South Shore Transition House (Harbour House)

As a Transition House Worker, you will be responsible for:

Crisis Support & Counseling

• Managing the Harbour House 24/7 support line and providing crisis and distress counseling, safety planning, and risk assessment
• Supporting women through trauma-informed, feminist-based counseling that promotes self-esteem, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Assessing needs, establishing rapport, and providing information on available supports and services

Intake, Case Management & Advocacy

• Completing intake, needs assessments, and determining eligibility for shelter services
• Developing and supporting case management and action plans, including goal setting and follow-up
• Assisting with referrals, appointments, paperwork, court preparation, and advocacy with community agencies

Client Care & House Operations

• Supporting a safe, respectful environment for women and children, including basic childcare support as needed
• Orienting residents to shelter guidelines, services, and communal living expectations
• Assisting with day-to-day house operations and responding effectively in crisis situations

Documentation, Teamwork & Professional Practice

• Maintaining accurate documentation and client records (including HIFIS)
• Participating in shift communication, meetings, and ongoing training
• Working collaboratively with staff and maintaining strict confidentiality in accordance with policy
• Performing other duties as reasonably required and contributing to continuous program delivery

As the successful applicant, you have:

• A trauma-informed feminist perspective.
• Compassion and energy with an interest and aptitude for working with women and children.
• A comprehensive understanding of domestic violence, the cycle of violence, and the challenges facing women wanting to leave an abusive situation.
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a high stress work environment.
• Well-developed interpersonal and counselling skills, as well as conflict management skills and be comfortable dealing with women and children of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to handle a crisis and carry out independent decision making.
• A university degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Women's Studies, or other related field is preferred. Equivalent combination of education/training/human services experience will also be considered.
• A clear understanding of woman abuse/violence against women
• First Aid and CPR
• WHMIS
• Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector, & Child Abuse Registry checks
• Previous experience in a residential setting, group facilitation, support counselling, and advocacy work in a community-based background are desirable assets.

South Shore Transition House Association "Harbour House" has supported women and children in Lunenburg and Queens Counties for almost 40 years. Harbour House is a safe non-judgemental, trauma-informed environment providing shelter and outreach services to women and their children who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence and abuse.

For more information on Harbour House please visit our website.

Position Specific Details:

• Location: Harbour House shelter, Bridgewater, NS
• Hours: 42 hours bi-weekly
• Schedule: 4-week rotating schedule consisting of:
• 6-hour evening shifts (7:00pm-1:00am)
• Includes weekends & holidays
• Opportunity to remain on-call and pick up additional relief shifts
• Wages: As per the Collective Agreement, starting at $27.94/hour

These positions require flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and additional shifts as needed in a 24/7 shelter environment.

Benefits to Working with Us:

• Unionized roles with access to sick leave, vacation leave, and holiday pay as outlined in the Collective Agreement (prorated)
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Meaningful, community-based work supporting women and children

South Shore Transition Housing Association is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our organization. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.