Social Services jobs in Kingston, ON

Employment Opportunity

Casual Women’s Residential Counsellor

Kingston Interval House

About Kingston Interval House

Kingston Interval House is a feminist organization dedicated to ending violence against women and supporting women and their children experiencing intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and other forms of abuse. We provide emergency shelter, counselling, advocacy, outreach, and prevention services grounded in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and survivor-centred practice.

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Women's Residential Counsellor to join our residential shelter team.

In this frontline role, you will provide crisis intervention, emotional support, advocacy, safety planning, and case management to women and their children residing in our emergency shelter. You will contribute to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment while responding to the complex needs of survivors of violence.

Position Summary

The Women's Residential Counsellor is responsible for providing trauma-informed and crisis-responsive support to women and their children experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), gender-based violence (GBV), and other forms of abuse. Working within a 24-hour residential shelter environment, the successful candidate will support residents through crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, systems navigation, and connection to community resources.

Key Responsibilities

Crisis Intervention and Safety (30%)

• Respond to crisis calls, walk-ins, and emergency situations.
• Conduct risk and safety assessments.
• Develop and support individualized safety plans.
• Utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Support residents and staff during high-risk or volatile situations.
• Maintain awareness of shelter safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Trauma-Informed Support and Case Management (30%)

• Provide emotional support, active listening, and practical assistance.
• Support women and their children using survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assist residents in identifying goals and accessing supports.
• Provide advocacy related to housing, legal, financial, healthcare, and social service systems.
• Connect residents with internal programs and community resources.
• Support clients in navigating complex systems and barriers.

Shelter Operations and Program Support (20%)

• Contribute to a safe, welcoming, and supportive shelter environment.
• Support daily shelter operations and resident needs.
• Assist with food security initiatives and Child and Youth programming as required.
• Participate in household responsibilities that support shelter operations.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Documentation and Communication (10%)

• Maintain accurate, objective, and timely documentation.
• Complete incident reports and client records in accordance with agency standards.
• Provide thorough shift handovers and updates.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, residents, and community partners.
• Facilitate referrals and coordinate service connections.

Team Collaboration and Professional Practice (10%)

• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in case consultations, team meetings, and organizational initiatives.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Engage in ongoing learning and professional development.

Qualifications

Required

• Post-secondary education in Social Service Work, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Women's Studies, Human Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of intimate partner violence, violence against women, gender-based violence, and their impacts.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, survivor-centred, anti-oppressive, and intersectional feminist practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Assets

• Experience working in a violence against women shelter, crisis service, residential program, or related social service setting.
• Experience supporting individuals impacted by trauma, mental health concerns, substance use, homelessness, or systemic oppression.
• Knowledge of local community resources and referral pathways.
• Fluency in French or additional languages.

Core Competencies

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Risk assessment and safety planning
• Trauma-informed and survivor-centred support
• Advocacy and systems navigation
• Cultural humility and anti-oppressive practice
• Team collaboration
• Professional judgment and decision-making
• Adaptability and resilience
• Effective written and verbal communication

Working Conditions

• Twenty-four-hour residential shelter environment.
• Rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and statutory holidays.
• Frequent crisis response and exposure to emotionally challenging situations.
• Moderate physical activity, including cleaning, lifting, and movement throughout the shelter.
• Requires strong self-awareness, emotional regulation, and commitment to self-care.

Why Join Kingston Interval House?

At Kingston Interval House, you will join a dedicated team committed to supporting survivors, advancing gender equity, and creating safer communities for women and children. We offer a collaborative and supportive workplace where staff are valued for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to social justice.

Hourly Rate: $27.44 per hour

How to Apply

Please forward your resume and cover letter, marked Private and Confidential, to:

Jami Cole
Shelter Services Manager
Kingston Interval House
P.O. Box 21042
Kingston, ON K7L 5P5

Email: resmanager@kingstonintervalhouse.com

Equity Statement

Kingston Interval House is committed to employment equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice. We encourage applications from women who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including Indigenous women, Black women, racialized women, women with disabilities, francophone women, and women from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

This position is designated for women applicants. Kingston Interval House is a women's shelter and operates as a special program under Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The successful candidate must identify as a woman. This qualification is a bona fide occupational requirement based on the nature of the services provided and the needs of the women accessing our programs.

Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to make their needs known.

Pay: From $27.44 per hour

Work Location: In person