Nelson Community Services is seeking a temporary full-time Family Preservation Worker. The incumbent in this position gathers information on and assesses family functioning problems. Develops and implements intervention plans within program guidelines. Provides referrals, support, guidance and problem solving to clients to address issues related to family functioning. Provides parenting skill building, emotional support and feedback to clients. Provides supervision for family visits. This full-time position (35hrs) starts immediately and is for a period of six months with the possibility of extension.
Nelson Community Services (NCS) invites the community to join them for the first annual RIDE FOR REFUGE peer-to-peer fundraising event on Saturday, Oct 4th.
The RIDE FOR REFUGE is a family- friendly fundraising walk and bike ride in support of Canadian charities that serves people seeking hope, safety and freedom. Locally the funds raised will support the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House (ABTH) which provides emergency safe shelter and support for self-identifying women and children leaving domestic violence and abuse. The ABTH is marking its 30th anniversary serving the community and this fundraiser will support the programs and services offered there.
Nationally, this event has raised over $23,000,000 since its inception in 2004. This is the first year that the event will happen locally and Nelson Community Services is excited to see how the fundraising goes.
The Aimee Beaulieu Transition House is the only Transition House in Nelson, and offers shelter and support services to women and their children who’ve experienced abuse. The staff there provide 24/7 crisis line response, emotional support, safety planning for leaving dangerous situations, and guidance on accessing local resources. These services are vital to the people that they serve and the community at large.
NCS Executive Director, Anna Maskerine shares “Nelson Community Services is thrilled to be launching it’s signature fundraiser for Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, Ride for Refuge during this, it’s 30th Anniversary year of providing shelter and support services to women and children fleeing violence and abuse. “
The Nelson RIDE FOR REFUGE will utilize the rails to trails system and begin and end at the Svoboda, Road parking lot. Participants can choose to walk 2.5 or 5km or to bike a 10km or 20km route. There will be supported rest stops along the way and a tasty celebration meal at the finish line.
Nelson Community Services is hoping the community will come out and make the first RIDE FOR REFUGE a success, making it an annual event that families look forward to each year. They are looking for walkers, riders, donors, sponsors and lots and lots of volunteers.
There are lots of volunteer roles to choose from including set-up and tear-down crews, registration, food team, route marshals, and medical support crews.
Survivors of Sexual Assault are welcome to join Cheryl Smith (RPC, SEP) and Marissa Tonus (RTC) at Nelson Community Services for a circle of healing for survivors.
The circle will be meeting once a month, on the third Tuesday of the month, 6 pm – 8:30 pm | February 18th, March 18th, April 15th
Participants are welcome to attend one, all, or any number of sessions that they would like.
This group is always FREE of charge and open to ALL SURVIVORS, regardless of the when experience of sexual assault took place.
Please contact Marissa or Cheryl to be added to the list of attendees and to receive the downtown location of the circles.
We understand that healing from Sexual Assault is a complex process with no ‘one size fits all’ roadmap to healing.
This circle is a place where survivors can come to be together as we nurture our own selves, while not being alone in the process.
1 in 3 women have been sexually assaulted, and yet many of us feel shame and secrecy in sharing that “this happened to me too” with others.
Part of healing for many can be in taking back our own power to heal. Justice can be allusive in our society when it comes to sexual assault. Coming together to heal can be a way of taking justice into one’s own hands, in your own life experience.
In this group the facilitators will share some education about what survivors may be going through after assault and how this may be processing through the body, mind, emotions and the nervous system. Participants will also have a chance to share what has been helpful for them in healing, as it can be powerful to learn from each other.
There is never any pressure to share your story if you do not want to. Part of healing is getting to know what is best for you personally, and whatever you decide is best for you will always be supported in this space.
The circle will be meeting once a month, on the third Tuesday of the month, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th From 6:00 – 8:30 pm Participants are welcome to attend 1, all, or any number of sessions that they would like.
This group is always FREE of charge and open to ALL SURVIVORS, regardless of the when experience of sexual assault took place.
Please contact Marissa or Cheryl to be added to the list of attendees and to receive the downtown location of the circles.
