Community Connector

Reporting to a Clinical Supervisor, the Community Connector is responsible for supporting residents in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment as they transition from emergency shelter or directly from unsafe living situations to independent living. This role includes regular support, crisis intervention, assisting with life skills development, and delivering programs and workshops for individuals and families who have experienced Gender Based Violence (GBV), homelessness, or other forms of trauma.

Residents of the Transitional Housing will be primarily Indigenous and Newcomer individuals identifying as female and their children.

This position is part of a partnership between UWCRC 2.0, Ikwe Widdjiitiwin Inc, New Journey Housing and Family Dynamics. This position will be based in the Central Downtown area offering a protective, affordable, long-term housing and comprehensive emotional and practical support for women and their children who have left abusive relationships and who are moving toward an independent lifestyle.

Develop positive relationships with each tenant family and provide emotional support, advocacy, and empowerment in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental manner.

Develop individualized support plans in collaboration with residents and partner organization case coordination staff.

Regular home visits and wellness checks.

Assist residents with accessing community resources such as counselling, education, employment, legal services, and housing in collaboration and coordination with partner organization staff.

Monitor resident progress and adjust support plans as needed.

Ensure the safety and security of all residents by following policies and maintaining a secure environment in collaboration with the tenant coordinator.

Respond to crises and de-escalate situations as needed using trauma-informed approaches.

Maintain clear documentation of incidents and resident interactions.

Facilitate or partner with other service providers to deliver psycho-educational workshops.

Encourage community building and positive interactions among residents.(i.e. shared meals, informal networking and other events for all tenants)

Support residents with daily living skills as needed.

Maintain accurate, confidential case notes and records.

Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision.

Assist with intake and discharge processes.

Diploma or degree in Social Work or in a related Human Services field

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a shelter or related social service environment in a position delivering supportive services

Lived experience or experience working with marginalized communities.

Experience working with survivors in culturally diverse or Indigenous communities.

Equivalent combination of above

Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks and Child Abuse check required

Identify individual and systemic needs of the client

Effective service planning

Ability to develop trust and establish rapport, based on respect, reciprocity and collaboration

Demonstrated ability to reflect on and address professional, legal and ethical challenges

A commitment to continuous learning and incorporating best practices in the field, including harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive practice, cultural safety, strength based, client-led approaches.

Emotional resilience, interpersonal conflict resolution skills, the ability to work in a high-stress environment, de-escalate crises and maintain composure in emotionally charged situations are essential.

Interpersonal attributes (ability to self-reflect, personal maturity, ability to manage conflict, perspective taking, motivation, respectfulness, sense of responsibility)

Ability to set and observe appropriate professional limits and boundaries

Ability to set goals for personal growth

Ability to co-create service approaches with client families and partner organizations as this new program evolves

Demonstrated knowledge of family violence, gender-based violence, oppression and its impact on women, men and children, with an understanding of how race, immigration status, disability and other factors compound experiences of violence.

Awareness of the effect of abuse in all forms on individuals and children is required, as well as the recognition of the needs associated with healing and ways to meet those needs

Knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions, community needs and issues, and Indigenous women's issues is essential.

Knowledge and understanding of the resettlement issues and barriers newcomers face when resettling in Winnipeg is essential.

Ability to maintain highly sensitive and confidential information.

Excellent problem solving, decision-making and analytical skills.

Strong interpersonal, communication, crisis counselling and conflict resolution skills and the ability to assess risk and…