Work With Us
Rewarding careers at SOWINS
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS), respectfully acknowledges that we carry out our work on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Sylix Okanagan peoples.
Careers at SOWINS
Located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, SOWINS is a non-profit society providing safe refuge and community-based resources for women and children in the South Okanagan. SOWINS operates a transitional and second stage housing facilities, as well as counselling and outreach services. At SOWINS we work from an intersectional feminist philosophy and support trauma-informed practice and harm reduction models.
Why SOWINS
Together we cultivate a culture that’s empowering, inclusive and relaxed. We value innovation, collaboration and respect. Here are just a few benefits of joining us.
Employee Benefits
Our extended health program includes dental, vision, prescription medications, select alternative therapies, life insurance and long-term disability. 100% cost of these benefits are covered by SOWINS. We also have an Employee and Family Assistance program.
We offer three weeks’ vacation to start and the ability to carry over one week into the next year. We offer generous special and sick leave and the option to carry over and accrue up to six weeks of paid sick leave.
We have a registered pension plan where staff contributions are matched by SOWINS.
Grow Your Carer With Us!
As an existing employee at SOWINS you’ll have first opportunity to apply for open positions. We believe in investing in our employees and provide robust training and development opportunities to further their professional development and leadership skills.
Housing Support Worker
Temporary Part-Time Position
Posting Number: HSA23-03
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is seeking a Housing Support Worker to support the day-to-day operations of the Tamarack and Second Stage Housing.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Under the supervision of the Director, Community Based Programs and Services (CBPS), the Housing Support Worker will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of second stage housing and long term subsidized housing. This role will assist women who have experienced violence and abuse or who are at risk of abuse, by providing services that focus on breaking the cycle of violence and preventing homelessness. Working collaboratively with SOWINS program staff and community organizations in dealing with homeless or at risk of being homeless women, the Housing Support Worker will assist women by providing individualized support as needed to achieve their housing goals which may include how to be a successful tenant and how to live independently.
SCHEDULE: 3 shifts a week (7 hours a day). Some flexibility may be required to meet client needs.
UNION: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).
WAGE: $23.10 – $26.91 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11). UNDER REVIEW
TERM: This is a temporary part time position with an expected term of approximately 3 months.
START DATE: ASAP
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Diploma in either a Business Administration, Human/Social Sciences or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Two (2) years of combined experience working in an administrative capacity, as well as recent front line work supporting individuals who are at risk of gender-based violence and abuse, homelessness, poverty, and additions.
- Valid BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate 3rd party insurance.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit expressions of interest quoting job posting number HSA23-03 with an updated Cover Letter and Resume by email to: careers@sowins.com
Women’s Support Worker
Casual
Posting Number: HSA23-01
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is looking for a casual Women’s Support Worker to join our team.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
In this role you will support clients to meet their self-determined goals, provide emotional support, safety planning, advocacy and referrals to residents, and contributes to the administrative and facility responsibilities of the House. This position also provides crisis intervention, safety planning and emotional support as well as skill building in problem areas to women and their children in a group housing setting; provides information about the nature of abuse; helps women access housing and other services that will enable them to avoid further risk of violence; participates in public education and prevention activities.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.
SCHEDULE: Casual – Days, Evenings & Night Shifts
UNION: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).
WAGE: $23.10 – $26.91 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11).
VACATION: Casual employees earn 10.2% of their straight time pay in lieu of scheduled vacations and paid holidays.
START DATE: ASAP
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Diploma in a related human, or social service field
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR Level C Certification
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI)
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and acceptable current drivers abstract
Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to provide safe, confidential and compassionate harm reduction and support services to a diverse community. Knowledge of existing South Okanagan social and healthcare organizations and programs is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit expressions of interest, including updated Cover Letter and Resume by email to: careers@sowins.com.
This posting will remain open until filled.
Women’s Support Worker
Temporary Full-Time Position
Posting Number: HSA22-12
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is looking for a temporary full-time Women’s Support Worker to join our team.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
In this role you will support clients to meet their self-determined goals, provide emotional support, safety planning, advocacy and referrals to residents, and contributes to the administrative and facility responsibilities of the House. This position also provides crisis intervention, safety planning and emotional support as well as skill building in problem areas to women and their children in a group housing setting; provides information about the nature of abuse; helps women access housing and other services that will enable them to avoid further risk of violence; participates in public education and prevention activities.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.
SCHEDULE: This position is scheduled to work 36 hours per week, 9 hours per day, on a night rotation of 4 days on, 3 days off. This shift will be Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 23:00hrs – 08:00 hrs (11pm – 8am).
UNION: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).
WAGE: $23.10 – $26.91 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11).
BENEFITS: We offer an excellent benefit package! SOWINS covers 100% of extended health plan, dental plan, and life insurance premiums. This position is also eligible for the Municipal Pension Plan.
START DATE: ASAP
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Diploma in a related human, or social service field
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR Level C Certification
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI)
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and acceptable current drivers abstract
Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to provide safe, confidential and compassionate harm reduction and support services to a diverse community. Knowledge of existing South Okanagan social and healthcare organizations and programs is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit expressions of interest, including updated Cover Letter and Resume by email to: careers@sowins.com.
This posting will remain open until filled.
Mobile Outreach Worker
Casual Position
Posting Number: HSA22-16
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is looking for energetic individuals to join the Outreach Team in the casual position of Mobile Outreach Worker.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the Outreach Team, the Mobile Outreach Worker offers early intervention, support and distribution of harm reduction services in various communities throughout the South Okanagan, through confidential and empathetic first response, street level engagement and outreach services. The Mobile Outreach Worker works directly with people who experience a range of marginalizing circumstances including, but not limited to: homelessness or unstable/unsafe housing, intergenerational trauma, histories of ongoing experiences of violence, substance use/addiction, mental health issues, involvement in survival sex trade, systemic abuse, lack of safety, social isolation, discrimination and stigma. The Mobile Outreach Worker provides support based on individuals needs and goals as well as referrals and transitions to other services.
SCHEDULE: Casual
UNION: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).
WAGE: $23.10 – $26.91 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11).
VACATION: Casual employees earn 10.2% of their straight time pay in lieu of scheduled vacations and paid holidays.
START DATE: ASAP
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Diploma in a related human / social service field
• One-year recent related experience, including street outreach work • Valid First Aid & CPR Level C with Naloxone and overdose management training. • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI). • Satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record check. • Valid Class 5 driver’s license and acceptable current drivers abstract • Must be comfortable with active drug use and providing services to individuals actively participating in various modes of drug use.
Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to provide safe, confidential and compassionate harm reduction and support services to a diverse community. Knowledge of existing South Okanagan social and healthcare organizations and programs is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit expressions of interest, including updated Cover Letter and Resume by email to: careers@sowins.com.
This posting will remain open until filled.
Current Positions
Start making a difference in the lives of local women and their families today!
