High Risk Coordinator, Intimate Partner Violence

Victim Services of Waterloo Region (VSWR) is a community based, not-for-profit organization that recognizes the importance of supporting all victims, witnesses, and their families in the aftermath of crime and sudden tragedy. VSWR believes that being treated with compassion, respect, and having access to the services that victims need is vital. VSWR provides support in ways that recognize each victim’s need for physical and emotional safety, as well as offering opportunities to have choices and control over the decisions affecting their lives.

Summary

This position will coordinate high-risk programing, namely the Mobile Tracking System (MTS) Program. The High Risk Coordinator will deliver a full range of trauma-informed, victim-centred support services to a caseload of up to 30 clients who are experiencing elevated risk to their safety due to Intimate Partner Violence, Human Trafficking, and/or Criminal Harassment. This position requires strong collaboration with police services and partner agencies, with a specific focus on collaborative work within the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region.

Responsibilities

• Manage the MTS Program by overseeing all aspects, including referrals, intake, eligibility determination, formal risk assessments, and ongoing client engagement
• Provide trauma-informed support, including crisis intervention, emotional support, psychoeducation, and practical assistance to clients facing high-risk situations involving Intimate Partner Violence, Human Trafficking, or Criminal Harassment
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments using validated tools to evaluate client safety needs and determine eligibility for the MTS Program
• Develop and implement individualized service plans that address both immediate and long-term needs, making appropriate community referrals to facilitate wrap around support
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and collaborate closely with partner agencies to ensure coordinated, wraparound support for clients
• Administer the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) as per the guidelines under the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) while conducting needs assessments with clients on an on-going basis
• Provide individualized and extensive safety planning for high risk clients
• Advocate on behalf of clients, liaising with professionals across legal, medical, housing, and social service systems to remove barriers and support client empowerment
• Inform high risk clients of the Victim Bill of Rights and legal processes, supporting clients in interactions with the criminal justice system
• Regularly update and maintain client files across multiple databases
• Cultivate and maintain professional connections with referring and supporting community agencies involved in gender-based violence work, including all partner agencies of the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region
• Support community education and outreach efforts by participating in public awareness initiatives related to gender-based violence and the MTS Program

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, direct service experience, and a strong understanding of the dynamics of gender-based violence. Specifically, they will possess:

• A post-secondary degree in social work or related human services field. A combination of equivalent education and relevant experience will also be considered
• A minimum of three (3) years direct service experience in crisis intervention, with a specific focus on supporting individuals impacted by Intimate Partner Violence and/or Human Trafficking
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with relevant community agencies
• Experience delivering support through a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive lens
• A solid understanding of how gender-based violence impacts individuals and families within diverse communities
• Proven experience conducting comprehensive risk assessments; familiarity or certification with tools such as the SARA or B-SAFER is considered an asset
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, particularly in high-stress or crisis situations
• Working knowledge of services provided by local community agencies in order to arrange appropriate referrals and foster inter-agency collaboration
• Proven ability to use computer software and database tools

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every listed qualification. If you’re passionate about supporting survivors of gender-based violence and believe you can bring value to this role, we want to hear from you. We recognize that skills and experience can be gained in a variety of ways, including through lived experience and non-traditional career paths.

Working Conditions & Requirements

• FT 35 hours/week, on-site, working primarily out of VSWR and FVP locations throughout Waterloo Region, with travel required
• After hours on-call support as required on a rotating basis
• A valid G Class Ontario driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle is required to fulfill the requirements of this position
• Successful completion of a detailed criminal background check
• This position exposes the incumbent to possible vicarious trauma that results from empathetic engagement with recently traumatized clients

Job Type: Full-time, Contract

Contract length: 6 months, with the possibility of extension

Deadline to apply by: Friday August 29th, 2025 at 5pm

Successful Applicant Start Date: October 2025

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

To apply, please email a cover letter AND resume to: monique.ekres@wrps.on.ca

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

*** All new offers of employment are subject to a Criminal Records Check satisfactory to the employer. Prior to making an offer of employment to a candidate, references will be verified and must be acceptable to Victim Services. A comprehensive background check will include a police/criminal check, personal history evaluation, education check, license and insurance verification. Reference and background checks may not be limited to these and will be approved by the Agency. ***

Victim Services of Waterloo Region values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Thank you for your interest.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 6 months

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Ontario Driver's License (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-08-29