Job posting: OVS-VSU Intake Worker

Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) is a community-based agency that provides emotional support, practical assistance, and community referrals to victims of crime and tragic circumstances 24/7, without judgment in order to lessen the impact of victimization. OVS is committed to treating individuals with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their dignity, privacy and diversity. Clients can access our services through community service agencies, the police, hospitals or self-referrals.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds who may speak languages in addition to English and/or French. OVS welcomes and encourages applications from members of equity seeking groups, including but not limited to, candidates who are racialized, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

OVS-VSU Intake Worker Roles & Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Ottawa Victim Services and VSU Manager, the Intake Worker is responsible for the assessment and triage of an extensive computer log or queue of police reports at our partnering agency and subsequently making appropriate referrals to Ottawa Victim Services. This position is a secondment to the Ottawa Police Service Victim Support Unit at 474 Elgin Street, working in office 5 days a week. A full police background clearance is also required in order to be the successful candidate.

 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure quality in-person and remote interventions with clients through assessment and evaluation of case files;
• Triage and assess files for follow up;
• Carry out initial intake with clients recognizing victim bill of rights and confidentiality;
• Carry out interventions such as safety planning with all clients regardless of level of risk;
• Maintain assigned caseload according to the timelines and procedures established by Ottawa Victim Services;
• Prepare and maintain confidential case files and keep detailed case notes in the case management system;
• Co-ordinate the compilation and preparation of relevant information for statistical reports to support information and planning requirements for the VSU Manager/Executive Director, regional and corporate government offices;
• Liaise with community partner agencies on behalf of clients and OVS;
• Continually perform program evaluation and enhancement for quality assurance;
• Prepare a range of correspondence, reports and forms related to client services and update information.

Requirements

Education:

• Post-secondary education in social services, counselling, social work or related field;
• Ability to read and write in English;
• provide a valid, current vulnerable sector criminal background check AND ability to successfully undergo and pass a comprehensive police background;
• Valid Drivers License and access to a vehicle, as on scene response may be required.

Required Experience:

• 2+ years experience in frontline social services or community-based organization(s) or transferable work experience
  

Skills:

• Ability to assess and triage complex case files according to risk;
• Ability to work collaboratively with fellow team members and members of the police service;
• Crisis response/intervention skills, needs assessment skills, analytical and problem-solving skills to apply program policies, relevant legislation and guidelines in assessing clients’ needs, immediate risks and determine the level of crisis intervention/service needs to consider various alternatives and to select and apply the best plan of action to meet unique needs;
• Organizational and planning skills to manage a large caseload independently, to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment of demanding multiple deadlines;
• Problem solving skills to resolve issues relating to clients’ services and recommend resolution of contentious issues to management.
• Interpersonal skills, judgment, initiative, tact and diplomacy to work independently with community agency representatives, police and emergency services personnel.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of criminal justice system and services for victims of crime;
• Knowledge of issues pertaining to victimization, especially violence against women, in order to provide relevant information, assistance and guidance to clients to assist clients to make effective decisions, and to encourage their participation in the recovery process.
• Knowledge of crisis response and intervention in order to respond appropriately to clients in crisis, who may have been traumatized by a crime or tragedy.
• Awareness of the landscape of services provided by community agencies to arrange appropriate referrals for clients, to foster co-operation in service provision, and to build effective partnerships and educational networks.
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Privacy Act to provide non-confidential verbal and written information in response to verbal or written inquiries from clients, the justice sector and service providers.

Assets:

• Bilingualism;
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and minority groups;
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma;
• Experience working with the violence against women community, victims of violence and/or violence against women issues;
• Experience working with case management systems;
• Knowledge of the Ontario and Canadian Victims Bills of Rights;
• Victim Services policies and procedures to provide services to clients and to interact with stake holders.

Work Environment:

OVS is a charity whose activities and programs assist thousands of local residents on an annual basis. In partnership with the Ottawa Police Service Victim Support Unit, the successful candidate is someone who values collaboration and relationship-building in delivering services to victims and survivors of crime. This position is a secondment to the Ottawa Police Service and requires the successful candidate to work in-office primarily, with potential for remote work following a probationary period. In addition, some evenings and/or weekends may be required.

• Positive work environment
• Great work life balance
• Small, highly collaborative team making a difference every day
• Central location near transit, shopping and great lunch spots

Posting Closes: January 24, 2025

Salary range: $48,000 – $55,000 commensurate with experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Forward your resume and cover letter outlining your related experience and your interest in this position by January 24, 2025 C.O.B. to the attention of Executive Director at executivedirector@ovs-svo.com. We thank you in advance for your interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.