Relief Women’s Advocate

Job Information

• Number of Vacancies: 2
• Type of
  
  Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Hours of Work: 0-14 Hours/Week
• Compensation: $25.76
• Job Code: 11-MRE-2026
• Start Date:
  
  TBD
• Posting
  
  Start Date:
  
  June 10th, 2026
• Posting
  
  Start Date:
  
  June 17th, 2026
• Department:
  Children's Services
• Location:
  
  Hamilton, ON

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are committed to providing meaningful and accessible services that create opportunities to amplify voices and co-create gender-inclusive and equitable communities.

Grounded in our core values of intersectional feminism, people-centered approaches, belonging, shared responsibility and strong partnerships, our work is guided by the belief that lasting change can be created together. YWCA Hamilton envisions an equitable world where women (cis and trans), girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have the rights and resources to shape their own lives and lead their communities. Join us in taking bold action that leads to life-changing impacts in our community.

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package that may include extended health benefits and paid sick time (eligibility criteria applies)

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, gender diverse people and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

Provides support and services to women and gender non-binary individuals in life transition residing in housing at the YWCA Hamilton Transitional Living. Supports include crisis intervention, supportive counselling, referral advocacy, goal planning, programming and group facilitation to meet the needs of women in crisis.

• Assists in the operation of day to day shelter needs and working collaboratively with women to facilitate a plan to safe and effective independence;
• Conducts intake meetings and assessments of clients/residents to identify client needs, provides information and referrals in the areas of housing, health, employment, education, social assistance matters, and counselling;
• Maintains appropriate record keeping and reporting in accordance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures, and department specific procedures;
• Provides reports and updates to Program Management when required;
• Communicates, advocates and collaborates with community agencies (e.g. courts, legal services, housing) to provide resources and referrals to clients/residents;
• Works with clients/residents individually and/or in groups to improve social and living skills by providing regular programming (e.g. goal setting, safety plans, planning);
• Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor;
• Provides crisis intervention and counselling support;
• Participates in case conference meetings and case management development;
• Provides light housekeeping (preparing room for occupancy and clean units as clients move out, laundry) and serves prepared food to residents;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
• Provides front line desk support including safety and security for Transitional Living building during evening and weekend hours;
• Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Provides recommendations to strengthen existing policies and/or processes;
• Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Perform other duties as required.

• Full Time works 37.50-hour week, Part Time works 15-29 hours per week and relief works 0-14 hours per week (no guarantee of hours) rotating shifts (days, afternoons, evenings, nights) – weekday and/or weekend;
• Regularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolution;
• Work environment may be hostile or violent at times;
• Two staff members work at Transitional Living per…