POSITION: TEMPORARY PT SHELTER OVERFLOW & COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICE COORDINATOR
Hourly Wage: $26per hour
Status: Contract, part time, Dec 1 – March 31, 2026
Hours: 25hrs/week
Location: Cambridge
PURPOSE:
Using an integrated feminist anti-racist/anti-oppressive and trauma informed perspective this role provides support and services to women and gender diverse individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness that are temporarily residing in YWCA Cambridge Women’s Emergency Shelter Hotel Overflow Program and limited outreach support in collaboration with other service providers. This is a mobile position that is responsible for the smooth operation of the Shelter Overflow Program and Community Outreach that includes but is not limited to: service navigation, case management, referrals and support to access to basic needs while ensuring adherence to the YWCA’s vision, mission and values.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have post-secondary education in Social Work/Social Services or related experience;
- Committed to advocating for and supporting women and gender diverse individuals within a harm reduction, sex work positive approach;
- Experience working with marginalized women experiencing trauma, mental health, health and substance use struggles;
- Proven experience in crisis management and de-escalation techniques;
- Knowledge of social housing and shelter system in the Region of Waterloo;
- Experience working in a diverse community or setting;
- Ability to bring a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective to work;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Demonstrated time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks;
- Good knowledge of community resources;
- Ability to work from a trauma informed practice;
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include some weekends;
- Access to a reliable vehicle, valid G Driver’s License, and Vehicle Insurance required;
- Must provide a current Vulnerable sector police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works collaboratively with women and gender diverse individuals in the areas of housing, legal, education, employment and mental health to establish and maintain a plan to assist them with a safe and effective path to independence;
- Conducts weekly unit inspections to ensure health and safety standards are being met, addressing issues with occupants as they arise;
- Transports and distributes client meals from shelter to overflow program throughout week as needed;
- Applies the knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of gender-based violence to develop and implement effective support strategies;
- Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to Shelter Manager;
- Keeps records, enters client information/daily events into an electronic data information system for reports and statistics;
- Communicates, advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts, legal services, housing) to provide resources and referrals to program clients
- Engage in general outreach duties such as but not limited to; basic needs support, resource navigation, assessments and referrals, etc.
- Offers systems navigation, crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referrals and advocacy;
- Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
- Supports YWCA Cambridge mission, vision and values;
- Performs other duties as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Works 25 hours per week; $26/hr;
- Must be able to lift and carry items up to 40lbs;
- Period of extended sitting or driving in various weather conditions;
- Occasionally works in high conflict situations which can be hostile at times requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff.
To apply, please emal a cover letter and resume to April at a.turner[@]ywcacambridge.ca.