Outreach and Shelter Caseworker

Job Details: The Outreach and Shelter Caseworker provides integrated support to victims of family violence. This unique role bridges in-shelter care with community-based outreach, ensuring continuity of support for clients whether they are residing in shelter, transitioning out, or accessing services in the community. This position will provide crisis intervention, advocacy, education, and practical support with a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. This position strengthens both the immediate safety net (shelter services) and the long-term resilience network (community supports, prevention, and education).

Kirsten’s Place is in Olds, Alberta and provides temporary shelter for individuals and their children who are fleeing domestic violence. We offer support for adults, and their children, through our trauma informed case management that focuses on individualized goals, emotional support, safety planning, resource navigation and advocacy to assist our clients and their children as they build a new life free from violence.

Key Responsibilities

In Shelter Duties:

Social and Emotional Support

• Completes intakes for clients and their children and answers calls regarding referrals to the shelter, in consultation with the Program Director.
• Provide trauma-informed individual emotional support to shelter clients.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop service plans to understand each clients’ needs, strengths, preferences and barriers.
• Offer crisis intervention and coping strategies for clients dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other challenges.
• Assist with social media postings, and fundraising as required,
• Facilitate educational support groups based on needs of clients in the shelter.
• Connect clients and their children to external therapy and mental health resources as needed.
• Complete outcome measures for the program

Advocacy and Resource Navigation

• Assist clients in navigating complex systems, including legal aid, financial support and housing programs.
• Provide referrals and direct links to resources based on the client’s individualized plan.
• Advocate for clients within healthcare, law enforcement, child protective services and court system navigation as needed.

Outreach Duties:

Client Support & Advocacy

• Work with women, men, and families in the community who are experiencing or have experienced family violence.
• Conduct danger assessments and collaboratively develop responsive safety plans.
• Assist with applications and advocacy for financial, legal, housing, and other supports (e.g., Income Support, Escaping Abuse Benefit, government programs, courts, healthcare).
• Provide accompaniment to appointments when appropriate.

Community Education & Awareness

• Facilitate presentations, awareness campaigns, and group sessions to build understanding of family violence, healthy relationships, and natural supports.
• Represent the organization at schools, community groups, and public events to promote prevention initiatives.
• Distribute resources, posters, and program materials throughout the county to maintain visibility of shelter and outreach services.
• Support organizational visibility through partnerships, media, and social media initiatives.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Attend interagency meetings and collaborate with other service providers to create wrap-around supports for clients.
• Participate in community initiatives that strengthen awareness, coordination, and response to family violence.
• Maintain strong referral pathways and serve as a liaison between outreach, the shelter and external agencies.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, or a related Human Services field preferred, however a combination of both education and work experience may be considered.
• Minimum two years experience working in the human services field.
• Eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers or related professional body (preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge of family violence, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
• Willingness to travel between communities within the county and greater region.
• Strong understanding of community resources, social service systems, and advocacy practices.
• Valid First Aid/CPR and ASIST certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of social media and Canva an asset.
• Clear Police Intervention Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Intervention Check
• Valid Alberta Drivers License and a clean driving abstract
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, based on program needs
• Ability to work in a team and with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to be flexible in job duties and responsibilities and work collaboratively as a team.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences and to work under pressure

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary and benefit package, including paid time off.
• Positive work environment where people can see the impact of the individuals we serve.
• Training and career development opportunities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Requires occasional lifting and manual labor.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Commitment to self-care and resilience-building practices to manage the emotional demands of the role.

MVESS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.