Residential Program Counsellor

YWCA Banff is a community-based, women-centered organization with over 100 years of experience in Banff and the Bow Valley. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, our organization shapes a safe, inclusive community that empowers women and their communities in support of our vision of a thriving, equitable society. We believe in the possibility of a better future for us all.

Every employee plays an important role in realizing our organizational goals through their active commitment to our four strategic priorities : programs and services to end gender-based violence; a continuum of sustainable housing solutions; advancing the rights of women and girls; and building a sustainable organization. We are committed to ensuring our culture attracts, retains, and develops the best people.

The primary role of the RP Counsellor is to provide assessment, emotional support, advocacy, and crisis intervention across the spectrum of Residential Programs. These include Emergency Shelter, Project Home, transitional housing, Bridge Housing, Residence, and Affordable Housing. The Residential Programs team supports a 24 / 7 service delivery model and includes an on‑call after hours program.

Working in a team environment to deliver programs and services, the RP Counsellor reports to the RP Supervisor and also works collaboratively with the Advocacy and Outreach team.

Specific Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Responds to crisis situations and requests for service across various RP areas (Emergency Shelter, Project Home, Bridge Housing, etc.), including assessing program eligibility, and conducting intakes and danger assessments for individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence and accessing space on‑site.
• Provides clients with support, safety planning, goal setting, systems navigation, housing stabilization, and community resource information and referrals, as required.
• Coordinates the provision of basic needs (food, personal hygiene products, etc.) aligned with the advocacy framework.
• Supports community education, awareness, and prevention activities in collaboration with colleagues from Advocacy and Outreach, as needed.
• Actively communicates and updates team members with relevant information to ensure smooth operations across shift patterns and the organization as a whole.
• Completes accurate and timely documentation and data collection and reports as needed.
• Participates in team meetings and training and demonstrates interest in professional learning and growth.
• Actively supports the development and growth of RP department, identifying gaps, trends and needs while problem solving and being solution focused.
• Participates in the after‑hours on‑call support.
• Upholds health and safety protocols.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

Specific skills and knowledge qualifications include but are not limited to :

Position Details

The RP Counsellor is a full‑time role working as a member of the Residential Programs Team working across a five‑day work week, 7.5 hours per shift (37.5 hours), with schedule subject to change. The position is eligible for the YWCA Banff benefits & wellness program. This position includes dedicated funding and space for learning and Professional Development opportunities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr