Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

The Skills Development Worker is responsible for the facilitation of a skills development program within the Drop-In Centre for women who live in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. She will ensure the recruitment, orientation, training, and scheduling of program participants. She will work in collaboration with DEWC staff to develop and implement planning for the Skills Development Program to meet the needs of the organization and the participant members. Reporting directly to the Specialized Services Manager, the Skills Development Worker will work in collaboration with other DEWC staff to promote integrated services to women. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework.

Volunteer Programming
Coordinates on all aspects of Skills Development Program for both Drop-In and Emergency Night Shelter location. Recruits DTES residents and centre members for the program. Organizes a monthly volunteer gathering for support, scheduling and problem solving. Organizes special events including x-mas dinner, staff appreciation and summer bbq. Provides information, training, referral, and support to the Skills Development program participants

Outreach and Liaison
Supervises community service volunteers, incentive programs, and community program hours. Facilitates practicum students and community placements working with social service organizations and/or educational institutions. Develops and maintains links with other community agencies that work support skills development and attends meetings and community events as appropriate.
Facilitates volunteer/student contact with specialized services or other DEWC programs as necessary.

Education and Programming:
Coordinates out of area volunteers to support Centre programming including special events..
Oversee and ensures point of contact for on-going in-centre programs such as sewing groups, beading, etc. Develops and facilitates educational workshops and programs

Administration:
Ensures funder reports accurately reflect contract requirement. Provides quarterly activity reports to the Management Team. Provides statistics and relevant data that will support fundraising activities.

Organization:
Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings, staff development sessions. Participates in hiring committees, evaluations, and on committees as required.

Training:
Engage in training and workshops that are relevant to the job and where the information is beneficial to the women in the DTES.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Required Qualifications:

-Minimum 5 years related experience working with low-income women, at least 2 years in a women serving or inner city drop-in environment
-Must have a strong working knowledge and analysis of the issues impacting women in the dtes, including violence against women, mental health, homelessness, and addictions
-Candidate must work from strong feminist analysis and within an anti-oppression framework
-Understanding of and practices a trauma informed care response when working with women
-Efficient organizational skills including record keeping, scheduling, and problem-solving abilities
-Demonstrated administrative skills, including report writing.
-Demonstrated computer and IT aptitude
-Skilled in program facilitation and development as well as working in partnerships with allied service providers
-Strong conflict resolution skills and practice
-Demonstrated crises intervention training and experience
-Experience providing assisted referral as well as familiarity with support services, agencies and community resources in the Downtown Eastside
-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
-A First Aid certificate is required
-Candidate must undergo a criminal record check
-Women with addiction issues, need to be at least 2 years clean and sober

Additional Information

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

Healthcare: Our extended health program includes MSP premiums, dental, vision, prescription medications, select alternative therapies, life insurance and long-term disability. We also have an Employee and Family Assistance program.
Vacation & Leave: You accumulate vacation at 6% in the first year and then 8% with the ability to carry over one week into the next year. We offer sick leave credit which can accumulate up to 30 weeks. Access to other special leaves, to handle family or personal situations
For your Retirement: When eligible, you will be enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC.
Other perks: An employee loan program; Regular staff development days; DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions; Training and facilitation opportunities.
POSITION DETAILS:
• Start Date: ASAP – Permanent/ Full-Time, Tuesday–Saturday, Flex Saturday / 70hrs Bi-Weekly
• Union: BCGEU / Salary $24.23.00 per hour + generous health and wellness benefits
• Location: 412 E Cordova St. Vancouver
• Posting closing date: Open until the position is filled

Please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@dewc.ca
For full job description visit: www.dewc.ca/careers

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 your cover letter and resume to careers@dewc.ca

For full job description visit: www.dewc.ca/careers

Employer Profile

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre has existed since 1978 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 Night Shelter, we provide practical support to over 500 women and children daily to survive the conditions of ill health and violence that surround them. We work to provide security, basic needs and support to encourage women to make long-term changes by identifying and removing barriers to full participation in the larger community.