Rural Community Development & Outreach Worker

Internal/External Job Posting

Rural Community Development and Outreach Worker

Reporting Structure: Manager of Community Programs

Proposed New Job Classification: Community Development, Engagement and Outreach

Job Type: Permanent Fulltime (Union)

Job Wage Range: $27.82-$32.92

Date: August 20, 2026

Note: IHOH is a SEIU unionized workplace and this role is covered under the current collective agreement.

Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Community Programs, the Rural Community Development & Outreach Worker is designed to expand access to violence against women (VAW) services for women living in the rural areas of Hamilton. Through an intersectional, feminist and trauma- informed lens, the Rural Community Development & Outreach Worker will engage rural communities, develop new referral and service pathways, provide community and professional education, and increase awareness and accessibility of WEARS and Interval House of Hamilton (IHOH) services.

The primary focus of this position is community development and outreach. The Worker will proactively identify and engage organizations, professionals, businesses, community groups and other settings that interact with rural women and build relationships that create safe and accessible pathways into VAW services. The position will identify gaps in existing outreach and referral networks and develop innovative approaches to reaching women who may experience geographic, social, cultural, transportation, technological or other barriers to accessing traditional VAW services.

Where a woman experiencing violence is identified through outreach or community engagement, the Rural Community Development & Outreach Worker will provide immediate information, support and facilitated connection to appropriate WEARS/IHOH services. The position is not intended to provide ongoing case management; its primary function is to create, strengthen and maintain the community pathways through which rural women can safely access VAW services.

This position performs their duties in accordance with the vision, values and strategic goals of the organization. All IHOH staff are required to work within and comply with any and all applicable legislation, internal policies, procedures and work practices. This role is vital to expanding access to VAW services and strengthening the capacity of rural Hamilton communities to recognize and respond to gender-based violence.

Location

This role is red to required be an in-person, community-based position, travelling throughout the rural Hamilton area and checking in at the Women’s Rural Hub located in Flamborough. A significant portion of working time will be spent engaging directly with rural communities, organizations, service providers and community partners. Access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout rural Hamilton is key requirement for this position.

Hours of Work

The role’s hours are mostly from 9:00a.m.–4:30p.m. and the days worked shift each week from a Monday–Friday to Tuesday–Saturday schedule, with some evening shifts, and the understanding that there may need to be flexibility to attend evening and weekend events, meetings, education sessions and outreach opportunities within the community as part of the role. Total weekly hours are not to exceed 37.5 hours.

