Juniper House is seeking a casual Transition House Worker to provide trauma‑informed support, crisis intervention, and day‑to‑day assistance to residents and callers on our 24‑hour crisis line. In this critical front‑line role, you will build supportive relationships, respond to crises, assist with safety planning and goal‑setting, and ensure the smooth daily operation of the house. If you are empathetic, calm under pressure, and committed to empowering survivors of violence, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities
Counselling & Client Support
Provide supportive and distress counselling to women and children on an individual or group basis.
Support women in accessing community services and developing life skills.
Encourage responsible decision‑making and problem‑solving.
Crisis Intervention
Assess crisis situations, establish priorities, and intervene appropriately.
Communicate effectively in person or over the phone to ensure immediate safety and stabilization.
Needs Assessment & Intake
Help residents identify immediate needs and level of danger.
Complete intake packages, develop goal sheets, and orient new residents to the house.
Ensure basic needs and comforts are met for women and children upon arrival.
Complete all required departure documentation.
Case Management & Action Planning
Assist residents with goal‑setting, identifying resources, and developing/assessing safety and action plans.
Provide ongoing support and help organize programming for residents.
Support follow‑up planning, including high‑risk assessments, referrals, and appointments.
Advocacy & Referral
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of community resources and services.
Assist residents with paperwork, appointments, interviews, and appeals.
Accompany or arrange support for residents during meetings and service interactions.
Childcare Intervention
Support the Children’s Services Worker in creating a safe, non‑violent environment for children.
Observe and report developmental or behavioral concerns.
Provide direct support to children when the Children’s Services Worker is unavailable.
Help mothers access information and tools to support their children’s safety.
Community Relations
Build and maintain professional community relationships and represent Juniper House publicly.
Assist in orientation for students, volunteers, and board members.
Support the development of client resources and public education materials.
Model and promote a feminist perspective and up‑to‑date understanding of issues affecting women.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or diploma in social work, psychology, sociology, community development, counselling, or a related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Strong understanding of violence against women, including the cycle of abuse and its social, economic, and political context.
Ability to work from a feminist, trauma‑informed perspective.
Strong crisis‑response skills and the ability to support women in crisis daily.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate in French is an asset.
Strong computer skills.
Highly motivated, responsible, and able to work independently.
A little bit about us
Juniper House was established in 1985 to provide a safe refuge for women and their children who have experienced abuse. We maintain a 15-bed shelter, 24-hour crisis line. Women in Yarmouth, Digby, and Shelburne Counties can receive counseling, programs, advocacy, referrals, and outreach services.
We also provide programs in the community aimed at preventing violence and abuse. We talk with women so that they might overcome their fears, receive information and support. They do not have to go through their situation alone and will be safe and assured in making decisions and leaving their abusive situation.
Compensation & Employment Terms
Casual, non‑union position
8-12 hour shifts as needed; flexibility required
Hourly rate: $24.71-$29.09
Vacation: Paid at 5.5%
Sick time: Accrued at 1 hour per 12 hours worked
Employee benefits follow Nova Scotia Labour Standards and South West Nova Transition House Association policies
Probation period: First 500 hours worked
Juniper House is committed to building a team reflective of the diverse population we serve. We strongly encourage applicants who are African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, Newcomers, and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. Applicants are encouraged to self‑identify in their cover letter.