Position: Residential Support Worker
Location: Kitchener, Anselma House
Hours of Work: Overnights, 11:30pm to 7:30am (working shift)
Start Date: September 2025
End Date: Approximately June 20, 2026
Pay Rate: Current pay rate is $28.36 per hour
Number of roles: 1 vacancy , posting internally and externally
Status: Full-Time Contract
Agency Overview
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR*) provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing abusive relationships. We operate two shelters: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. Our facilities operate on a 24/7 basis, and we pride ourselves in being more than shelter. We also offer a robust region-wide outreach support program which supports families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse. *WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Position Overview
So, how do we define a Residential Support Worker? The main buckets of work will include;
· supporting women and children to move beyond violence by providing crisis line support, safety planning, ongoing assessment, emotional support through one to one and group activities
· providing community referrals/information, discharge planning and advocacy
· support women to adapt to communal living and facilitate their transition to independence
Given this description we are anticipating the successful candidate would have the following skills and experience;
· BSW from a recognized University – preference will be given to MSWs
· SSW from a recognized College with two years’ experience in the VAW Sector
· A related or relevant degree or diploma with five years of experience in a related field
· Flexibility and priority setting required to de-escalate crisis situations and to manage the multiple demand of the role.
· Knowledge of the effects of all types of abuse on both women and children.
· Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations.
· Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to multi-task.
· Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of women and children, such as ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, survivors of trauma, mental health and addiction issues.
· Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines.
· Current knowledge of basic criminal and family law, The Child and Family Services Act and related legal issues and resources.
· Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills.
· Proficient in the use of computer software.
The following would be assets:
· Experience in providing crisis intervention, trauma informed, harm reduction support and advocacy, risk and ongoing assessments.
· Experience working with interpreters.
· Knowledge of and skills in accessing and utilizing appropriate community resources.
· Valid First Aid/CPR-C Certificate.
· Ability to speak in two or more languages.
We do also have some general employment eligibility requirements.
· Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
What makes WCSWR a great place to work?
· A full team of staff that are passionate about the cause and about helping others (strong values alignment)
· A culture of encouragement and celebration
· Leaders that are committed to continuous improvement and listen to and act on feedback
· A supportive working environment committed to continuous learning and growth
· Internal programs committed to staff wellness, engagement and development
Please submit cover letter and resume on or before September 15, 2025 to:
Joyce Birnstihl
Human Resources Manager
700 Heritage Drive Kitchener, ON N2A3N9
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, to Joyce Birnstihl, Human Resources Manager.
Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 9 months
Pay: From $28.36 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 40 per week
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-09-15