Transitional Housing and Support Program (THSPW) Worker

Reports to: Family Team Leader

Details: Full-time (35 hours/week), one year contract (September 11, 2017 – September 10, 2018)

Salary: $40,000~$45,000 /year

Closing Date: August 29, 2017

About KCWA Family & Social Services:

KCWA Family and Social Services is a non-profit organization established in 1985 by a group of women who were concerned with women and family issues. Our mission is “Building the Korean-Canadian community, one person at a time" and to accomplish this, we aspire to: Empower all members of the community to live free from violence, poverty and inequity; Provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services and programs; and Enhance the well-being of immigrant families and promote their efforts to realize their potential. KCWA’s vision is a "Barrier-Free Integration into Canada", and core values are inclusiveness, excellence, integrity, respect, and collaboration.

Program Summary:

KCWA Family Team is dedicated to providing confidential individual, couple, and family counseling; crisis support counseling and transitional housing and support to survivors of domestic violence; and deliver preventive psychoeducational seminars/workshops mainly to members of the Korean-Canadian community.

Position Summary:

KCWA is hiring a Transitional Housing and Support Program Worker (THSPW) to assist Korean immigrants and refugees who are transitioning from situations of violence and abuse and support their settlement and integration in Canadian society. Transitional and Housing Support Program strives to provide unbiased, non-judgmental client-oriented, culturally sensitive, and supportive services that assist immigrants and refugees who are experiencing different forms of abuse and access all the necessary services to keep themselves and their dependents safe.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities (including but not limited to the following areas):

Direct Service (40%):

• To provide information and referrals regarding community services in the areas of housing, law (family, immigration, criminal etc.), children-related services, finances, social benefits, health, education, and employment
• To provide support to women and their dependents in crisis, as well as on-going supportive counseling and group work facilitation
• To provide assistance in developing safety plans, risk assessments, transitional planning, and goal setting
• To assist clients with housing applications and landlord-tenant issues so that clients can maintain housing that is safe and affordable
• To advocate, provide necessary translation/interpretation support for clients, and accompany them to appointments as necessary  
• To conduct outreach activities and community seminars/workshops to raise awareness of challenges affecting newcomers and enhance their emotional well-being
• To work closely with other KCWA’s internal and external stakeholders to provide effective services 

Case Management and Program Development and (30%):

• To work with the Family Team in developing and implementing innovative service, program and outreach plans
• To liaise with internal and external stakeholders to effectively manage cases and accomplish annual goals and targets
• To promote KCWA services and programs to raise awareness of challenges facing newcomer families, including mental health, different forms of abuse and violence, finance, housing, etc.

Evaluation and Administrative Duties (30%):

• To report to the Family Team Leader on matters of practice, service delivery, and project outcomes
• To maintain accurate database entries and prepare computerized statistical summaries and other reports as required
• To participate in staff and Family Team meetings, training, and professional development sessions

• To maintain cooperative working relationships and participation in the general operation of the organization
• To operate in an unbiased and non-judgmental manner, consistent with the philosophy of the service of KCWA
• To adhere to policies on confidentiality and human rights and all other policies, routines, and procedures established by the KCWA Family and Social Services

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree (BSW or MSW preferred) with a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in the social services/community sector. Experience in housing support and case management considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of the VAW (Violence Against Women)-related sector system and community resources (i.e. housing, Legal Aid, immigration etc.); newcomer population facing different forms of abuse/violence; child welfare system; and relevant legislation and policies
• Experience managing sensitive and complex cases involving high volume of data, documents, and reports
• Excellent crisis management/intervention, crisis and supportive counseling, and conflict management skills
• Experience working with immigrants and refugees who have experienced abuse/violence and associated challenges (e.g. poverty, homelessness, physical and mental health concerns)
• Excellent organizational skills with an ability to demonstrate flexibility, cope with competing priorities and deadlines
• Works effectively with others both inside and outside of the organization to accomplish organizational and community goals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Korean and English
• Computer literacy is a requirement (Korean and English)

Core Competencies:

• High level of professionalism when working with community partners (i.e. service providers, partner organizations, community members, etc.)
• Established high degree of good judgement, professional manner, empathy, and strong understanding and application of ethical principles
• Strong commitment to anti-oppression and anti-racism framework
• Initiative and commitment to continuous learning
• Acceptance and use of constructive criticism for personal and professional growth
• Ability to work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders, and the community KCWA serves
• Capacity to work positively in a team environment
• Leadership mindset
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Working Relationships: 

• Works under supervision from the Family Team Leader
• This position interacts with clients, staff, supervisors, volunteers, general public, partner organizations, corporate partners, and other organizations

Working Condition:

• Hours of work: Works regular hours from 9am-4:30pm/9:30am-5:00pm with some requirements to occasionally work extended hours
• Location: This position works out of the Head Office at 27 Madison Avenue and may work from other locations based on funder’s or program’s changing requirements. Occasional travel within the GTA required.

How to apply:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references within one document in MS Word or PDF format by mail or email to:  

ATTENTION:

KCWA Family & Social Services

Hiring Committee

27 Madison Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 2S2

Email: [email protected]

KCWA Family & Social Services is committed to employment equity initiatives. We encourage residents of ethno-racial, immigrant, women, refugee, LGBTQQA community groups and individuals with physical challenges to apply and self-identify. If accommodation is required during the hiring process, please advise at the time of application or contact the Hiring Committee personnel.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE