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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!

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Rick – Finance Officer

Rick oversees the accounting and financial operations of the organization.
He is a CPA with extensive work experience in banking, construction, environmental services, and non-profit organizations.
Rick was also on the Board of Directors for several years with two non-profit organizations when he resided in the lower mainland.
You can reach Rick at rick.k@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 112.

Danielle Goulden – Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience working within the non-profit and academic sectors, Goulden is able to draw from multiple disciplines and professional experience to lead SOWINS into its next chapter of sustainable growth to meet the growing needs in the South Okanagan. Goulden believes that a fundamental component of any non-profit organization’s philosophy is to continuously strive for excellence through effective partnerships, collaboration, planning, and action.

To chat with Danielle, you can contact her at execdirector@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 101

Danielle – Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience working within the non-profit and academic sectors, Danielle is able to draw from multiple disciplines and professional experience to lead SOWINS into its next chapter of sustainable growth to meet the growing needs in the South Okanagan. Danielle believes that a fundamental component of any non-profit organization’s philosophy is to continuously strive for excellence through effective partnerships, collaboration, planning, and action.

To chat with Danielle, you can contact her at execdirector@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 101

Sharon – Director of Strategy and Operations

With a BA in Administrative Studies Sharon enjoyed providing administrative support to SOWINS since 1993 and is proud to be a part of the client services that SOWINS provides.

Sharon can be reached at sharon@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 116

Korina – Director of Human Resources

Korina joined SOWINS in 2020 as our Director of Human Resources and brings with her over 15 years experience navigating collective agreements, policy, and legislation in municipal government. She is passionate about supporting the organizational greatest asset, its people!

You can contact Korina at hra@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 110.

Liz – Acting Executive Director

For over 28 years, Liz has been employed with SOWINS in various roles. Her first 22 years were spent as a Family Support Worker and PEACE Counsellor and later moved into the Housing Coordinator role. In 2021, Liz stepped into the newly created Director of Community Based Programs and Services, overseeing the numerous support services SOWINS provides to families in the South Okanagan. Today, Liz is in the role of Acting Executive Director for the organization.

Liz can be reached at liz.g@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 120.

Irene – Manager, Residential Services

Irene started with SOWINS in 2003 as a Practicum student and it did not take long for her to be hired as a Women’s Support Worker in 2004.

For the past 6 years, Irene has been Manager of the Transition House and take pride in providing client centered support.

To connect with Irene, you can email her at TH.manager@sowins.com or call 250-809-6563.

Marni – Fund Development Advisor

Marni has been fundraising and raising awareness for community charities for more than 20 years. She manages all SOWINS fundraising initiatives, marketing, and media!

Reach out to Marni with any questions you may have about donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, media, and marketing at fundraising@sowins.com or by phone at 250-488-1268

Susie

Susie has been working in the design and marketing field for the past 15 yrs, operating her own studio, with a strong passion for women-owned and small business. She is currently also on a planning committee for an attainable housing project in Summerland. Susie is honoured to help support SOWINS, and the invaluable work they do for women and families in our communities.

Erica – Acting Director of Community Based Programs and Services

Erica has had various roles in SOWINS since 2000. Her passion for supporting children led to her working with families and children in the transition house and then to working as a PEACE Counsellor. Erica began to work in the Stopping the Violence program as a coordinator and counsellor. She then stepped into the role of Director of Continuous Improvement supporting staff to work from a trauma informed lens. Today, Erica is in the role of Acting Director of Community Based Programs and Services.
Erica can be reached at erica.mp@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 104.

Sharon – Secretary
Sharon has been in business for 35 years. She has a Family Studies degree and an MBA. Over the years, Sharon’s commitment to her community has included the Penticton Rotary, the Penticton Chamber Board, and the Penticton Economic Development Committee. She is now retired and looking forward to supporting SOWINS with the critical work they do in the South Okanagan.

Kerri

As a communications professional with a business development background, Kerri enjoys bringing people together. Through her work in media and promotions, Kerri strives to provide innovative solutions and make meaningful connections for people and businesses. She looks forward to promoting and supporting all the great work that SOWINS does.

Katie

Katie grew up in Toronto, and moved to Penticton in 2011 to pursue a career in winemaking after earning her B.Sc in Biology from McMaster University. Katie has been the head winemaker at Serendipity Winery since 2017, where she also plays a key role in the day to day operations of the company. Katie has always been an advocate for women in the wine industry, and she is excited to bring her passion and experience to the SOWINS board

Liz
Working in organizations to address community needs, program development and teaching are the threads that run through Liz’s work and volunteer life. She has worked in community recreation, employment readiness and fire prevention education. Her skills lead her into the fire service where she worked with children, youth and adults in fire prevention initiatives in Penticton and Indigenous Communities throughout BC. Liz is pleased to be a member of the SOWINS Board and looks forward to being a part of a team that actively supports healthy families and communities.

Brenda

Indigenous Tourism Association BC – Chair, Tourism Industry Association of British
Columbia – Board Member, Coalition of BC Tourism & Hospitality Businesses
As a member of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Brenda graduated as a Registered Nurse specializing in Indigenous health with a focus on community development, and worked with the Osoyoos Indian Band in the area of community health. Brenda is honoured and humbled to have been awarded the Order of BC in 2021 for her work in Indigenous Tourism.

Kayla

Kayla is a CPA based out of the BDO Penticton office and has over 8 years of experience providing audit and accounting services to a range of organizations including municipal governments and not-for-profit organizations. She also has extensive experience volunteering with another organization that supports women through education and women’s issues are a top priority for her. She is very excited to be able to serve her community through the important work that SOWINS does in South Okanagan.

Jessica

Jessica is a Senior Financial Planner at RBC and has been helping families and entrepreneurs reach their goals for over eight years. She specializes in business succession planning and estate planning. She has a passion for helping people achieve their goals and while sitting on the board of SOWINS she hopes to help women in need do so as well. She is excited to bring her skillset to the table alongside other inspiring women to help those in need!

Danielle Goulden – Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience working within the non-profit and academic sectors, Goulden is able to draw from multiple disciplines and professional experience to lead SOWINS into its next chapter of sustainable growth to meet the growing needs in the South Okanagan. Goulden believes that a fundamental component of any non-profit organization’s philosophy is to continuously strive for excellence through effective partnerships, collaboration, planning, and action.

To chat with Danielle, you can contact her at execdirector@sowins.com or 250-493-4366 extension 101