The Women's Health & Wellness Navigator delivers anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive programming and short-term support to women residing in our emergency domestic violence shelter. The navigator is a highly engaged, energetic and motivated individual who recognizes the intersectional ways women's experiences can impact their health and wellness. Working collaboratively, this position will lead innovative initiatives that will proactively assess, inform, and respond to the health and well-being needs of women and children accessing shelter. Recognizing that many women accessing emergency shelter face multiple barriers and lack access to health and wellness navigation support, the navigator will provide information, education, resources, referrals, and advocacy to support inclusion, empowerment and the development of assets that will allow women to thrive in a safe and equitable community.

This role works 37.5 hours per week. Occasional evening work and working rotating Saturdays is required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Truly rewarding work; contribute to lasting, positive change for individuals and our community
• A supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development
• Comprehensive benefits
• Onsite fitness and childcare facilities

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Provide compassionate and non-judgmental support, guidance and assistance to women in crisis
• Conduct initial mental health assessments to identify and evaluate the emotional well-being and health needs of residents
• Approach all crisis situations and interactions with sensitivity and cultural awareness
• Facilitate debriefing sessions after a crisis or incident, allowing women to process their emotions, identify coping strategies, and regain a sense of control
• Work closely with healthcare and wellness practitioners to prioritize and achieve program goals
• Provide personalized support to women, assisting with healthcare navigation, including access to family doctors and women's wellness services
• Develop, curate, and update resources on topics such as healthy relationships, stress management, nutrition, healthcare, and wellness navigation
• Ensure programs are culturally relevant and inclusive, incorporating multicultural activities that promote equity and diversity
• Collaborate with women to develop safety plans that address their immediate safety needs, strategies for staying safe while in shelter, providing information on legal protection options, and identifying potential risks
• Collaborate with other staff members to conduct safety assessments of the shelter environment, identifying, and mitigating potential risks to safety
• Help coordinate services and ensure a holistic approach to participant's care by sharing information and integrating mental health interventions with broader support systems to optimize outcomes for women
• Identify and research available community resources, mental health services and support networks that can benefit participants
• Provide information, referrals, and resources to participants, connecting them with internal YW and community mental health services, counselling, and other support services
• Act as an advocate on behalf of participants, ensuring their rights and needs are addressed within the shelter and during interactions with external organizations and service providers
• Conduct psychoeducational workshops and support groups to enhance participant's coping skills, promote self-care, and provide psychoeducation on topics such as trauma, domestic violence, mental health, and healthy relationships
• Conduct workshops and training sessions on crisis management skills, such as conflict resolution, problem-solving and stress management for participants, as well as shelter team
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of participant interactions, assessments, case notes, and any relevant information in accordance with shelter policies and legal requirements
• Assist supervisor with program reports and statistical data collection for internal and external stakeholders, including grant applications and funder reports
• Regularly review program protocols, procedures, and processes with supervisor to ensure compliance and to update to reflect evolving needs
• Participate in program evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of mental health and crisis intervention services and contributing to the development and improvement of service delivery models
• Ensure proper allocation of program resources, supplies and materials to maximize service delivery
• Stay up to date on evidence-based practices related to program and participate in ongoing opportunities for professional development

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in social work, counselling, healthcare, or equivalent human services with 3+ years of experience.
• The ability to speak a second language is an asset.
• Experience working with women facing oppression, violence, and various other intersecting barriers, particularly in a crisis setting, is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience in systems navigation, case management, community development and partnership development, specifically in the areas of mental health and wellness are an asset.
• Certification and/or knowledge in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices.
• Experience working with a diverse clientele, including multi-cultural, newcomers to Canada and other equity-seeking groups is an asset.
• Understanding of cultural beliefs, values and practices and intersectional identities and how they influence and impact the understanding of and access to health and wellness supports.
• Excellent supportive counselling skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative; able to easily build rapport, develop trusting relationships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage crisis situations.
• Creative and enjoys developing materials, programs and services that meet the needs of a diverse range of people.
• Proficiency in using MS Office suite and other computer-based systems is required.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training, Alberta Brain Story and/or Gender-based Violence are considered an asset or must be completed within 3 months of employment.
• A clear Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, and an Intervention Record Check is required upon commencement of employment.

If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.
Deadline: Extended until position filled
Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations.
Check out our website for more information about YW Calgary: www.ywcalgary.ca

YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.