Team Advocate

Location: Niagara Region (rotational schedule at all 3 shelter locations)

Salary: $26.25 per hour

Hours of Work: Friday & Saturday 3pm-11pm permanent position + Thursday 7am-3pm with Wednesday 4 hours flexible (immediate – March 31, 2027) contract - possibility of extension (permanent PT position continues once contract has concluded).

Training: Paid training shifts – Monday-Friday business hours

As a provider of Housing Focused Shelters in the Niagara Region, the YWCA Niagara Region offers creative housing programs and services that provide hope for womxn and their families living in poverty.

The YW provides shelter, food and assistance to homeless womxn and their families. Our dedicated staff provides exceptional care and support for the women and their families who turn to us. The YW offers staff a challenging and collaborative environment as we work to create meaningful change for homeless individuals.

To complement our Housing Focused Shelter & Anti-Human Trafficking Safer House program staffing component, the YW is looking for exceptional team players, who are compassionate, non-judgmental, and have a high work ethic to join our team. This role requires the ability to travel to all three of our locations in the Niagara Region.

Position Summary The Team Advocate position will report to the Manager of Shelter Services to assist in the operation of the housing focused shelters in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Duties include the following: maintaining appropriate record keeping, completing intake/discharge forms, maintaining security for guests/staff/facilities, goal setting and referrals to other community partners, promoting co-operative living, and participating in housekeeping duties,



including occasional food preparation and cleaning. This position offers the opportunity to also support our Anti Human Trafficking shelter, Safer House, providing support to human trafficking survivors within a crisis facility.

Responsibilities:

· Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy for shelter participants.

· Assist participants with safety planning, goal setting, and resource referrals.

· Ensure a secure and welcoming shelter environment by enforcing policies and maintaining confidentiality.

· Responds with non-violent Crisis Intervention in situations of physical confrontation, and medical and psychiatric emergencies for womxn who have recently experienced trauma.

· Conduct intake and discharges with the intention of working towards the develop of a transition plan.

· Collaborate with community organizations to connect participants with housing, employment, healthcare, legal services and other supports.

· Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and case notes.

· Assist with daily shelter operations, including housekeeping and kitchen duties, as required.

· Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities (outside regular scheduled shifts with notice provided).

· Advocate for participants’ rights and needs within the community.

· Understands health and safety standards,



regulations, policies and procedures and complies with them.

Contract Position Responsibilities

· Provide above responsibilities on Thursday’s for the Anti-Human Trafficking Safer House shelter.

· Wednesday – grocery shopping for 6 shelter participants

· Managing monthly grocery budget

· Requires use of personal vehicle

Qualifications:

· Minimum Completion of 2 years’ college in social work or human services, or equivalent

· Minimum one (1) year experience working with the homeless and/or marginalized individuals or equivalent training.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

· Demonstrate initiative, critical thinking and a self-directed working style.

· Understanding of anti-oppressive, feminist, low-barrier and trauma informed frameworks.

· Ability to effectively intervene with conflict resolution and crisis intervention.

· Mental Health First Aid, CTI & ASSIST training considered an asset.

· Level C First Aid and Vulnerable Screening Clearance (Police Check) Required upon hiring.

· Must maintain ability to travel to other shelter locations as requested during shift for working reasons.

At the YW, we consider our employees our biggest resource and asset. If you are looking to join a team that shares a passion for equity and that is working towards creating social change together here in Niagara, you have come to the right place! We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.

Pay: $26.25 per hour

Expected hours: 28.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person

📌 YWCA Team Advocate - Part-time (St. Catharines)
🏢 YWCA Niagara Region
📍 St. Catharines