The Sexual Assault Services team provides sensitive and comprehensive health care and support to anyone 13+ who has been sexually assaulted within the past 7 days. Our specially trained nurses and doctors will respond to your health care needs in a safe and supportive environment. All services are free, confidential and inclusive.
How To Access SAS Services:
NELSON: To access our program, 24/7 & 7 days a week, in Nelson go to: Kootenay Lake Hospital Emergency Department, 3 View Street. NAKUSP: To access our program 24/7 & 7 days a week, in Nakusp go to: Arrow Lakes Hospital Emergency Department, 97 1 Ave NE. ANTI-VIOLENCE LINE: OR connect with a local support worker 24/7 by calling our Anti-Violence Line to find out more about our services and your options, call 1-250-354-4357.
We will explain what we can offer and answer any questions you might have. You will decide what you would like us to do and we will respect your decisions. You do not need to involve the police unless you wish to do so. There are several reporting options available to you that we can help explain.
24/7 Anti-Violence Line:
Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, ages 13+, and their supports, can reach out to us 24/7 to receive:
Emotional Support.
Information about sexual and physical assault, medical and forensic procedures, reporting options, and legal options.
Information and referrals to other community supports and services.
Information on follow-up counselling and justice.
Call 24/7: 250-354-4357 Secure Text + Chat is available 7 days a week, 8:30am to midnight: TXT: 778-608-3900 | Online Chat: servicesfyi.ca/abth-chat-now
Provided with the partnership and support of Aimee Beaulieu Transition House.
Crisis Counselling:
Survivors can access Crisis Counselling if the assault was in the last 2 years or if there have been new developments in the area of reporting or a criminal case. Email Cheryl at csmith@servicesfyi.ca or call (250) 509-1247.
Facilitated Support Circle for Survivors:
Survivors of Sexual Assault are welcome to join Cheryl Smith (RPC, SEP) and Marissa Tonus (RTC) at Nelson Community Services for a circle of healing for survivors. We understand that healing from Sexual Assault is a complex process with no ‘one size fits all’ roadmap to healing. This circle is a place where survivors can come to be together as we nurture our own selves, while not being alone in the process.
The circle will be meeting once a month, on the third Tuesday of the month, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th From 6:00 – 8:30 pm Participants are welcome to attend one, all, or any number of sessions that they would like.
This group is always FREE of charge and open to ALL SURVIVORS, regardless of the when experience of sexual assault took place.
Please contact Marissa or Cheryl to be added to the list of attendees and to receive the downtown location of the circles.
SAS is dedicated to prevention through education and raising awareness. Our staff is available to present to various agencies, schools and groups on a variety of topics pertaining to sexual assault including consent and receiving disclosures. Contact Cheryl Smith Sexual Assault Services Project Coordinator, at csmith@servicesfyi.ca to find out more.
Stay Connected:
Sexual Assault Services is on Instagram + Facebook. Our intention is to use these spaces to educate community, validate survivors, share information about our services, & inspire action to address the root causes of violence. We invite you to give us a follow @sas.nelson.nakusp to stay connected.
SAS Materials & Resources:
SAS has a variety of materials available. We warmly welcome our community and partners to print our posters for your location – to let survivors know they are supported and how to access support. We also have brochures and postcards, check them out below. To enquire about professionally printed copies, please contact Cheryl at csmith@servicesfyi.ca
Isolation can be scary if home isn’t a safe place for you.
You are not alone. We can help.
We are here to talk, provide emotional support, and safety planning.
Our call line is open 24/7 at 250-354-4357.
Our secure text and online chat line is available 7 days a week from 830am – midnight. Text us at (778) 608-3900, chat online at: https://www.servicesfyi.ca/chat.
Would you like to connect with an Elder to talk about traditional teachings and spiritual healing practices?
The Metis Elder at Aimee Beaulieu Transition House is here to offer you support during this time of crisis. She is only a phone call away, and is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and offering culturally based support.
