About Us:

KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980.  Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary:

The Sexual Assault Services (SAS) Caseworker is a frontline, community-based role delivering trauma-informed, client-centered support to individuals impacted by sexualized assault and violence. The program provides provides services, support, and information to victims of sexual assault, assisting them to navigate the criminal justice system. It also provides accompaniment and support to survivors of sexual assault to access healthcare services, safety planning, and community supports. 

This program supports individuals of all genders and is grounded in inclusive, participant-centered practice.

The SAS Caseworker liaises with key partners including RCMP, SART, Crown Counsel and other community service providers, to enhance the safety and support of victims of sexual assault. The role ensures coordinated, timely support while maintaining accurate, confidential documentation in alignment with established policies and procedures. This position focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for victims of sexual assault and violence to address the impacts of violence and enhance safety and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed and response-based support, and direct service to victims of sexualized assault including navigation of the criminal justice, family law, health, child welfare and other related systems.

• Conduct intake, risk assessment, and safety planning; develop survivor-led service plans and informed consent processes while ensuring culturally safe and trauma informed care.

• Provide general information on the justice system, relevant federal and provincial legislation and programs pertaining to victims of crime, crime prevention, safety planning, and available community, government, justice, health, and other resources.

• Assess and address victims’ needs for additional supports, make appropriate referrals to community, government, justice, health, housing, immigration, and other services, while documenting referrals and outcomes.

• Facilitate and provide access to information related to police investigations, charges, protective orders, sentence/probation/parole, courtroom procedures, and court etiquette. Provide courtroom orientation as needed.

• Assist clients with completing applications for programs such as Crime Victim Assistance Program, provincial supports, and victim impact statements, while coordinating and tracking related paperwork.

• Provide or facilitate, with informed consent, accompaniment to police, Crown Counsel, or court appearances. Support clients through the criminal justice process, including updates and restitution processes.

• Maintain a professional, collaborative working relationship with Sexual Assault serving services (SART, SAFE), local community, justice, health, and other service providers. Participate in cross-system planning as appropriate.

• Lead or participate in case conferencing with partners (police, Crown, probation) and other community agencies, ensuring information sharing is compliant with legislation, policy, and individual consent.

• Facilitate or provide advocacy support, including accompaniment to appointments (police, court, medical) and liaison with partner agencies. Support client-centered decision-making.

• Engage in outreach and community education activities to raise awareness about Sexual Assault services, consent, and available supports. Build community partnerships with Indigenous organizations and Sexual Assault/ IPVU-serving networks.

• Understand and apply knowledge about sexual assault and high-risk domestic violence and refer to the Interagency Case Assessment Team (ICAT) as indicated by the assessed risk level.

• Develop and maintain positive, trusting relationships with clients.

• Maintain accurate, timely case notes and participant files, document service delivery, referrals, outcomes, and client progress in accordance with agency policy and funder requirements.

• Maintain and submit accurate statistics and reports as required by the funder, the Society or as requested by Community Program Manager.

• Ensure that policies and procedures are adhered to in the delivery of service.

• Participate and contribute as a member of the Victim Services and Community Programs teams.

• Adhere to the philosophies, policies, procedures and Code of Ethics of the Society.

• Report to the Community Program Manager and participate in regular supervision and team meetings as required.

• Ensure that personal safety of self is at the forefront in delivery of services.

• Communicate promptly with the Community Program Manager regarding any personal safety concerns.

• Participate in professional development through workshops, in service training, etc. as required.

• Develop and maintain current knowledge of the effects of power-based crimes and the justice systems.

• Communicate with team regarding Sexual Assault Services Program. Provides information to team with respect to serving victims of crime.
• Participate in community coordination, presentations, and public awareness activities to promote the Sexual Assault Services program, increase awareness of power-based crimes, enhance client services, and support program initiatives as required the Community Program Manager.
• Represent the Society positively and professionally in the community and in all activities.

• Build and maintain a network of working relationships with other community service providers, community groups, etc. to develop programming, coordinate program delivery, ensure effective referrals and a good continuum of care.

• Participate in program development through collaboration with the Program Leadership Team and make recommendations to create and enhance programming designed for those affected by power-based crime.

