Transition Support Worker

Are you committed to ending the cycle of abuse and violence by raising awareness through prevention, intervention, education and advocacy? Are you looking for the opportunity to support women alone or with 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 children fleeing domestic violence in Perth County.

The Opportunity: Transition Support Worker

Information / benefits:

• Full time (32 hours per week) anticipated start date Of April 20/2026
• Salary range $52,000 to 58,240 per annum
• 2 weeks’ vacation to start
• Requirements to:
• be flexible with hours of work, depending on the position needs
• complete CPR/First Aid training upon hire
• have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• provide a valid and recent vulnerable sector check
• Eligibility to participate in health and dental benefits program and RRSP contribution plan
• Work with a close-knit team contributing to the community in a significant way
• Reports to the Manager of Community Connections
• Have a positive impact on the lives of women and their children
• Work with like-minded individuals in an anti-oppressive, feminist framework

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 aboriginal 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 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 can send their cover letter and resume to Joanne Grimes, Manager, Community Connections at joanne@optimismplace.com with the subject line, “Transition Worker” by April 3/2026 @5pm.

The opportunity details:

The Transition Worker role is responsible for providing direct service and supports to clients transitioning from the shelter as well as those accessing services within the community. The Transition Worker will act as a broker between women in our service and safe, secure, affordable housing in the community and relevant supports.

In order to be considered for this opportunity you will bring the following:

Community College diploma in a Social Service Worker or equivalent education and experience. BSW or BA would be an asset. A minimum of three (3) years related experience in direct service working with women and their children experience domestic violence and homelessness. Experience working with individuals with diverse backgrounds is required. Training and experience in the provision of counselling services, supporting clients in navigating social systems, program planning, delivery, and evaluation of services.

Sound theoretical knowledge of woman abuse and violence against women issues. Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including the ability to generate reports. Demonstrated skills in client assessment, safety planning, advocacy, case conferencing including high risk case conferencing and documenting in highly sensitive and confidential situations. Knowledge of tools and systems to support the assessment, data collection and case management for participants is an asset. Maintains current knowledge of legislation specific to housing and associated procedures is an asset. Highly developed interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Understanding and welcoming of diversity. Ability to operate with independence and work with a multi-disciplinary team. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and counseling skills. Demonstrated computer literary and computer skills (e-mail, word processing, presentation software).

To obtain a complete description of the duties and responsibilities of the position, please see the job description whichcan be found at www.optimismplace.com.