mental health and trauma histories.

Our Vision

Sistering envisions a world where all women and trans people, in all our diversity, are valued; a world where we are safe and supported, treated with dignity, and given the respect we deserve. When opportunities are just and equitable, we can live life on our own terms.

Our Mission

Our goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for women and trans people who are socially isolated, poor, homeless or precariously housed. Guided by principles of Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism, Sistering works to change the social conditions that endanger women and trans people’s welfare.

What We Do

Sistering’s programs include a low-barrier 24/7 Drop In, Housing and Case Support, Harm Reduction, Peer Outreach, On the Path to Employment and Spun Studio social enterprise, and individual and systemic advocacy.

How We Do It

Sistering operates on a trauma-informed and relationship-based model and our harm reduction philosophy is a core element of all the work we do: we are here to respond to participants’ needs, where they are at, in the moment, to support participants to learn how to reduce harm and/or increase safety. In addition, we recognize that their lives have meaning and value.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Support Worker – Drop-In (CSW) plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day functions of Sistering’s 24/7 Drop-In. Working collaboratively as part of a team, the CSW provides practical support, case support, and advocacy to participants from a client-centered, harm reduction, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive perspective.

The ideal candidate is committed to advocacy and social justice, with a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by women and trans people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program:

• Work collaboratively within a team to ensure the smooth daily operations of the 24/7 Drop-In
• Deliver programming and supports within a low-barrier, harm reduction, trauma-informed framework
• Provide practical support such as meal preparation, service, donation distribution, and facilitating access to showers and laundry
• Offer individual support through case support, informal counseling, and trauma-informed interventions
• Participate in harm reduction programming, including the distribution of safer drug use kits and related education
• Support participants experiencing withdrawal from alcohol and other substances
• Provide information, referrals, and resources related to housing, mental health, addictions, health, income support, and sex work
• Collaborate with team members to develop and deliver responsive programming based on participant needs
• Facilitate small and large group activities
• Identify, intervene, and manage emergency, crisis, or conflict situations effectively
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized Drop-In environment
• Supervise and support placement students, volunteers, participant cleaners, and kitchen assistants
• Assist with early morning deliveries and unloading food orders and supplies, as needed

Administration:

• Ensure clear communication across all three Drop-In shifts and within the organization
• Assist with program evaluations, data collection, and outcome reporting
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and statistics on a daily and monthly basis
• Participate in staff meetings, daily log meetings, and agency committees
• Support with purchasing and maintaining program supplies when needed
• Engage in regular supervision sessions with the Program Supervisors

Advocacy and Community Building:

• Advocate for participants internally and with external service providers
• Work collaboratively with participants to identify opportunities for social change and systemic advocacy
• Engage in advocacy to address homelessness, poverty, sex worker rights, and consumer-survivor issues

Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Community Services, Human Services, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant lived experience
• Strong knowledge of community-based resources, including housing, shelters, legal aid, health services, settlement services, and income supports
• Experience working with participants with complex intersecting needs, including homelessness, trauma, addictions, and mental health concerns
• Previous experience in a low-barrier drop-in or similar environment
• Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and group facilitation
• Commitment to harm reduction principles and strong understanding of substance use
• Understanding of peer-led models and a desire to work alongside peer workers
• Proven ability to provide case support and advocacy from a feminist and anti-oppressive lens
• Knowledge of systemic causes of homelessness, poverty, and marginalization
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships with participants, team members, and community partners
• Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and team-building abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Pirouette, SMIS, or similar databases is an asset

Additional Requirements

• Valid First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• A second language is an asset

COMPENSATION:

• Competitive Hourly Wage
• Unionized Role
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including:
• Group health and dental benefits
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time-off policies (vacation days, sick time, and personal days)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position involves both office and community-based work. While most hours will align with regular schedule, flexibility is needed for occasional evening, early morning, and weekend meetings. Sistering operates 24/7 in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, which may include exposure to unpredictable behaviors and situations. Sistering is a pet friendly facility and as such, employees can expect to be in the proximity of animals.

Sistering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we welcome and encourage applications from black, racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Those who require special accommodation through the interview process will be provided with the appropriate support.

This role is an open vacancy, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Applicants will be informed of the outcome following an interview as per Ontario employment regulations.