Victim Support Worker

Victim Support Worker

Position Summary:

Kawartha Haliburton Victim Services (KHVS) is a non-profit charitable agency that works in partnership with Kawartha Lakes Police Service, Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Haliburton Highlands OPP, to provide 24 hour emotional and practical support to persons victimized. KHVS provides a full range of trauma-informed, victim-centered supportive services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances (adult, children, and families).

The Victim Support Worker provides a full range of trauma-informed, and victim centered services including crisis intervention, needs assessment, risk assessment, emotional support, information, and timely referrals to community services in accordance with program standards.

Hours:

40 hours per week

$24/hour

Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

After-Hours Crisis Responder as required, with respect to 24/7 operation.

After-Hours:

$250.00 per week ($35.71/day) less any deductions required by law;

a 3-week rotational basis

Responding to a call (over the phone or in person) rate of pay is $24.00/hr and a 3-hour minimum

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

The Victim Support Worker is required to respond to requests for victim assistance directly from emergency services, community partners, or self-referrals.

Provide emotional/practical support and crisis intervention to victims of crime and tragic circumstance in accordance with agency policies and legislative requirements.

As required, provide on-scene crisis intervention in the immediate aftermath of a crime or sudden tragedy.

Advocate and empower clients, ensuring their needs are met.

Network with community agencies and the justice system.

Field inquiries, from the public, community partners, and Police partners.

Promote, educate, and increase awareness of KHVS through police briefings and community presentations.

Understand the organizations and programs needs and be proactive and reactive.

Manage documentation and maintain confidential client outcomes. Compile relevant information for statistical reports.

Required Qualifications:

Excellent decision-making skills, leadership abilities, and good communication skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced community environment.

Experience in providing victim services and/or crisis response work.

Understanding of victim issues, judicial process, and community resources.

Demonstrated crisis response/intervention skills, needs assessment, and risk assessment skills.

Able to effectively communicate both verbally and written.

Demonstrated ability to work in culturally diverse communities, with a particular understanding of the challenges facing people from economically and culturally marginalized communities.

Diploma or degree in Social Services or related fields.

Additional Requirements:

A valid Ontario’s driver’s license, insurance and a reliable vehicle is required to fulfill the requirements of this position.

Successful completion of a detailed Vulnerable Sector check and OPP background check.

Understand the organization’s programs, needs, and service delivery models.

Participate in ongoing training and development as required.

A residency requirement within the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County or close proximity is required for on-scene attendance.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Initiative and commitment to continuous learning.

Established a high degree of good judgment, professional manner, empathy, and strong understanding and application of principles.

Acceptance and use of constructive criticism for personal and professional growth.

Ability to work cooperatively with other professionals and community.

Capacity to work positively in a team environment.

Demonstrated high degree of initiative, judgment, flexibility, and problem-solving ability.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care with experience in telephone support and crisis intervention.

Knowledge of agency services provided in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County regions.

Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Working Conditions:

The following are the physical and mental demands which are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

Office environment and use of a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. May encounter frequent interruptions throughout workday.

On-scene response to victims may involve standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Contact with public may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior.

Occasional exposure to weather, smoke, unpleasant hygienic situations, high noise levels.

Will be exposed to vicarious trauma that results from empathic engagement with recently traumatized clients.

This position requires a flexible schedule; working days, evenings, weekends to meet the needs of the service. Travel throughout Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County is required on a regular basis.

After-Hours Crisis Responder as required, with respect to 24/7 operation.

Overtime as required.

All of the above is open to amendment, at the discretion of the Executive Director, in accordance with the needs of KHVS and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Lindsay, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• DCS / DEC (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-04-05
Expected start date: 2024-04-15