• Process confidential Third-Party Reports (TPRs). Receive, process, and securely submit anonymous sexual assault reports to police on behalf of survivors who wish to report an offense without identifying themselves or participating directly in a criminal investigation.

• Duties and responsibilities may be reasonably modified from time to time to ensure alignment with funder contracts, operational requirements, and the evolving needs of KWS.

Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in social work, criminology, counselling, or related field.
• 2 or more years’ experience in Sexual Assault program, Community Based Victim Services, Stopping the Violence counselling/outreach, DVU/ICAT coordination, or similar anti-violence roles.
• Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check (Enhanced Criminal Record Check may be required.)
• Valid BC driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Location: Central Okanagan

Hours of Work:

·       35 hours work week (flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed),

Pay: $32.52/hour

Benefits:

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Paid Sick Leave
• Long Term Disability
• Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• KWS Thrift Store Discount

Closing Date: once filled

Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.

• Answer incoming phone calls including, taking messages, making appointments, responding to individuals in crisis or requiring support and information, screening potential new program participants and recording call information. 
• Admit and discharge program participants and their children including, assessing risk, filling out intake and other required forms, creating safety plans, and orienting new program participants and their children (reviewing fire safety, security, house rules/procedures, facility, and services). 
• Provide support by way of active listening, providing clarification, assessment of needs/risk, goal setting, creating action plans, offering encouragement, and sharing information about services, housing, and community resources. 
• Monitors and ensures the safety and comfort of the program participants and their children and the security of the facility. 
• De-escalates and facilitates resolution of conflicts between program participants residing at the Transition House. 
• Assist in the arranging of transportation for program participants and their children, to outside appointments and services. 
• Ensure household tasks such as laundry, housecleaning, garbage/recycling disposal, grocery shopping, and maintaining supplies are completed, and arrange for maintenance work to be performed as needed. 
• Maintain related case notes, documents, forms, and statistics, and provide reports to the supervisor as required. 
• Liaise with other service agencies and professionals and maintain current knowledge of issues and resources related to domestic abuse. 
• Attend, and participate in staff, and other, meetings as required. 
• Attend, and participate in, training/certification programs. 
• Orient and assign duties to new staff, volunteers and students as needed. 
• Perform other related duties as required. 

• Diploma in a related human/social service field with one-year recent related experience or equivalent. 
• Good working knowledge of domestic abuse and community resources. 
• Ability to provide feminist-centered support with empathy and respect. 
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Skill in assisting individuals in crisis with non-judgmental services. 
• Maintaining records and engaging in program evaluation. 

• A suitable Criminal Records Check for working with vulnerable people. 
• Intermediate First Aid (OFA 2) (previously Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR level B) 

About Us: 

KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980.  Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary: 

The Frontline Support Worker provides program participants and their children that identify as being at risk of and/or fleeing domestic abuse with support, security, advocacy, information, education, crisis intervention, referral information and temporary housing at the Transition House.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Answer incoming phone calls including, taking messages, making appointments, responding to individuals in crisis or requiring support and information, screening potential new program participants and recording call information.
• Admit and discharge program participants and their children including, assessing risk, filling out intake and other required forms, creating safety plans, and orienting new program participants and their children (reviewing fire safety, security, house rules/procedures, facility, and services).
• Provide support by way of active listening, providing clarification, assessment of needs/risk, goal setting, creating action plans, offering encouragement, and sharing information about services, housing, and community resources.
• Monitors and ensures the safety and comfort of the program participants and their children and the security of the facility. 
• De-escalates and facilitates resolution of conflicts between program participants residing at the Transition House.
• Assist in the arranging of transportation for program participants and their children, to outside appointments and services.
• Ensure household tasks such as laundry, housecleaning, garbage/recycling disposal, grocery shopping, and maintaining supplies are completed, and arrange for maintenance work to be performed as needed. 
• Maintain related case notes, documents, forms, and statistics, and provide reports to the supervisor as required.
• Liaise with other service agencies and professionals and maintain current knowledge of issues and resources related to domestic abuse. 
• Attend, and participate in staff, and other, meetings as required.
• Attend, and participate in, training/certification programs.
• Orient and assign duties to new staff, volunteers and students as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements: 

• Diploma in a related human/social service field with one-year recent related experience or equivalent.
• Good working knowledge of domestic abuse and community resources.
• Ability to provide feminist-centered support with empathy and respect.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.
• Skill in assisting individuals in crisis with non-judgmental services.
• Maintaining records and engaging in program evaluation.

