Job Posting: Victim Service Worker – Support
Editor’s note: this position has been filled.
Please check back about future career opportunities.
Position: Victim Service Worker (VSW) – Support
Reports to: Manager, Direct Client Services
Salary/Benefits: Adult/Youth Counsellor – PP: Grid Level 14, Step 1
Hours: 14 hours per week- Temporary
Closing Date: 4:30 PM, March 6, 2018. Email application to
Position Summary: The VSW – Support position is responsible for providing support and information to all women, trans and two-spirit persons who are primary and/or secondary survivors of sexualized violence to lessen the impacts and assist in their recovery from sexualized violence/ trauma. This position seeks to increase survivors’ safety and reduce further risk of victimization through knowledge, empowerment and support in accessing and participating in criminal justice system responses. This position values and participates in coordinated, integrated community responses to sexualized violence.
This position requires union membership. Some evening work may be required.
VSAC is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, LGBQ+ persons, trans and gender diverse persons and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.
Job Responsibilities:
Under direction from the Direct Client Services Manager, the Victim Services Worker – Support:
1. Provides immediate, short term, crisis support for all women, trans and two-spirit persons who are primary and/or secondary survivors of sexualized violence, by:
• establishing a relationship of support and trust with the survivor;
• with the survivor, assessing their current situation and access to internal and external resources to establish triage level and immediacy of access to VSAC services and other community resources;
• situating the survivor at the centre of decision-making processes about accessing services and involvement with criminal justice system responses;
• exploring the needs of the survivor in various realms (including medical, counselling, government programs, criminal justice responses, community agencies, etc.), and assisting their understanding and access to these options through sharing information and providing referrals;
• facilitating the survivor’s understanding of their experience through providing psycho-educational information;
• assisting the survivor in the development and/or maintenance of a safety plan, which may include protective orders;
• encouraging the survivor with self-care planning and in building a support system;
• encouraging the survivor to identify their strengths and coping strategies;
• sharing additional strategies with the survivors for increasing emotional regulation through grounding and containment techniques;
• coordinating services with other Victim Services programs, criminal justice system responses and medical services to provide integrated services;
• Providing telephone and walk-in support to survivors and to their friends and family.
2. Provides information about the Crime Victim Assistance Program/ similar compensatory programs by providing forms, facilitating communication when necessary, and providing information about appeals processes.
3. Facilitates support groups and workshops for survivors of sexualized violence.
4. Accompanies survivors with criminal justice system related appointments, as requested by the survivor, when the Victim Service Worker – Justice is not available.
5. Provides crisis and information line support, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) hospital accompaniments and immediate support to walk-in clients, as necessary.
6. Participates in the training of SART volunteers and training provided to community partners.
7. Maintains accurate records of all services provided and prepares monthly caseload summary reports and monthly statistical summaries, and other reports as required.
8. Maintains a sound understanding of diversity issues, in order to appropriately identify and respond to the needs of survivors, staff and volunteers.
9. Maintains awareness of current issues in the field of sexualized violence through reading, ongoing professional development, consultation and other activities.
10. Consults with the Direct Client Services Team Lead about services provided to survivors, the impact on the worker and critical incidents (such as child abuse reports, suicide assessments of any other breach of confidentiality) and unusual circumstances.
11. Participates as a team member in regular case consultation, team building and impacts of the work sessions.
12. Develops effective links and communication with relevant community agencies.
13. Participates constructively as a member of the staff team, with the Direct Client Services Manager and Centre as a whole.
14. Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
The position requires:
• Bachelor Degree in criminology, counselling, social work or the equivalent skills and knowledge gained from related experience and training.
• Specialized training in adult survivors of childhood sexualized abuse and sexualized assault
• Knowledge, Training and/or experience in the criminal justice system and victim service work an asset
Job Skills and Abilities:
The position requires:
• exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• ability to work with a minimum of supervision and assess when consultation is needed
• demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work effectively
• demonstrated ability to advocate for the rights of survivors of sexualized violence
• ability to empower survivors to make their own decisions
• ability to set clear boundaries concerning parameters of the supportive relationship
• demonstrated ability to perform support skills for primary and secondary survivors of sexualized violence
• ability to manage crisis or emergency situations
The incumbent must perform the work within the context of VSAC’s mission, beliefs, values and goals.
