Wellness Worker & Program Mentor

Victim Services of Kenora & Area (VSKA) are looking for a Wellness Worker & Program Mentor! For more information on this LEAP job posting, check out the details below!

Victim Services Kenora & Area (VSKA) is a community-based charity providing trauma-informed support to individuals impacted by crime and tragedy across Northwestern Ontario. We support the individual’s right to self-determination with a focus on safety, dignity and empowerment through a harm-reduction lens. We work closely with police, hospitals and other community agencies to provide an immediate and compassionate response. We are currently hiring a full-time Wellness Worker & Program Mentor to join our dedicated, interprofessional frontline team.

Employer Name: Victim Services of Kenora & Area (VSKA)
City: Kenora
Province: ON
Application Deadline: June 20th, 2025
Email: ed@victimserviceskenora.ca
Hours of Work: 75 hours bi-weekly with limited remote on-call support
Job Type: Full-Time
Wages: TBD

Duties of this LEAP Job Posting:

The Wellness Worker & Program Mentor offers immediate support, referrals and advocacy to individuals and families affected by crime or tragedy, helping connect them to longer-term support services. In addition to direct client support, this position mentors social work students through a partnership with Lakehead University and oversees a team of volunteer responders. Working in collaboration with the Executive Director, the role also includes coordinating volunteers and identifying training needs to ensure quality and consistency in service delivery. Community engagement is a key element, with participation in police shift briefings, meetings and presentations. This role is ideal for someone who values meaningful connection, thrives in a mentorship setting, and is committed to strengthening supports for survivors across Northwestern Ontario.

Frontline Support & Victim Services:

  • Provide trauma-informed support and advocacy including system navigation.
  • Support intake, needs assessments, safety planning, referrals and follow-up.
  • Deliver inclusive, culturally safe and client-centered support including VQRP+ services.
  • Maintain accurate records and client confidentiality.

Student & Volunteer Supervision:

  • Provide mentorship and oversight to both social work students (Lakehead University HBSW placements) and community volunteer responders.
  • Support students in building core skills such as advocacy, communication, and trauma-informed care.
  • Collaborate with Lakehead University on placement requirements and complete student evaluations.
  • Model culturally safe, ethical practice in all interactions.
  • Train and guide volunteers to ensure safe, respectful, and effective support for clients.

Community Engagement & Representation:

  • Participate in community forums, committees and partnership meetings with service
  • providers, funders, and all levels of government.

Community Engagement & Representation Continued:

  • Deliver presentations in settings such as police briefings, program Q&A sessions, and other relevant community or stakeholder events.
  • Promote awareness of VSKA services and advocate for improved community responses to gender-based violence and crisis.
Qualifications for this LEAP Job Posting:
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW or HBSW) degree from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum two years of post-degree experience in a social work setting.
  • Registered (or eligible for registration) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
  • Valid G driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.
  • Current criminal reference check (required prior to hire).
  • Demonstrated experience supporting Indigenous clients and communities, particularly within Treaty 3 Territory.
  • Strong understanding of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers facing Indigenous peoples.
  • Respect for and familiarity with Traditional knowledge systems, Sacred Teachings and Indigenous approaches to healing and justice.
  • Strong communication, facilitation, and evaluation skills.

Assets

  • Experience with crisis intervention models and trauma-informed care.
  • Experience supporting individuals in high-stress or traumatic situations using trauma- informed principles.
  • Public speaking or facilitation experience.
  • Previous experience supervising students, volunteers or junior staff.
  • Knowledge of Treaty 3 communities and Indigenous cultural practices, including language.
How To Apply to this LEAP Job Posting:

Please email your cover letter, resume, and three personal and three professional references to ed@victimserviceskenora.ca The posting will remain open until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Victim Services Kenora & Area (VSKA) is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request. At VSKA, we offer a dynamic work environment where your efforts will directly impact the lives of those impacted by crime and tragic circumstances. If you are committed to fostering resilience and building a stronger, more connected community in Northwestern Ontario, we encourage you to apply.

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