Additional Requirements:

• A suitable Criminal Records Check for working with vulnerable people.
• Membership in the Union is required.
• Intermediate First Aid (OFA 2) (previously Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR level B)

Location: Kelowna Transition House

Hours of Work:

10-hour shifts offered with the following times: 6:30 am - 4:30 pm, 11:00am - 9:00 pm, 8:45 pm - 6:45 am. Required availability includes at least one shift from each time slot per week. 

Pay: $31.56/hour

Closing Date: Until filled

Why Join Us?

Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to create safer, more empowered communities. Apply now to be a part of our dedicated team at Kelowna Women’s Shelter.

How to Apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role. 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Join us in making a difference!

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

• Provide immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, and supportive listening. 
• Conduct intakes, risk assessments, and collaborative safety planning. 
• Develop survivor-led service plans using informed consent and trauma-informed care. 
• Assist clients with applications (e.g., Crime Victim Assistance Program, victim impact statements). 
• Accompany clients to police, court, Crown Counsel, medical, housing, or other appointments (with consent). 

• Provide clear information about police processes, investigations, charges, protective orders, and court procedures. 
• Offer court orientation and explain legal rights, responsibilities, and options. 
• Support clients through the criminal justice process, including updates and restitution information. 

• Work collaboratively with CYAC, RCMP, Crown Counsel, probation, child welfare, health services, child and family serving organizations and community agencies. 
• Participate in case conferencing and cross-system planning, ensuring confidentiality and consent. 
• Engage in outreach and community education to raise awareness of victim services and power-based violence. 
• Build strong relationships with Indigenous organizations, child and family serving organizations and community partners. 

• Maintain accurate, confidential client files, case notes, and service records. 
• Collect and submit statistics and reports in accordance with funder and organizational requirements. 
• Follow all policies, procedures, and ethical standards. 

• Strong understanding of the criminal and family justice systems, health and child welfare systems. 
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Victims of Crime Act, CFCS Act, PIPA). 
• Knowledge of child development and the impacts of power based violence within family and caregiving contexts   
• Proven crisis management skills and comfort working in high-pressure situations. 
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to inclusive, respectful practice. 
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and adherence to privacy standards. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and client management systems. 

• Degree or diploma in social work, criminology, counselling, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in community-based victim services, anti-violence work, or a related role. 
• Valid BC driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. 
• Clear criminal records check and vulnerable sector check (enhanced check may be required). 

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Paid Sick Leave
• Long Term Disability
• Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance 
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• KWS Thrift Store Discount

About Us
Kelowna Women’s Shelter has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980.  Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, outreach services, PEACE program, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary
The Community Support Navigator will provide compassionate, non-judgmental support, crisis intervention, and essential resources to individuals experiencing domestic violence. As the first point of contact with our agency, this role will provide information regarding domestic violence and abuse, and related programs and services both internal and external to the agency.

Community Support Program team members provide sessions at a safe location, by phone or virtual technology. These sessions include emotional care, risk assessments, safety planning, goal setting, referrals to community services, and information about domestic violence. The program is designed to walk alongside individuals on their journey toward a life free from violence and abuse

