Health & safety counselor

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE COUNSELLOR

Contract Start Date: TBD
Contract End Date: March 31 2027
Department: Housing and Gender Based Violence Support Services
Founded in 1889 YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamiltons original social innovators and works from a feminist anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework. We are committed to providing meaningful and accessible services that create opportunities to amplify voices and co-create gender-inclusive and equitable communities.

YWCA Hamilton envisions an equitable world where women (cis and trans) girls Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have the rights and resources to shape their own lives and lead their communities. Join us in taking bold action that leads to life-changing impacts in our community.

On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
Opportunities to get involved in our community
A competitive total rewards package that may include extended health benefits and paid sick time (eligibility criteria applies)

If youre passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women children gender diverse people and families every day we would love for you to join our team!

In this role you will provide individual counselling and group facilitation to women who are or have been in conflict with the law. The GBV Counsellor will provide access to trauma informed and harm reduction-based intervention for women and gender diverse individuals with a focus on support and education around the impacts of violence on their lives. Facilitation of group workshops year-round that address a broad range of topics of which YWCA has specialized knowledge including emotional wellbeing housing gender based violence and healthy relationships.
Works collaboratively with women and gender diverse individuals to support a diverse range of needs including legal support systems navigation housing education employment and mental health/ addictions to establish and maintain a plan to assist them with a safe and effective path to independence;
Support with release planning safety planning & risk assessment harm reduction strategies referrals to community agencies and case management;
Applies the knowledge of the issues of trauma and the dynamics of woman abuse to develop and implement effective support strategies;
Supports the training of placement students and provides feedback to Program
Communicates advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts legal services housing) to provide resources and services to clients/residents;
Offers clients crisis intervention supportive counselling referrals and advocacy;
Provides programming and facilitates group workshops (e.g. safety plans healthy relationships impact of trauma on children);
Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client employee and contract information;
Attends industry related networking events and representing the YWCA on community committees;
Works safely reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Hamilton Health and Safety policies and procedures
Familiar with and adheres to the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)
Participates in annual Health & Safety training provided by the YWCA;
Ensures compliance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures;
Regularly on-call rotation for emergencies crisis situations and resourcing issues;
Work schedule includes days afternoons weekday and/or occasional weekends;
Often works in high conflict situations requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff;
Completion of 2 years college in social work or human services or equivalent;
3 years experience working in violence against women services and supportive counselling;
Ability to navigate legal resources Probation and Parole as well as familiarity with various justice services partners
A solid understanding of factors that contribute to individuals involvement in the criminal justice system and the systemic causes of the over representation of women and gender-diverse people with mental health and addictions issues in the criminal justice system
Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and Immigration and Family Law is
an asset;
Experience in trauma-based counselling and education;
Ability to work a schedule which includes days afternoons weekday and/or occasional weekends;
Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
Knowledge of community resources in the violence against women sector;
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and also work effectively in a team;
Bilingual English/French or other languages is an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamiltons commitment to Access and Equity we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women First Nations Métis immigrant refugee LGBTQ2S; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process if you require accommodation please reach out to

Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.