Job Duties

The main responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Proactively engage rural communities to increase awareness of WEARS and IHOH services and improve access to VAW supports for women living throughout rural Hamilton.
• Conduct ongoing rural community mapping to identify underserved geographic areas, populations, community settings and service gaps where women may not currently be accessing VAW services.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies that prioritize communities, populations, sectors and organizations where additional engagement is required.
• Identify, develop and strengthen new referral pathways with organizations, professionals, businesses and community groups that regularly interact with rural women.
• Identify organizations and community settings that have limited or no existing relationship with the VAW sector and proactively develop relationships and pathways for safe referral.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community partners including healthcare providers, pharmacies, libraries, schools, family services, housing providers, food-security programs, agricultural and rural organizations, faith and cultural communities, community centres, employers, municipal services and other organizations serving rural residents.
• Develop formal and informal referral pathways and ensure community partners understand how to safely connect women experiencing or at risk of violence with WEARS and IHOH services.
• Follow up with community and referral partners to strengthen relationships, identify barriers and determine whether established referral pathways are functioning effectively.
• Strengthen and expand IHOH’s network of rural safe spaces, community access points and other trusted locations where women can safely obtain information and connect with VAW services.
• Develop opportunities for pop-up outreach, information sessions, community presentations and regular WEARS presence within trusted rural community spaces.
• Provide public and professional education on intimate partner violence, domestic violence, coercive control, gender-based violence and the unique barriers and risks experienced by women living in rural communities.
• Provide practical education to community organizations and service providers regarding recognizing potential indicators of intimate partner violence, responding appropriately to disclosures, maintaining safety and confidentiality, and facilitating safe referrals to VAW services.
• Develop sector-specific outreach and educational approaches for organizations and professionals serving rural women, recognizing that barriers and opportunities for intervention may differ across sectors and communities.
• Develop and distribute accessible outreach and educational materials to increase community awareness of WEARS and available VAW supports.
• Represent IHOH and WEARS at rural community events, meetings, networks, service- provider tables, community gatherings and other outreach opportunities.
• Develop innovative outreach approaches to reach women who may be socially or geographically isolated or who may not independently seek traditional VAW services.
• Build relationships with diverse rural communities and identify culturally responsive approaches to increasing access to services for women experiencing additional systemic barriers.
• Build the capacity of rural organizations and community partners to act as informed points of connection to VAW services for women experiencing or at risk of intimate partner or domestic violence.
• Where a woman experiencing violence is identified through outreach or community engagement, provide immediate information and brief support necessary to facilitate a safe connection to appropriate WEARS, IHOH or other community services.
• Recognize and respond to immediate safety concerns identified through outreach activities and facilitate timely connection to WEARS/IHOH staff for comprehensive risk assessment, safety planning and ongoing support.
• Facilitate warm referrals and connections to WEARS Workers, IHOH programs, shelter services and external community services where ongoing or specialized support is required.
• Work collaboratively with WEARS Workers and the Manager of Community Programs to identify emerging community needs, service gaps and opportunities for expanded rural engagement.
• Monitor referral patterns and community engagement to identify where referrals are originating, which pathways are effectively connecting women to services, and where additional outreach is required.
• Identify geographic areas, populations or sectors where few or no referrals are being generated and develop targeted strategies to increase awareness and access within those communities.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory or map of rural community partners, referral pathways, safe access points, outreach locations and opportunities for future engagement.
• Track community outreach activities, professional and public education, new partnerships, referral pathways, community contacts and resulting referrals to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Gather information and feedback from rural women, community partners and service providers to identify emerging barriers, community trends and opportunities for improving access to VAW services.
• Bring identified community needs, barriers and service gaps back to the WEARS team and Manager of Community Programs to inform ongoing program development and outreach priorities.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, community meetings, committees, networks and related activities.
• Coordinate and perform various operational and administrative responsibilities such as preparation of statistical reports, data collection and providing research to support special projects, including preparation of program reports as required by funders.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of WEARS as an innovative rural outreach and service-access model for women experiencing intimate partner and domestic violence.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Note: All outreach workers at IHOH are expected to provide shift coverage in the emergency shelter, from time to time, if required. This work could include providing support and services to women/children accessing the shelter, safety planning, answering crisis lines, and handling any walk-in clients. There is an expectation to help maintain the health and wellbeing of the shelter clients by pitching in where needed during such shifts.

• As a member of the IHOH team, this role will also assist with the following duties:
• Assist in soliciting donations and sponsorships.
• Assist in receiving donations and deliveries at the shelter, engaging with donors during their drop off, and providing receipts.
• Provide reports on your department/responsibilities to your Supervisor, as requested.

Core Competencies

• Experienced in intersectional, feminist and trauma-informed approaches
• Proactive, action-oriented and comfortable initiating community engagement
• Stress resilient, flexible and highly autonomous
• Relationship builder with strong community engagement skills
• Creative and resourceful problem solver
• Compassionate, approachable and skilled at building trust
• Strong written and oral communicator with confident presentation and facilitation skills
• Highly organized and able to independently manage competing priorities and community-based activities
• Collaborative team member who actively contributes to program development
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability and follow-through
• Sound judgement, professional boundaries, values and ethics
• Comfortable working in evolving environments where traditional service-delivery approaches may not be effective
• Comfortable with technology, Microsoft Office and electronic documentation/reporting systems

Requirements

• Minimum diploma or undergraduate degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, Community Development, Human Services, or a related discipline from a recognized college or university.
• Membership with an applicable professional college, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, is considered an asset where applicable.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in gender-based violence, women's services, community outreach, social services or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting proactive, mobile or community-based outreach, particularly with individuals who may experience barriers to accessing traditional services.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships and create pathways between community members, organizations, informal community networks and formal support services.
• Experience developing, coordinating or delivering community-based programming using an intersectional, feminist and trauma-informed approach.
• Knowledge of the unique realities affecting women experiencing gender-based violence in rural communities, including geographic isolation, transportation, connectivity, confidentiality, housing and service-access barriers.
• Demonstrated ability to engage individuals who may not initially identify themselves as seeking formal gender-based violence services.
• Ability to provide appropriate crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, information, advocacy and referral within the scope of the position.
• Knowledge of community resources and systems relevant to women experiencing gender-based violence, including housing, legal, income, health, mental health and other community supports.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining productive community relationships with service providers, community organizations and other stakeholders.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills, including the ability to provide community education and increase awareness of gender-based violence and available supports.
• Ability to work independently in community settings while maintaining communication, documentation, professional boundaries and accountability to the broader team.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to working respectfully with diverse communities and populations.
• Experience working within complex and politically sensitive community environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn electronic case-management, communication and reporting systems.
• Valid driver's licence and access to an insured (minimum $2,000,000 liability), roadworthy vehicle, or alternate demonstrated ability to meet the regular travel requirements of the position.
• Valid Standard First Aid/CPR + AED. ASIST and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification are assets or must be obtained within a timeframe established by IHOH.
• Completion of all mandatory organizational and legislated training as required by IHOH.
• Fully COVID-19 vaccinated to meet IHOH COVID-19 vaccination policy requirements.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check in accordance with IHOH requirements.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including regularly scheduled evening and weekend outreach and community engagement, based on program and community needs.
• Fluency in French and/or another language reflective of communities served is an asset.

