Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s 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 opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

If you’re 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 Description

Job Code: 1-JOS-2025

Department: Housing and Gender Based Violence Support Services

Reports to: Supervisor, Justice and Community Services

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours/week

Contract Start Date: TBD

Contract End Date: March 31, 2026

Posting Date: October 29, 2025

In this role, you will develop and deliver individual & group counselling to women who are at risk, have been, or in conflict with the law / currently incarcerated. The candidate will deliver services through sound knowledge of the Canadian criminal and family justice systems, and the barriers that women and gender diverse individuals face. This role will focus on providing critical support to pregnant and parenting women who are incarcerated, involved with the justice system, and/or at risk of involvement. The Project Lead will be responsible for offering individualized support to these women through a variety of services, including court assistance, navigation of the legal system, connection to relevant legal resources, and post-release transition assistance, as well as coordination with child protection organizations as applicable.

The Project Lead will have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by incarcerated pregnant/parenting women and will be committed to helping them navigate complex systems with dignity, respect, and care. You will work in collaboration with relevant sector partners, policing and justice services including Hamilton Probation and Parole, and Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre to effectively meet the needs of the population served.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Completes assessments, intakes and offer one-on-one support to pregnant and parenting women who are incarcerated or involved in the justice system;

• Provide emotional, legal, and practical guidance on various issues, including custody, family law, child welfare, visitation, and medical access;

• Assist clients in navigating the legal system, helping them understand their rights and available referral options;

• Support clients through court appearances, ensuring they have necessary documentation and understand the legal process;

• Provide information, education and support in reproductive care / perinatal mental health needs of service users within a low barrier framework;

• Assist clients in communicating effectively with their legal counsel and participating in legal proceedings related to family law, custody, child welfare, and medical needs;

• Collaborate with legal professionals, including family lawyers and child welfare authorities, to advocate for clients' rights and access to resources;

• Coordinate and deliver workshops to clients / within community on rights-based information to increase access to information on issues affecting women and families over-represented in the justice system;

• Connect clients to relevant legal and community resources, including those specializing in family law, custody, visitation rights, medical care, and child welfare services;

• Help clients access necessary services both pre- and post-incarceration, including support for children, housing, healthcare, and employment;

• Develop and maintain post-release reintegration plans for incarcerated individuals, ensuring access to critical supports such as housing, healthcare, parenting assistance, and legal services. Offer follow-up support post-release to ensure successful transitions and connection to community-based services;

• Lead program development and implementation, ensuring services are responsive to the needs of incarcerated women and justice-involved families. Maintain accurate records of client interactions and services provided;

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program and provide regular updates to management;

• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams and department leadership and staff, across Housing and Gender-Based Violence Serviced Department;

• Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to direct supervisor;

• Maintains professional recordkeeping standards in a system for reports and statistics on client interactions;

• Provides crisis intervention and response as required;

• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;

• Maintains accurate records/statistics and evaluation information related to the activities undertaken/outcomes achieved;

• Implements appropriate program guidelines and procedures/templates for program to ensure consistency and excellence;

• Provides program reports to Supervisor as required;

• Attends industry related networking events and representing the YWCA on community committees;

• Works safely, reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Hamilton Health and Safety policies and procedures;

• Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships;

• Understands and incorporates emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;

• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;

• Performs other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works 37.5 -hour work week;

• Often works in high conflict situations requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff;

• Work schedule includes days, afternoons, weekday and/or occasional weekends and evenings.

Qualifications

• Completion of 2 years’ college in social work or human services, or equivalent;

• Meet minimum eligibility of enhanced security police clearance checks as outlined by Corrections Canada / SOLGEN;

• 3 years’ experience working within scope of services for gendered violence and for at risk / marginalized families;

• Strong knowledge and experience in trauma informed case management, group or workshop planning and facilitation;

• Sound knowledge of the Canadian family and criminal justice systems, court processes;

• Ability to navigate legal resources, Probation and Parole, as well as familiarity with various justice services partners;

• A solid understanding of factors that contribute to individuals’ involvement in the criminal justice system and the systemic causes of the over representation of women and gender-diverse people with mental health and addictions issues in the criminal justice system;

• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and Immigration and Family Law is an asset;

• Experience in trauma-based counselling and education;

• Ability to work a schedule which includes days, afternoons, weekday and/or occasional evenings and weekends;

• Knowledge of community resources in the violence against women sector;

• Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;

• Must be able to lead and work from a feminist, anti-racist / anti-oppressive perspective for operations and strategic planning;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

• Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check/Criminal record Judicial Matters or willingness to obtain at own cost;

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and also work effectively in a team;

• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, 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.