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a participant caseload with the focus on participant relationship and support.
• Provide support with safety planning, case planning based on the participants’ inherent strengths and resilience, parenting support, and information on community resources that are available to meet the needs of the participants.
• Answer the two main phone lines operated by Kelowna Women’s Shelter, including the main Helpline, and the Hope Helpline, with a focus on calls that pertain to those who are in imminent danger.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention, including danger assessment, safety planning, and program eligibility assessment to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence who are in imminent danger – including access to transition house space, Kelowna Women’s Shelter programs and other community resources
• Deliver program assessment, engagement, crisis intervention, goal and case planning, skills coaching, and program completion, consulting with the Community Support Coordinator as necessary. Meetings with participants may occur via phone, virtually, in person on location or in a safe location in the community.
• Attend appointments such as housing interviews, court dates, and medical appointments as required.
• Provide presentations, group-based programming, and participate in public awareness activities about services and issues of abuse as requested. 
• Utilize engagement skills to help participants to feel validated and supported, provide participants with practical and emotional supports that focus on their here-and-now needs, and assist participants in overcoming crisis.
• Collaborate closely community resources such as RCMP, Victim Services, housing, financial assistance, mental health and substance use to assist participants in accessing resources to meet identified needs. 
• Completes the Danger Assessment Lethality Tool as appropriate with participants to determine level of danger to enhance the safety planning process.
• Is an advocate and maintains relationships within the agency and with external professionals to provide a client led support system for participants.
• Complete and maintain the participants’ documentation requirements within established timelines (Assessment, transition and second stage referral, Consent Form, Danger Assessment, Case Planning, Case Notes, Non-Critical Incident Reports, and Exit surveys).
• Responsible for managing risk with participants, including identifying risk to self or others, and risks of harm to children. When risk is identified, consulting with others as needed, escalating these concerns to the coordinator, and following established processes and documentation
• Attendance at monthly team member meetings and KWS team member meetings as required.
• Maintain current police and vulnerable sector checks, professional registration (if applicable), and required related training (e.g., First Aid, Crisis Intervention, Indigenous, Diversity, response-based).
• Ensure case management documentation and program information are maintained in an accurate, timely, professional, and confidential manner, meeting KWS, Funder, and sector standards
• Maintain accurate logs and compile statistical records to support program needs and inform Coordinator of ongoing program development and evaluation
• Perform other related duties as required. 

 Requirements

• Diploma in Human Services or related field required.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience or a combination of experience working in the social services sector with vulnerable populations and education.
• ASIST Training
• Knowledge of, or experience with, Response Based Practice.

 Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check required.
• Intermediate First Aid Certification
• Valid BC driver’s license.
• Access to a reliable vehicle and willingness to meet participants off site when required.

 Location

Kelowna and surrounding areas.

Working Hours

• 10 hour shifts; 4-4-4 rotating shift schedule (days, afternoons, overnight)
• 4 on and 4 off

 Benefits

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Long Term Disability
• Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store Discount

Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to create safer, more empowered communities. Apply now to be a part of our dedicated team at Kelowna Women’s Shelter.

How to Apply?
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Join us in making a difference!

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Your willingness to give your time and energy means so much to our team and the community we serve. 

Please fill out the volunteer application form to let us know about your areas of interest and available hours.  The team at KWS will reach out when we have opportunities in your area of interest! 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Who we are:  
Since 1980, Central Okanagan Emergency Shelter Society (COESS), operates as Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS), has strived to end abuse and build hope by providing a range of prevention, education, advocacy, and support services for individuals and children impacted by Domestic Abuse. 

What’s in it for you?  
At Kelowna Women’s Shelter, volunteers play a vital role in helping us achieve our vision of a community free from abuse. We believe that every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. 

Impact Areas 

Thrift Store Your friendly attitude, careful work, and willingness to help make shopping a great experience for our customers and participants. What you do also helps raise important funds for programs and services that support our community. Must be able to lift 30 lbs, navigate stairs, and commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month. 

Event support Your energy and organization makes a difference—supporting planning, setup, and on-the-ground coordination to create smooth, engaging, and well-organized events.  

Projects and Support Bring your ideas! Your skills and commitment to impact-driven projects or work will support the organization in their vision of a community free from abuse.  

Governance Start the conversation to join our Board of Directors. You bring commitment to creating meaningful change by providing strategic leadership, strong governance, and thoughtful oversight to shape our vision, amplify community impact, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

Programs Bring your ideas! Your skills and commitment to creating a safer community will support the organization in their vision of a community free from abuse. Criminal Record Check required. 

At this time, you must be over 18 years of age to volunteer.  

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. 

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing or impacted by domestic violence and would like support or want to know more about our programs please reach out anytime. We are here for you. If you are in immediate danger please call 911. 
24 hour helpline: 250-763-1040 
24 hour textline: 236-970-0704 
Support Email:support@kelownawomensshelter.ca