Position: Awake Overnight Shelter Counselor (Full-Time Temporary Contract)

Reports to: Shelter Services Manager

Hours of Work: Regularly scheduled over 30 hours per week: Awake overnight shifts (11pm-7:30am)

Week 1- (Monday through Thursday)

Week 2- (Sunday through Thursday)

Contract Date: Immediate start – December 31, 2026. This contract is to back-fill an individual who is on a job-protected leave. Possibility of extension.

Hourly Wage: $23.08

In partnership with our diverse community, Bethesda House provides inclusive, secure emergency shelter, outreach services, survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education, and other supports to women and their children, empowering them to overcome the fear and oppression resulting from all forms of gender-based violence and abuse.

Bethesda House is seeking a compassionate and skilled Shelter Counsellor to provide trauma-informed support to women, children, and youth impacted by violence.

Position Summary

Within a residential setting, the Shelter Counselor provides professional casework, counselling, advocacy, crisis intervention and referrals to women, children and youth impacted by gender-based violence. The Shelter Counsellor supports residents in a confidential, trauma-informed, and empowering manner, while promoting safety, self-determination and access to appropriate community resources.

Key Responsibilities

Counselling & Casework

- Provide individual and group counselling to women and families impacted by abuse.
- Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and ongoing case management to shelter residents.
- Assist residents in identifying their needs, strengths, goals, and available options.
- Support residents in developing and implementing individualized safety plans.
- Provide information, referrals, and advocacy related to housing, legal services, financial assistance, healthcare, social services, and other community resources.
- Assist residents with navigating systems and accessing appropriate services and supports.
- Maintain accurate, timely,



and confidential case notes and documentation.
- Participate in case conferences and collaborative case management as required.
- Support residents in developing skills and strategies that promote independence, safety, and well-being.

Shelter Counselling and Crisis Support

- Respond to crisis calls on the 24-hour support line.
- Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to women experiencing abuse, violence, or other related crises.
- Conduct intake and assessment of residents entering the shelter and provide appropriate orientation and support.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and critical incidents within the shelter.
- Monitor and respond to the changing needs and safety concerns of residents.
- Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive shelter workplace.
- Provide practical and emotional support to residents during their stay and transition planning.

Advocacy & Referrals

- Advocate on behalf of residents with community agencies, government services, healthcare providers, legal services, housing providers, and other systems.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant community resources and services.
- Provide appropriate referrals based on residents’ identified needs and goals.
- Liaise with community partners and service providers to support coordinated care and continuity of services.
- Assist residents in accessing resources that support long-term safety, stability, and independence.

Shelter Operations and Team Responsibilities

- Participate in regular team meetings, case consultations, supervision, and professional development.




- Work collaboratively with shelter staff to ensure consistent and effective support for residents.
- Follow organizational policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and health and safety practices.
- Complete required documentation and administrative duties in a timely manner.
- Participate in shelter programming, activities, and initiatives as required.
- Contribute to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, trauma-informed, and client-centered shelter environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

- Post-secondary education in Social Services, Counselling, Child & Youth Work, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Experience working with women who have experienced abuse or at-risk women, preferably in a shelter setting
- Strong understanding of gender-based violence and trauma-informed practice
- Ability to facilitate groups and work collaboratively within a team
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and crisis response skills
- Commitment to confidentiality, cultural safety, and non-judgmental practice
- Level C AED First Aid & CPR valid for at least 1 year Required
- Criminal Reference Check (with Vulnerable Sector clearance) Required
- Food Handlers (Asset)

Additional Requirements

- Flexibility to meet program and client needs, including evenings and weekends
- Ability to perform light to medium physical tasks
- Competent use of computers and office equipment

If you would like to be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to the Executive Director via email at [email protected] or apply via the online job posting.

Bethesda House is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all. We welcome applicants who share our values and dedication to supporting women, children, and youth living free from violence.

Although we welcome all to apply. Those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

📌 Full-Time Temporary Contract- Awake Overnight Shelter Counsellor (Bowmanville)
🏢 Bethesda House ON
📍 Bowmanville