Work Conditions: IHOH is a busy environment, whether in the emergency shelter, drop-in centers, or when working on community engagement, attending meetings, or working on public education and development. The schedule is predictable but can change during crisis management work.

Employees work with diverse groups of women and children in traumatic, emotional states and must be willing to assist them with personal care items, system navigation, conflict management, crisis support and advocating for them with community members, housing providers, and justice services. Below is a summary of the working conditions for this position:

Stress Frequency Type Potential Stressor

Occasional Predictable (workloads, working environment, clients, irregular hours, noise)

X Clients X

Regular Unpredictable (traumatic situations, emergencies, etc.) X Shelter Environment X

Frequent Co-workers X Many Outside Affiliations X Constant X Other

Interruptions & Distractions Frequency Type Potential Stressor

Occasional Predictable (co-workers, students, clients, children) X Private Workspace

Regular Unpredictable X Shared Workspace X Frequent Cubicle X Many Reception desk Constant X Busy/Open/Public Area X

Physical Effort Frequency Type Potential Stressor

Occasional Predictable (donated goods, small office equipment, food preparation, house-hold equipment/goods)

X Does not have to lift anything or exert any physical effort

Regular X Unpredictable X Needs to occasionally lift 5 – 20lb items

Frequent Consistently needs to lift objects of varying weights up to 40 lbs X

Many Needs to be able to move quickly and constantly X

Constant

Workplace and Work Environment Hazards: The Victoria and Friends Women’s Shelter isan emergency, VAW shelter where women who experience abuse, with or without children, reside. IHOH also has outreach locations where women seeking assistance will drop in. All employees working at any IHOH location are responsible for creating a friendly, inclusive (non- discriminatory), compassionate, and cohesive environment that will implement strategies and plan to ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive environment is kept at all times.

The setting is fast paced with constantly changing priorities and crises. Most of the work time will be working directly (formally/informally) with clients in fluid, non-office settings. Extended periods of informal client work liaising/advocating with community/stakeholder services is also required. Thus, workplace hazards will include listening to traumatic stories, exposure to barriers/conflict with lack of services and supports for women experiencing abuse. This role works to prevent, defuse, and manage clients and/or community services whose behaviours may become aggressive, discriminatory, or despondent towards staff, other women, and children living in the shelter and accessing supports. Additionally, their abusive partner/person may attempt to access our program locations. At times, when staff are working in the community, they may be exposed to negative attitudes and beliefs or biases towards women and children experiencing abuse and violence. Personal safety plans must always be in place.

The Victoria and Friends Women’s Shelter is a pet-friendly shelter to the women and children we serve. IHOH’s policies and procedures regarding pets in residence are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, residents, and guests. While the responsibility to care for pets in shelter rests solely on the pet owner, employees must be aware that they will be working in close proximity to various pets during their shifts.

The work environment is funded through grants and government contracts thus employees will be required to keep daily records, notes, and at times produce reports and documentation.

Disclaimer: Due to the changing nature of work and work to be done, other responsibilities may be assigned, and qualifications may be altered. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected and may not cover a fully comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities.

IHOH is a living wage ambassador and an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce. IHOH recognizes that a diverse staff team working in an inclusive environment will make superior and more innovative decisions, better serving the organization and, consequently, the population it serves. We welcome applications of all backgrounds and lived experiences. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact your interview lead for assistance.

Consistent with legislation, please be advised that once you submit your resume or application, your information will be retained for three (3) full years. Additionally, if you are selected for an interview, your interview information will also be retained for three (3) full years. Finally, we do not use AI technology to review, assess or select candidates.

Please apply in confidence to Carol at: execassist@intervalhousehamilton.org

Posting Open: September 4, 2026 at 5:00pm

Posting Closes: September 11, 2026 at 5:00pm