Waypoints is a registered, non-profit charity that has been operating in Fort McMurray since 1982. Waypoints offers facilities, programs and services for people that have experienced, or are experiencing domestic violence and/or abuse, or sexual assault and/or abuse. Waypoint also provides the community with public awareness events, initiatives and educational programs to increase the prevention of violence and abuse in the Wood Buffalo Region. Waypoints operates Unity House, an Emergency Women and Children's Shelter, the Opportunities for Change Centre, The Sexual Assault and Abuse Healing Centre, and The Compass, home of our Second Stage Shelter for women and children in need of transitional housing, as well as affordable housing.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Sexual Trauma Worker will provide specialized information, education, and support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence and their families; as well as facilitate the region’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), engaging with justice and health systems and capacity-building within the community. We are looking for a highly independent and personable candidate, with a particular knack for building relationships and making new connections.

• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

• Work Location: In person

• Schedule: 8 hour shifts, Monday to Friday

• Incumbent will be required to work 37.5 hours per week with the ability to flex hours of work to accommodate client and agency needs.

• This position will involve co-location between Waypoints Sexual Assault Program and the RMWB police-based Victims Services. Ultimately, the Sexual Violence Advocate is an employee of Waypoints and as such, is managed by the Waypoints Sexual Assault Program Manager. As the employer of record, Waypoints is responsible and legally liable for the actions of the Advocate.

Education: Bachelor’s / Diploma of Social Work or Bachelor’s Degree in a Human’s Services / Social Sciences / Criminal Justice field.

Credentials: Registration with a governing body considered an asset (eg. Alberta College of Social Work).

Experience: Minimum of one year experience providing direct client support, case management and advocacy services to children, youth and families.

Direct Client Services:

• Provide unbiased pre-reporting options including information about Victims Services, Waypoints Sexual Assault Program, Alberta Health Services, Children’s Services and the Criminal Justice system; including orientation to police investigation processes and needed community support referrals.

• Provide leadership in the case-management for individuals who have experienced sexual violence and are considering reporting or are actively engaged within the Criminal Justice System; as well as to those who do not choose to engage with the Criminal Justice System (such as through a civil complaint, or issues related to sexual harassment in the workplace).

• Provide consistent support and guidance from first point of service until post-trial, and facilitates referrals to long-term counselling as necessary and requested by client.

• Complete needs assessment and work collaboratively with the client to establish a service plan.

• Provide crisis supports and interventions.

• Assist clients with emotional regulation as they prepare for trial, during trial and post-trial.

• Act as an advocate for survivors navigating systems.

• Wrap-around services include case management, assessment, advocacy, and community resource navigation.

Relationships & Capacity Building:

• Facilitate Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Meetings & Partnerships.

• Reduce re-traumatization of individuals by promoting multidisciplinary and systemic collaboration and communication.

• Strengthening relationships in the community to enhance the coordinated response to sexual violence.

• Collaborate with community partners to identify barrier to accessing services.

• Develop and facilitate capacity-building workshops and awareness initiatives.

• Advocate for trauma-informed and client-focused approaches within client-serving systems.

• In collaboration with community partners, develop and launch trauma-informed procedures for responding to sexual violence in the region.

• Represent Waypoints at community awareness events or workshops.

• Research and implement best practices as requested by Program Manager.

• Monitor and document effectiveness, utilization and access of services.

• Collect, analyze and report specific program data.

• Properly document all client interactions in the form of assessment and case notes

• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, Director of Program Development of Executive Director.

• Demonstrated ability to build professional relationships.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to handle a variety of tasks, effectively prioritize and ensure follow-through.

• Ability to build rapport with individuals.

• Experience in the provision of gender-based violence services, criminal justice service, mentorship, community development, and case management Understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care.

• Knowledge of community services and agencies.

• Cultural sensitivity and competence in addressing needs of diverse populations.

• Works in a team environment (specifically within a multidisciplinary team consisting of Waypoints, the RCMP, Children’s Services, The Crown Prosecutor’s office and Victim’s Services).

• Satisfactory RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.

• Satisfactory Children’s Services Intervention Record Check.

• Must pass Security Clearance as required by RCMP.

• Comfort with occasional travel to the remote community of Fort Chipewyan via small passenger plane.

• Proof of educational credentials and professional registration (when applicable).

Pay: $35.51 per hour

• Dental care

• Disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• RRSP match

• Vision care