· Receive culturally responsive support
· Get practical help
· Clear your head & your heart
Our elder is available by phone, one evening per week. You can reach her by calling our confidential crisis line at 250.354.4357 and leaving a safe number for her to return your call.
provide housing search support and tenancy support to people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Includes providing support, advocacy, and referrals to other appropriate community-based support services, accompaniment to appointments, service planning, and case coordination; regularly liaise with potential referring organizations
provide life skills training, as appropriate, to help maintain housing
provide education and support to landlords on housing at-risk individuals
compile and enter data into BC Housing’s database and agency reporting
administer the rental supplements portion of the program for qualifying individuals
Hours per week: 14
Union Wage Grid 14: $22.93/hour
Closing Date: As soon as position is filled
Resumes and Letters of Interest should be sent to:
Rona Park, Executive Director rpark@servicesfyi.ca
Nelson Community Services
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION WORKER
Reports to: Youth Services and Housing Program Manager
Classification: Integrated (Program Coordinator 2/Adult, Youth and/or Child Worker)
Grid Level: 14
Effective Date: June 2013
Last Updated: November 2017
Union: BCGEU
Job Summary: The incumbent in this position provides support, education, and practical assistance to adults who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness with the aim of preventing the cycle of homelessness.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Plans and develops the program in consultation with the supervisor; plans and implements all program activities.
2. Formulates program policies and procedures and evaluates the program in consultation with the supervisor.
3. As and when needed, participates in the recruitment and selection process for practicum students and/or program volunteers; orients and determines the need for and provides training to students and/or volunteers; and supervises their work by performing such duties as assigning work, providing feedback on performance, and participating in performance evaluations.
4. Promotes public awareness of and support for the program by performing duties such as producing promotional materials and attending community events.
5. Conducts housing priority needs assessments with four priority populations, as per the funding contract, and establishes Service Plan goals and interventions.
6. Conducts safety assessments including the development of safety plans as required.
7. Connects individuals to appropriate housing and support services including accompaniment to appointments; makes referrals to other services as appropriate.
8. Liaises with community service providers, professionals, and landlords to coordinate service provision, facilitate referrals to the program, and represent the program in external events.
9. Provides follow-up support to individuals and maintains ongoing relationships to ensure stable housing.
10. Provides landlord support, education, and conflict resolution between program client and landlord to prevent housing breakdown, where possible.
11. Implements the Integrated Case Management approach to coordinating, evaluating, and ensuring consistent services for clients.
12. Provides life skills training and support (group or 1:1) to help clients maintain a tenancy, health, and employment.
13. Processes Rental Supplement applications; distributes funds and maintains accurate records in collaboration with a supervisor.
14. Adheres to the funder’s standards, policies, principles, and deliverables as per the funding contract.
15. Maintains client file records and online databases according to Agency policy and standards, as well as contractual requirements.
16. Compiles and submits program data and outcome reports as required by funders and the Agency.
17. Attends regular supervision with the program supervisor, including an annual performance review and development of a training plan; attends agency staff meetings; attends local peer support/case consultation meetings; and attends regional peer support meetings, as time permits.
18. Participates in professional development and training relevant to this program area.
19. Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications:
Education:
Diploma in the human services or a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience:
A minimum of two (2) years’ recent, related experience in working with marginalized and vulnerable adults.
Additional Skills:
1. Proven knowledge, skills and experience in providing support and advocacy to marginalized and vulnerable adults.
2. Working knowledge of the dynamics and impacts of homelessness.
3. Competent in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Proven skills in conducting safety assessments and safety planning.
5. Proven skills in group development and facilitation techniques.
6. Well-developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
7. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with co-workers, other community professionals, and the broader community.
8. Good organization, time, self-care, and general work management skills; an ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
Other Information:
1. Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet program demands.
2. Must hold a valid First Aid Certificate.
3. Must hold a valid BC Class V Driver’s license and have access to a safe, reliable, well-maintained, clean vehicle with appropriate insurance.
4. Must carry the agency-supplied cell phone, programmed to emergency numbers, during working hours.
Women at Aimee Beaulieu Transition House are often starting over on a new path, in a new home, with little or nothing to get by on. Here are some suggestions for ways you could help women (and their children) get re-established.
