MARAC Program Coordinator

Are you committed to ending the cycle of abuse and violence by raising awareness through prevention, education, and advocacy? Are you looking for the opportunity to support women with or without children to live free of abuse by providing shelter and confidential, non- judgmental services? If this sounds like you then please consider joining the team at Optimism Place!

Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and Support Services is an organization that provides emergency shelter,counselling, advocacy, and support for women and their childrenfleeing domestic violence in Perth County.

The Opportunity: MARAC PROGRAM COORDINATOR

MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is Perth County’s high risk table. MARAC brings together multiple social service agencies to identify women and children who are at high risk of domestic homicide. The agencies collaborate to create and implement a multi-sectoral safety plan to increase survivor protective factors and decrease perpetrator risk factors. Agencies involved in MARAC include Perth County OPP, Stratford Police Services, Optimism Place, Emily Murphy Centre, Huron Perth Children’s Aid Society, The City of Stratford Social Services Department, Victim Services, and Probation & Parole.

Information / benefits:

• 32 hours/week, with future potential to increase, continuing position with anticipated start date in March 2026
• Salary range $56,160-$66,560
• Paid lunch and breaks
• Competitive Benefits package including vacation, health and dental, pension
• Work with a close-knit team contributing to the community in a significant way
• Reports to and works closely with the Residential Manager and Residential Team
• Have a positive impact on the lives of women and their children
• Work with like-minded individuals in an anti-oppressive, feministframework
• Requirements to:
  • Be flexible with hours of work, depending on the position needs
  • Work alone in a safe environment with the possibility of encountering high-risk situations
  • Provide a valid and recent vulnerable sector check
  • Provide valid CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Provide valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable vehicle

Application information:

Optimism Place is committed to equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. In alignment with its commitment to equity, Optimism Place values diversity and provides a positive and supportive environment. Optimism Place offers reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to participate in the recruitment process. If you are contacted regarding this opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. While we appreciate all interest in our positions, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interested candidates are asked to send their resume and cover letter to Hannah Skinner, Residential Manager at hannah@optimismplace.com with the subject line “MARAC Program Coordinator” by 5:00pm on Tues Feb 3, 2026.

The Opportunity Details:

The MARAC Program Coordinator is responsible for the coordination, administration, and facilitation of Perth County’s MARAC Table. The role is to thoroughly understand the process and logistics of MARAC to ensure ethical information sharing, risk-prioritized safety interventions, and creative cross-sector collaboration. The role works collaboratively with community partners to reduce risk of lethality and support a coordinated response to femicide prevention at a community level.

To be considered for this opportunity you will have the following:

• Degree in social work, community development, women and gender studies, and/or a combination of related work experience and education.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the field of gender-based violence
• Experience in community development, collaboration and high-risk safety planning.

Demonstrated knowledge or skills in the following areas:

• Understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and femicide.
• Knowledge of the issues and current trends related to Gender Based Violence.
• Knowledge of various risk assessment tools and safety planning, and the ability to coach others in these areas.
• Strong ability to communicate and collaborate with professionals across sectors.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including, verbal and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of organizations and services within Perth County.
• High level of commitment and energy to oversee complex issues related to cross sectoral collaboration.
• Ability to engage effectively and sensitively with agencies, individuals, and community groups.
• Motivation and creativity.
• Exceptional administrative and organizational skills.
• Solid computer and technology skills.
• Relationship oriented.
• A language in addition to English is an asset

Other qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to the women’s anti-violence movement. Continued commitment to ongoing education and professional development, keeping up with current trends and research in the Violence Against Women field and its intersection with homelessness, harm reduction, and mental health. Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including the ability to generate professional documentation (note-taking, preparing letters, and reports). Understanding and welcoming of diversity. Computer literacy in various applications (Microsoft 365, WISH, Adobe). Ability to operate with independence and as part of multi-disciplinary teams.

To obtain a complete description of the duties and responsibilities of the position, please email Hannah Skinner at hannah@optimismplace.com to receive the job description.