Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

As part of the specialized service team, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator will work with other DEWC staff to promote integrated services to women. She will support women survivors of sexual violence through trauma-informed and anti-oppressive/ anti-racism approaches. The role will center on coordination of care to ensure seamless access to resources to support healing from violence. The ideal candidate will help bridge the existing gaps in
service access and navigation women survivors who are seeking support for their healing journey connect to existing range of sexual assault response programs

Responsibilities include:
• Provides trauma-informed, harm reduction and integrated linkage to internal and external support services to survivors of sexual violence and assaults;
• Establishes a working and supportive relationship with survivors and their support networks while ensuring overall safety of the woman;
• Advocates, liaises, and coordinates service access with multiple community partners to support coordination of services; Advocates for survivors rights as necessary and supports self-advocacy;
• Supports assessment of needs and provides case management support to link to internal and external supports including counselling, victim services, police, medical care, and other community based providers as needed;
• Devises a service plan with woman, establishes goals to meet determined needs, while providing coordination of service through culturally informed lens
• Provides accompaniment as needed including initial police interviews, medical services for sexual assault services, etc.
• Actively liaises with community service agencies, including other sexual assault response programs, to develop relationships and maintain up-to-date information about available resources
• Provides crisis counselling, as well as crisis prevention planning;
• Facilitates information sessions and support groups for women who have experienced sexual violence.
• Facilitates workshops and training with DEWC staff and other service providers to create awareness and visibility around sexual violence and assault
• Participates in community networking, advisory committees and professional development trainings as appropriate;
• Performs other related duties as requested

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Two years recent related experience
• Related post-secondary undergraduate degree or diploma or extensive work-related experience under qualified supervision
• Some formal counselling training required
• Knowledgeable and skilled in trauma-informed feminist counseling practices
• Ability to work from a strong feminist analysis and within an intersectional, anti-oppression framework
• Group facilitation skills
• High degree of self-awareness and cultural competence, including the ability to adapt approaches to the cultural needs and practices of each woman
• Understanding of and strict adherence to confidentiality, policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant systems, institutions and supports for women, including gaps and barriers to services and resources
• Must have a strong working knowledge and analysis of the issues impacting women in the downtown eastside, including gender based violence, mental health, homelessness, and addictions.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and practice
• Strong computer experience and skills including using Microsoft 365 products and database management,
• Demonstrated crises intervention training and experience
• Excellent communication skills required, including the ability to work in a respectful and cooperative manner with co-workers, and centre members.
• Ability to work within a chaotic environment and with a diverse community of women
• Women with addiction issues, need to be at least 2 years clean and sober
• A First Aid certificate is required
• Candidate must undergo a criminal record check

Additional Information

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

• Healthcare: Extended health includes dental, vision, prescription medications, select alternative therapies, EAP life insurance and long-term disability.
• Vacation & Leave: Vacation at 6% in the first year and 8% after. Sick leave credit. Access to other special leaves to handle family or personal situations.
• Other perks: Employee loan program; Regular staff development days; DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions.

POSITION DETAILS:
• Start Date: ASAP, Permanent Full-time, 70 hours Bi-weekly
• Union (BCGEU) - Salary - $24.23 per hour + generous health and welfare benefits
• Location- 412 E Cordova St.
• Posting Closing Date: Open until the position is closed

Please submit cover letter and resume via email careers@dewc.ca
For more information, please visit www.dewc.ca/career

Indigenous women and women of colour are strongly encouraged to apply / Additional languages spoken an asset.

**While we thank all applicants for their interests, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**

Salary: $24.23 per hour

Contact Information

Please submit cover letter and resume via email careers@dewc.ca

For more information, please visit www.dewc.ca/career

Employer Profile

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre exists to support and empower women and children living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty characterize this community where women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice and injury. Through the Drop-In Centre and Emergency Shelter, we provide practical support to over 500 women and children daily to survive the conditions of ill health and violence that surround them.