Interval House of Hamilton is seeking a Rural Community Development & Outreach Worker to help strengthen how women living in rural Hamilton connect with violence-against-women services and supports.

This is a highly community-based role for someone who enjoys getting out from behind a desk, building relationships, identifying gaps and finding creative ways to reach people who may not otherwise connect with traditional services.

Reporting to the Manager of Community Programs, you will work throughout rural Hamilton to build relationships with organizations, professionals, businesses, community groups and other trusted community settings. You will help create and strengthen referral pathways, increase awareness of IHOH and WEARS services, provide community education, and identify current ways of reaching women who experience geographic, transportation, cultural, technological or other barriers to accessing support.

This position is primarily focused on community development, engagement and outreach rather than ongoing case management. When a woman experiencing violence is identified through outreach, the Worker will provide immediate information and brief support and help facilitate a safe connection to appropriate IHOH, WEARS or community services.

What You’ll Do:

In this role, you will:

Proactively engage rural communities and increase awareness of WEARS and IHOH services.

Map rural communities to identify underserved areas, populations, service gaps and opportunities for greater engagement.

Build new relationships and referral pathways with healthcare providers, pharmacies, libraries, schools, housing and food-security programs, agricultural and rural organizations, faith and cultural communities, employers, municipal services and other organizations serving rural residents.

Strengthen IHOH's network of rural safe spaces and trusted community access points.

Develop pop-up outreach, information sessions, presentations and other opportunities to bring services and information directly into rural communities.

Provide public and professional education on intimate partner violence, domestic violence, coercive control and gender-based violence.

Help community organizations recognize potential signs of intimate partner violence, respond safely to disclosures and connect women with appropriate services.

Develop innovative and culturally responsive approaches to reaching women who may be geographically or socially isolated.

Provide brief support, information and warm referrals when women experiencing violence are identified through community engagement.

Track outreach, partnerships, referral pathways and resulting referrals to help us understand what is working — and where we need to do more.

Represent IHOH and WEARS at community events, meetings, networks and service-provider tables.





The full position also includes program reporting, data collection, participation in organizational activities and occasional coverage within IHOH's emergency shelter when required.

Who We’re Looking For:

You are someone who is proactive, resourceful and comfortable initiating relationships. You don't wait for community members to find you — you look for opportunities to bring information, resources and pathways to them.

You are an excellent relationship builder who can work independently in the community while remaining connected and accountable to a broader team. You are comfortable presenting to groups, engaging with diverse communities and adapting your approach when traditional service-delivery methods aren't working.

You bring sound judgement, professional boundaries, compassion and a strong understanding of intersectional, feminist and trauma-informed practice.

Qualifications

Candidates must have

A diploma or undergraduate degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, Community Development, Human Services or a related discipline from a recognized college or university.

3–5 years of relevant experience in gender-based violence, women's services, community outreach, social services or a related field.

Demonstrated experience conducting proactive, mobile or community-based outreach.

Experience developing relationships and creating pathways between community members, organizations, informal networks and formal support services.

Knowledge of the realities affecting women experiencing gender-based violence in rural communities, including geographic isolation, transportation, connectivity, confidentiality, housing and service-access barriers.

Ability to provide appropriate crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, information, advocacy and referral within the scope of the position.

Robust facilitation, presentation, communication and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in community-based settings.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn electronic documentation and reporting systems.

Membership with an applicable professional college, where applicable, is considered an asset.

Travel & Schedule

This is an in-person, community-based position. A significant portion of the role is spent travelling throughout rural Hamilton, engaging directly with communities and community partners,



with regular check-ins at the Women's Rural Hub in Flamborough.

Hours are generally 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with the work schedule rotating between Monday–Friday and Tuesday–Saturday. Some evening work and flexibility to attend community events, meetings, education sessions and outreach opportunities are required. Weekly hours will not exceed 37.5.

Candidates require a valid driver's licence and access to an insured, roadworthy vehicle with a minimum of $2 million liability coverage, or an alternate demonstrated ability to meet the regular travel requirements of the position. A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check is also required. Fluency in French and/or another language reflective of the communities we serve is an asset.

About Interval House of Hamilton

Interval House of Hamilton works to support women and children experiencing abuse and violence and to create safer, stronger communities. This position is part of our work to reduce the unique barriers faced by women living in rural Hamilton and strengthen the capacity of rural communities to recognize and respond to gender-based violence.

IHOH is an SEIU-unionized workplace, and this position is covered by the current collective agreement.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume to:

Carol: [email protected]

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment & Recruitment Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Due to the changing nature of work and work to be done, other responsibilities may be assigned, and qualifications may be altered. This indicates the general nature and level of work expected and may not cover a fully comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities.

IHOH is a living wage ambassador and an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce. IHOH recognizes that a diverse staff team working in an inclusive environment will make superior and more innovative decisions, better serving the organization and, consequently, the population it serves. We welcome applications of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact your interview lead for assistance.

Consistent with legislation, please be advised that once you submit your resume or application, your information will be retained for three (3) full years. Additionally, if you are selected for an interview, your interview information will also be retained for three (3) full years. Finally, we do not use AI technology to review, assess or select candidates.

Pay: $27.82-$32.92 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Rural Community Development & Outreach Worker (Canada)
🏢 Interval House of Hamilton
📍 Canada