Hours & Compensation

Hours: Overnight, Weekend, and Evenings. Scheduled based on program needs. Specific shifts will be discussed and confirmed at the time of hiring. | Pay Rate: $24.61 per hour + 2% in lieu of benefits + $1.55 overnight premium |
This is a unionized position and is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Agreement with Unifor Local302.
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In this Role, you will contribute to the Community by ...

establishing supportive and empowering relationships with and among tenants within a harm reduction environment wherein tenants can maintain their permanent housing through creating community within the building.

General Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides assistance to tenants and families in supportive housing and to support their transition and independent living. Such assistance will include but is not limited to problem solving as outlined in the specific tenant action plan and providing access to services.
• Establishes positive relationships with tenants by engaging in discussions. Encourages tenants to participate in actions/behaviours that support their independent living and promotes well-being in both life skill and recreational development.
• Provides immediate support to tenants in conflict by using the conflict resolution program to ensure continued safety and security of the tenants involved in the conflict, other tenants, the staff and the building itself.
• Responsible for housing stability and life skills supports (demonstrate or model to tenants; unit maintenance, grocery shopping, cooking, budgeting and engaging in activities etc.)
• Assists, Program Coordinators with case management as directed and needed.
• Responds to request for support and crisis intervention. Utilizing community resources for tenants in crisis. Alerts emergency services as needed in times of emergency and crisis. Alerts supervisor to potential or actual crisis or suicide intervention.
• Reports incidents of abuse and/or neglect as required by law.
• Participates in the creation of a stable, safe and secure environment for the tenants within the building by responding to alarms, as well as performing security checks as required.
• Monitors access to the building through the security system as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining safe and healthy work conditions, including identifying, reporting and/or addressing physical, biological and ergonomic hazards found in the workplace including the exterior of the building.

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Please apply if you have ...

• Knowledgeable in harm reduction philosophy and techniques.
• Knowledge in harm reduction philosophy and techniques.
• Knowledge about common acting out behaviour of socially disadvantaged individuals,

and those using substances and/or experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues.

• Skills in Conflict Resolution.
• Comfort working with individuals who are living with mental health and/or substance use difficulties.
• Effective communication skills geared to working with a marginalized population.
• Knowledge of the impact of trauma and abuse on both males and females of all ages.
• Commitment to ongoing training in skills necessary for the role.
• Ability to problem solve and work independently.
• General working ability with computer software programs such as Word and Excel.

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Mandatory Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Social Work or equivalent human services education
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Check documentation
• Up-to-date Standard First Aid & CPR Level C certificate
• Food Handlers Training Certificate
• Vaccine Verification - As a condition of employment you are required to provide confirmation that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have proof of valid exemption satisfactory to the employer. You must acknowledge and agree to comply with any future vaccine policy requirements as an ongoing condition of employment at the YW Kitchener-Waterloo.

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About YWCA Canada and YWKW

The global YWCA movement traces its origins to the initiative of two women in England in 1855. Lady Mary Kinnaird and Emma Robarts established organizations to provide support for women during the industrial revolution. The two organizations merged in 1877, and the YWCA movement quickly spread to other countries, including Canada.

Though the YWCA was founded by devoted Christian women who were troubled about housing and community supports for local young women, and YWCA stands for Young Women’s Christian Association. But YW Kitchener-Waterloo has since evolved into a secular organization. In 2017, after a community consultation we refreshed our brand to become the YW, a simple representation of the unique organization that we are. Our legal name remains YWCA because it’s a part of our legacy, but we remain committed to inclusion and support regardless of race, religion, age or gender.

The YW Kitchener-Waterloo is committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and responsive to the diversity of Kitchener-Waterloo, in which all people are respected and valued. If you require accommodation throughout the hiring process, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Company

YW Kitchener-Waterloo

Location

, Kitchener Ontario

Opening Date

May 06, 2026

Requirements

Type

Description

Status

ASIST

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Recommended

FA

Standard First Aid & CPR Level-C

Required Before Job Starts

SFH

Safe Food Handling

Required Before Job Starts

UMAB

Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behaviour

Recommended