YWCA Toronto

• Provide individualized support during program activities, including emotional support, safety planning, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and brief counselling as needed.
• Assist with meal services by supporting meal set-up, service, and clean-up to ensure access to nutritious and culturally diverse food.
• Provide front desk coverage if required, including answering inquiries, responding to phone calls, and monitoring entry and exit.

• Accepts shift coverage requests via YWCA Toronto staffing phone and transitions between shelter sites in a timely and professional manner to ensure continuity of services and operational coverage
• Build respectful, supportive relationships with participants to promote trust, safety, and engagement.
• Assist with conflict resolution and de-escalation between participants to maintain a respectful and safe living environment.
• Model and reinforce community norms related to safety, inclusion, harm reduction, and mutual respect.
• Respond to drug poisonings, medical incidents, or injuries in accordance with organization policy and direction from emergency services and/or law enforcement
• Shares relevant information appropriately, maintains confidentiality across shelter programs, and works collaboratively with colleagues to foster a positive, dynamic, and effective team environment.

• General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of a college diploma (example: Social Service Work, Community Service Work) Cases for equivalency will be accepted.
• 1-3 years experience working in a diverse, direct service setting for participants that range from youth to seniors who have experienced impacts of poverty, violence/trauma, mental health/substance use or concurrent disorders and other sources of marginalization or oppression
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating leadership within groups and developing dynamic and innovative programming
• Supportive counseling and group-work approach that is flexible, client-centred and strengths-based
• In-depth knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based violence and trauma within an anti-oppression framework
• Working knowledge of the Toronto Shelter Standards, Residential Tenancies Act, Mental Health Act and Ontario Human Rights Code
• Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills
• Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services
• Very good knowledge and understanding of community resources
• Fluent in MS Office, internet, and client management software
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Knowledge of a second language or culture an asset
• Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle with 2-million-dollar liability is an asset
• This position requires travel within the Toronto area on a frequent basis utilizing the most economical mode of transportation.

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit
• Multi-Sector Pension Plan: Employer’s contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25%
• Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days, 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Health Promotional Days and 4 Float Days
• Other Benefits: Child Care Benefits, Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits, Educational/Sabbatical Leave, and Financial Assistance for Professional Development

YWCA Toronto transforms lives. As the city’s largest multi-service women’s organization, we help women and gender diverse people escape violence, move out of poverty and access safe, affordable housing.

We work tenaciously to break down barriers that hold women and gender diverse people back from achieving equality.

Vaccination Policy: In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all YWCA Toronto employees, students and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Toronto Public Health

Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate before hiring.

YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender-diverse people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations.

YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

YWCA Toronto may use AI-supported tools to assist with parts of the recruitment process; all hiring decisions are made by people and guided by our commitment to equity and fairness.

YWCA Toronto is a Scent-Sensitive Workplace.