Service Advocate
Location Midland- 361 King Street
Contract - 11 months
Integrating an intersectional feminist framework and a harm reduction philosophy, the Service Advocate will act as a gender-based violence services specialist for Simcoe County. The Service Advocate will act as the primary access point and anchor for all women and gender-diverse persons looking to access specialized gender-based violence services in Simcoe County. Operating within HTH’s integrated continuum of care, the Services Advocate will ensure the delivery of coordinated and comprehensive services that reduce barriers, strengthen stability, and reduce the impacts and reoccurrence of violence.
Services will be delivered using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), Motivational Interviewing, and survivor-informed, low barrier approaches.
This role will specialize in service navigation for women who have experienced or are at risk of human trafficking.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
SERVICE DELIVERY
· Complete intakes for any woman seeking to access services in any of HTH’s non-residential programs.
· Facilitate warm inter-agency referrals to women as they intake into HTH’s services.
· Complete and follow up on external referrals for women as they intake into HTH’s services.
· Complete safety planning with women in service.
· Provide ongoing and follow up support to women who intake into HTH’s programs to ensure continuity of care.
· Support in the day-to-day operations and activities of Operation Grow’s community hub
· Act as the anchor person for all women intaking into services at HTH, with a prioritization on those registered in HTH’s anti-human trafficking program.
· Provide individual, supportive modified case management to women in the anti-human trafficking program
· Establish a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment that fosters empowerment, healing, and self-determination.
· Develop and maintain a strong understanding of services available to women who have survived gender-based violence across Simcoe County.
· Map and maintain a list of specialized services for women who have trafficked or at risk of being trafficked.
· Develop and maintain a system for seamless transitions and referrals between HTH programs and services.
· Support women who have been trafficked with crisis response while prioritizing long-term stability and prevention of re-exploitation.
· Monitor participant progress and adjust plans based on evolving needs and goals.
· Collaborate with other HTH staff as needed
· Apply the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to support women in service in identifying strengths, assets and aspirations.
· Engage in motivational interviewing techniques to support women in service
· Act in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
· Support in answering the admin lines for HTH
· Support as needed with the organizational crisis line
· Adhere to Health and Safety measures and emergency procedures at all times.
· Work from an intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and harm reduction approach in all service delivery.
Community Liaison, Integration, and Advocacy
· Represent HTH on committees and coalitions related to anti-human trafficking
· Foster environments that encourage connection, participation, and community integration.
· Assist women in making connections with community resources including housing, social assistance, medical services, basic needs resources and justice systems;
· Liaise with other relevant staff/resources within the agency and the community
· Remain committed to education and advocacy as a means to ending violence against women
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
· Maintain relevant program data, as required, and report accordingly;
· Maintain accurate notes and documentation in accordance with agency policies.
· Facilitate data collection for ongoing program evaluation
· Participate in program planning, evaluation and reporting processes.
· Identify barriers to participation and recommend program improvements.
· Ensure adherence to health and safety protocols.
· Other duties as assigned;
TEAM & AGENCY PARTICIPATION
· Active participation in staff and agency meetings;
· Work collaboratively as a team member in the identification, development and recommendations of changes for improved service delivery;
· Engage in ongoing learning in SLF, trauma-informed care, and feminist service delivery.
· Promote a respectful, inclusive, and healthy workplace.
· Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
· Post-secondary diploma/degree in Feminist studies, Gender-studies, Social Work, Social Justice, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Development, or related field.
· Minimum 3–5 years’ relevant experience in violence against women, gender-based violence, housing or community-based services.
· Experience in system navigation and community resources.
· First Aid/CPR Certification
· WHMIS
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
· Strong counselling and assessment skills;
· Strong understanding of human trafficking, gender-based violence and survivor impacts.
· Knowledge of trauma-informed, and harm reduction practices.
· Familiarity with the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) (or willingness to be trained).
· Ability to work both independently and within interdisciplinary teams.
· An understanding of, and an ability to work with, diverse women including women from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
· Ability to provide information, support, practical assistance, safety planning, resources, referrals and advocacy for women as needed;
· Solid problem solving and conflict resolution skills;
· Excellent organizational and time management skills;
· Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Working Conditions/Requirements
· Office environment but may include non-standard workplaces
· Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance
· Ability to sit or stand for varying periods of time
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Teamwork:
· Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the organization; demonstrate the ability to cooperate in achieving organizational goals and work objectives; share information and communicate effectively with team members; use effective conflict resolution skills.
Service Delivery:
· Recognize, meet, and effectively communicate regarding the unique service needs of individual women and children in service; role model and mentor others to develop the ability to apply a woman-centred approach to service delivery which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, beliefs and aims, anti-racist/anti-oppression/harm reduction framework.
Policy, Procedure and Process Adherence:
· Thoroughly understand and apply appropriate organizational and operational policies, principles, procedures, methodologies, rules, guidelines and interpretations in all aspects of daily work.
Judgment/Decision Making:
· Demonstrate ability to analyze relevant information and evaluate alternate courses of action within scope of position; anticipate consequences and assume responsibility for actions taken.
Adaptability/Innovation:
· Demonstrate initiative to respond effectively to challenges and responsibilities; demonstrate flexibility when considering concepts, ideas and work practice; able to initiate new ideas and recommend innovative methods, processes and strategies.
Listening, Understanding and Responding
· Demonstrate the ability to practice active listening; to understand scenarios as they occur, and to respond appropriately when interacting with individuals and groups; liaise effectively and respectfully with team, supervisors, co-workers, service users and the general public.
Achieving Results:
· Able to achieve or surpass identified goals with appropriate use of supervision; consistently produce quality work by establishing priorities, implementing, monitoring and adjusting in order to meet objective and deadlines.
Technological Competence:
· Appropriately and efficiently use office equipment; use technology with fluency and ease; resolve routine problems without assistance; learn new technologies quickly and adapt to change easily; comply with computer and equipment use policy.
Intersectional Feminist Analysis:
· Provide all services and supports using an intersectional feminist approach which recognizes that social norms are set by the dominant social groups, and work towards dismantling those norms; recognize women’s individual and unique social locations and experiences of oppression; understand identities of gender, sex, sexual orientation, class, race, ethnicity, religion or spirituality, immigration status, and ability; understand the complexity of these identities, and connect these social locations to the multi-layered experiences of power, privilege and oppression, and how various social norms give or diminish power; Understand how oppression contributes to systemic injustice and social inequality; demonstrate a strong understanding of all forms of gender-based violence; demonstrate a commitment to continuing education as it relates to feminism and violence against women.
Work Within a Harm Reduction Philosophy:
· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles as an evidence-based framework; understand use, effects and impacts of substances and able to communicate both practical and functional aspects of harm reduction practices to the women we serve; meet women “where they are at” with a non-judgmental approach; demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in regards to trends, strategies, legislation etc.
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In keeping with our commitment to represent all our communities, Indigenous women, francophone women, queer-identified and racialized women are especially encouraged to apply.
AI disclosure: We do not use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making tools at any stage of the candidate screening, evaluation, or selection process. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
Vacancy status: This is a new position in the organization.
Please submit your up-to-date resumé, as well as a cover letter highlighting your experience, to:
Veronica Pena
vpena@rosewood.on.ca
P.O. Box 54
Midland, ON L4R 4K6
Fax: 705-526-0343