Director of Services at a Glance

Senior leadership role

Stewards 24-Hour Services and Community Care Programs

Supervises direct care practitioners and counsellors

Reports to and works in close partnership with the Executive Director

Member of Senior Leadership Team

Focuses on operational leadership, program stewardship, service delivery, and team development

Salary: $90,000–$95,000 including on-call compensation

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario. Work is on site at agency locations.

About Valora Place

Valora Place (formerly Violence Against Women Services Elgin County) is a compassionate agency rooted in what is possible when we are brave together.

We work in the service of women and their children who have experienced harm, coercion, and control in their close relationships as they pursue their hopes for safer lives. We also work together with our community to foster the social change necessary for equity to thrive, liberation to flourish, and gender-based violence to cease.

We believe that women who have experienced abuse are not broken nor problems to be fixed or treated. We believe too that abuse occurs in the context of relationships and healing unfolds in safety, community, and connection.

Valora Place’s work unfolds through our Circle of Care - 24-Hour Care, Community Care, and Community Engagement - reflecting our commitment to immediate safety, healing in relationship, and collective responsibility for social change.

About the Role

Valora Place is seeking a thoughtful, highly skilled, and heart-led Director of Services to join our Senior Leadership Team and steward and strengthen the agency’s model of care across both our 24-Hour Services and Community Care Programs.

Our 24-Hour Services provide immediate and time-sensitive safety and support through an Emergency Shelter, Help Line, and Drop-in Support.

In our Community Care Programs, women are supported to make meaning of their experiences in connection with others. We offer counselling and support related to current or past abuse and sexual violence, assistance navigating family court, housing support, and programs for children who have witnessed harm.

The Director of Services provides leadership across both 24-Hour Services and Community Care Programs, with a focus on stewardship of practice, team leadership, and the continued strengthening of a relational, accountable, and compassionate model of care.

Key Responsibilities

Senior Leadership

The Director of Services works in close partnership with the Executive Director and is part of the Senior Leadership Team. Responsibilities include:

Demonstrating stewardship of the vision, mission, and values of Valora Place
Contributing to leadership, decision making, and problem-solving supporting agency stability and strategic priorities
Modelling relational, values-driven, decisive, and operationally sound leadership
Identifying organizational risks and creating and implementing timely management plans to address
Participating in agency planning, operational coordination, and community engagement.

Program Leadership and Service Delivery

The Director of Services provides leadership for service delivery and practice to ensure safe and effective delivery in both 24-Hour Services and Community Care Programs.

Responsibilities include:

Stewarding clear standards of care and professional practice
Providing leadership in day-to-day service delivery including crisis response in 24-Hour Services and reflective program leadership in Community Care Programs
Identifying and managing individual and organizational risks to address safety of participants and colleagues and ensure alignment with agency requirements.
Ensuring effective documentation, data collection, and reporting required for service delivery and program accountability
Supporting program development, implementation, and evaluation
Monitoring emerging service needs, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, and recommending adjustments to service delivery
Ensuring dynamic risk assessment, safety planning, and comprehensive plans of care for women and families we serve
Supporting Community Care initiatives that foster connection, creativity, and embodied healing practices
Leading the Agency On-Call response system
Providing regular reporting to the Executive Director regarding program operations, evaluations, risks, and emerging needs.

Staff Support and Supervision

The Director of Services supervises colleagues in direct care roles and supports the development of a strong and sustainable team culture. Responsibilities include:

Participating in recruitment and leading orientation for new colleagues
Providing consultation, guidance, and direction in complex service situations
Leading reflective supervision supporting ethical practice, accountable care, and professional growth
Mentoring colleagues and supporting trauma stewardship and professional development
Leading performance management processes including providing feedback, addressing concerns, and ensuring professional standards of care and conduct are met.

What You Bring

A strong commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Valora Place
An intersectional understanding of structural inequities, discrimination, and oppression
A strong desire to contribute to a small and mighty team working in the service of mighty women and their children
Demonstrated leadership ability grounded in reflection and sound decision making
Strong critical thinking, analytical capacity, and ethical judgement
Ability to identify and manage risk in service delivery
Experience in team leadership, supervision, and clinical consultation
Skill in addressing performance concerns and supporting professional growth
Strong organizational, prioritization, and communication skills
Experience in program planning, evaluation, and policy development
Ability to maintain thoughtful analysis and steady leadership in complex situations
Curiosity, reflection, and openness to learning
High ethical standards and mature judgement when managing confidential and sensitive matters

Qualifications

Five or more years of direct care and counselling experience.
Three or more years of leadership or senior supervisory experience
Experience within non-profit values-focused organizations is preferred.
A Master of Social Work is preferred, along with registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers or equivalent.
A Bachelor of Social Work or related field may be considered with significant relevant experience.

Also required is proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to lift 30 lbs. Daily access to a reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license, a current and clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and current CPR/First Aid Certification are necessary.

We know that strong leaders may not meet every qualification listed. If the mission of Valora Place resonates with you and your work experience aligns the spirit of this role, we encourage you to reach out.

Our Commitment to You

To support and sustain our mighty team, Valora Place offers:

Immediate access to Employee & Family Assistance Plan
Comprehensive Group Health & Dental Benefits
Paid Time Off
RRSP contribution with no employee match required
Opportunities to celebrate our work together

Next Step

We welcome candidates energized by thoughtful leadership and the opportunity to steward a model of care rooted in dignity, relationship, and community.

Applications will be accepted until April 28th 2026.

Please send your resume along with a brief note describing your leadership approach and how your experience aligns with the mission and vision of Valora Place to:

Liz Brown

Executive Director

liz@valoraplace.ca

Thank you for your interest in Valora Place 💜

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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Director of Services

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