Temporary Outreach Case Worker

Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) invites you to join our team as a Domestic Abuse Second Stage Housing and Programs Supervisor.

“This position is open to all qualified individuals and requires Union membership”

About Us: At KWS, we are committed to fostering safe and equitable communities, free from abuse. Our mission is to empower women, breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Guided by our core values, including a feminist approach, excellence, collaboration, empowerment, safety, and integrity, we work tirelessly to support those in need.

Summary:

The Temporary Outreach Case Worker reports to the Manager, Programs -Kelowna and is responsible for support services applying case management expertise and developing community programs for women and children fleeing domestic abuse within the Central Okanagan communities (Lake Country to Peachland) using trauma-informed care principles, feminism, and anti-oppressive practice lens.

Key Responsibilities:

Case Management

Provide full case management services (approximately 20 cases per Outreach Case Worker) to women who are experiencing domestic abuse based on a women centered approach. This service includes,

• Intake: gathering demographic information, identifying, specific, immediate needs of the woman, establishing/building a relationship with the woman and determining eligibility for our services & programs.
• Needs assessment: understanding the needs and goals of the individual woman by identifying/understanding the key problems, needs, and interests of the woman; establish the communicated goals of the woman with all relevant stakeholders; reassess needs periodically through the process.
• Service planning: putting a plan in place to meet the goals/needs of the woman including actionable steps to take, keeping in mind that they are realistic and achievable, develop a timeline of tasks to be completed and establish metrics to measure success.
• Monitoring and evaluating established metrics and ensuring quantified data is used in evaluating success.
  
  

The Outreach Case Worker will:

• Develop safety plans autonomously with the women to minimize risk in the community.
• Foster positive relationships with women based on patience, empathy, dignity, mutual respect, and confidentiality.
• Compete intake process and needs assessments.
• Independently deliver program assessment, engagement, crisis intervention, goal and case planning, skills coaching, and program completion, consulting with the manager as necessary.
• Assist women to create and develop their own support networks and connections.
• Attend appointments such as housing interviews, court dates, and medical appointments as required.
• Implement day-to-day program delivery.
• Ensure case management documentation and program information are maintained in an accurate, timely, professional, and confidential manner, meeting KWS, Funder, and sector standards.
• Facilitate community partnerships with an aim towards aligning a coordinated, women-centered community support system for our shared community women and children.
• Liaise with other service agencies and professionals and maintain current knowledge of issues and resources related to abuse and violence.
• Provide presentations, group-based programming, and participate in public awareness activities about services and issues of abuse as requested.
• Attend, and participate in, training/certification programs.
• Attend, and participate in, community, staff and other meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  
  

Program Development/Coordination

Build and maintain a network of working relationships with other community service providers, community groups, etc. to develop programming, coordinate program delivery, ensure effective referrals and a good continuum of care. This may involve sitting at the table with organizations, groups with like-minded objectives, working collaboratively to support our women and children in areas of housing, addictions, mental health, parenting, financial, emotional, physical, medical, legal, and social needs.

Participate in program development through collaboration with the management team and making recommendations to create and enhance programming designed for women experiencing domestic abuse.

Maintain accurate logs and compile statistical records to support program needs and inform ongoing program development and evaluation.

Position Requirements:

• Post-Secondary diploma in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a similar organization/sector.
• A good working knowledge of domestic abuse and its impacts, and of relevant community resources.
• Case management expertise
• Skills in advocacy, crisis intervention, risk and ongoing assessments based on the needs of women and their children fleeing domestic abuse.
• Extensive knowledge in interpersonal violence, trauma-sensitive practices, knowledge of strategies and supports for wellbeing and empowerment is a must.
• Strong knowledge and linkage to external services and systems that is available to women (and children) experiencing domestic abuse.
• Ability to build relationships within the community that will facilitate a continuum of care that is women-centered and that mobilizes resources to support Kelowna Women’s Shelter programming.
• Solid understanding of an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework.
• An ability to engage with diverse populations in a respectful and culturally responsive manner.
• The ability to provide service in a respectful, empathetic, and woman-centered manner while maintaining appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• The ability to work independently and in a self-directing manner as well as the ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner with the transition house team and other community agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and own vehicle. This position spends most of the day driving to and from appointments, meeting at various locations in the community, with a small portion of the day spent at the office.
  
  

Hours of Work:

The role entails a 37.5-hour work week, typically from Monday to Friday. However, due to the 24/7 facility support requirement, start and end times will vary to accommodate meetings with staff on all shifts.

Term ending March 31, 2026 or when incumbent returns.

Pay: $30.75, Grid 13, Step 1

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Benefits:

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store Discount