homeless shelter worker

Title posted on indeed.com - Shelter Worker

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Employer details Women's Rural Resource Centre of Strathroy & Area

Job details

Women?s Rural Resource Centre is seeking a strong, kind, compassionate woman-centered Women and Family Services Advocate (WFSA) for a full time position up to 33 hours a week. Reporting to the Shelter Supervisor and working closely with the Women and Family Services Teams, the WFSA is accountable to create a safe, engaging and supportive environment for vulnerable women and families impacted by violence and abuse. The WFSA will be an essential role in providing direct support, kindness and services to women and children in the shelter as well our 24-hour crisis helpline and walk ins. Our services include a 24-hour helpline and emergency shelter, risk assessment and safety planning, advocacy, system navigation, individual and group healing opportunities, counselling, programming, education for prevention, and community development. We are seeking a motivated individual who shares our values and commitment to helping women and children, to join our team. We come alongside one woman, one family at a time, to support them on their healing journey, while working towards restoring the broader wellbeing of our community. We have a vision for a vibrant connected community where individuals can thrive in healthy relationships. *Key Responsibilities * In a manner consistent with the agency?s values and aligned with the agency?s vision and purposes, the WFSA will: * Provide immediate assistance, emotional support, crisis intervention, and safety planning for women and children who are or have experienced violence, ensuring they feel safe and heard. * Crisis support to women and individuals who walk in, over the telephone and in shelter. * Enhance women?s capacity to make informed choices by active listening, identifying strengths, and reviewing options while they access WRRC services either through the shelter, helpline, or walk-in. * Conduct shelter intakes with kindness and empathy, building trust and rapport with callers and residents. Gather information about residents' needs and assess their immediate safety requirements. * Respond to crisis calls, providing appropriate support and internal and/or external referrals where necessary. * Provide and complete strength-based assessments and risk assessments for women seeking services at WRRC. * Maintain accurate and confidential records of resident interactions, services provided, programs attended and follow-up actions. * Support the implementation and facilitation of programming for shelter residents. * Create an individual care plan with and for all residents after assessing needs with resident. Sharing important information with the team to best support the resident and family. * Act as the care lead when attending meetings with the client and community partners when appropriate. * Assist with all shelter duties such as room checks, meal preparation, and support during mealtimes to ensure nutritional needs are met. * Assist with house meetings as needed. * To support with shelter upkeep, complete housekeeping tasks such as general cleaning, laundry, and room preparation for incoming residents to maintain a clean, welcoming and safe environment. * Maintain security of the shelter, monitor entrances and security cameras, conduct regular checks, and ensure all safety protocols are followed. * Maintain shelter expectations and guidelines and address any safety concerns as it relates to WRRC Health and Safety protocols. * Address and resolve emotionally unsafe situations using a person-centered approach. Ensure all incidents are accurately documented and shared during shift change to maintain continuity of care and compliance with shelter policies. * Address and mediate any conflicts that arise between residents, promoting a peaceful and respectful environment. * Work collaboratively with other shelter staff, volunteers, and external partners to ensure comprehensive support for residents. * Engage with clients and community members in a respectful, non-judgmental, and supportive way