Third Place is seeking a compassionate, grounded, and trauma-informed casual Women’s Support Counsellor to provide direct support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and advocacy for women and their families. This is meaningful work that directly contributes to the healing, safety, and stability of women and children across Colchester and East Hants. If you’re a empathetic and organized individual with experience in crisis work, counselling, or social services, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us
Third Place is a shelter for women and their children experiencing abuse—including physical, sexual, economic, verbal, financial, and psychological abuse. Our services support women aged 16 and older, whether they are living at the shelter or in the community. Using a trauma-informed lens, we provide residential shelter, outreach, and family support services across Colchester and East Hants. At Third Place, we offer safety, healing, and hope during some of the most challenging moments in our clients’ lives.
About the Role
Reporting to the Executive Director and Shelter Manager, the Women’s Support Counsellor provides emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, and advocacy for women and their children who have experienced violence.
Key Responsibilities
Support Counselling
- Build rapport and trust through a non‑judgmental, empowering, feminist-counselling approach.
- Assess verbal and non-verbal communication to understand needs and risks.
- Provide information, model healthy life skills, and support decision-making.
- Organize and/or facilitate support or self‑help groups.
- Maintain professional and personal boundaries.
Crisis & Distress Intervention
- Use crisis-intervention techniques to assess needs, set priorities, and respond appropriately.
- Provide supportive, empathetic crisis counselling in person and by phone.
- Assess safety needs, family context, coping skills, and available support systems.
- Refer women to relevant resources and community supports.
Needs Assessment & Intake
- Assess physical, emotional, and mental well‑being to identify immediate needs.
- Evaluate risk and facilitate collaborative safety planning.
- Complete required intake forms and documentation.
Case Management & Action Planning
- Support women in setting goals and identifying priorities.
- Help develop and adjust personal action plans.
- Assist with appointments, housing searches, childcare, and systems navigation.
- Arrange and facilitate groups and information sessions based on women’s needs.
Advocacy & Referral
- Provide accurate information on community, legal, medical, and social resources.
- Assist women in completing forms, preparing for interviews, and navigating services.
- Accompany or arrange accompaniment to interviews or meetings when requested.
- Support with appeals when necessary.
Child Care Intervention
- (With Family Support Worker)
- Provide a safe, supportive, non‑violent environment for children.
- Support positive self‑image and note behavioural or developmental concerns.
- Assess risk to children related to abusive partners.
Community Relations
- Build networks and act as a positive representative of the Transition House.
- Participate on committees and help orient volunteers or board members.
- Support educational and resource-development activities.
- Promote feminist perspectives and women’s issues in the community.
Qualifications & Preferred Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field (Social Work, Psychology, etc.), Social Services Diploma, or equivalent.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working directly with women and/or children, preferably in shelter, crisis, or trauma-related settings.
- Demonstrated skill in anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, client-directed approaches, social justice).
- Strong understanding of dynamics of abuse, the cycle of violence, the impacts of trauma, and the socio-economic factors that contribute to violence against women.
- Excellent communication, time management, and crisis‑response skills.
- Ability to work independently & flexibly within a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries.
- Valid driver’s license required.
All offers of employment require successful Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector, and Child Abuse Registry checks.
Position Details:
- Employment Type: Casual/relief
- Compensation: $24.30/hour
- Start Date: Anticipated April 20
- Availability: Must be available during evenings, weekends, and holidays
Additional Considerations
Staff at Third Place must be sensitive to the unique challenges faced by women and children who have experienced abuse. A deep understanding of the cycle of violence, trauma-informed care, and social determinants of health are essential. Staff are expected to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate professionalism, and show strong time management and self-reflection skills.
Note: Staff may occasionally be exposed to communicable diseases. All applicants must be double vaccinated against COVID-19.
Third Place is committed to building a team reflective of the diverse population we serve. We encourage individuals who are African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, Newcomers and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to apply.