Feed Sam sponsors Oscar, pet therapy dog

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is pleased to announce that pet company Feed Sam is the official food sponsor of Oscar, CASASC’s newest pet therapy dog

Feed Sam will be supplying Oscar, a four month old bernedoodle, with all of his nutritional needs each week.

Feed Sam was founded in June 2019 in Lethbridge by Burton and Val. They recently opened a location in Red Deer.

“The knowledge offered by Burton and Val comes from years involved in training, showing and breeding dogs,” says Feed Sam’s website. “Val’s additional experience as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and their combined 35 years experience researching and feeding a raw diet make Feed Sam the last stop you will ever need to make for all your raw feeding needs and nutritional questions.

“Prior to opening Feed Sam a regular conversation in their house went something like ‘Hey did you remember to pick up dog food?’ with a common response being ‘Nope sure didn’t, I’ll be right back!’ For that reason they decided to utilize their years of experience to open their own pet store, offering not only great service, dedication and knowledge, but also a delivery service. The Feed Sam delivery service not only offers a one-time purchase option but also the ability to set your delivery to a recur on a schedule that best suits your life…’set it and forget it’, no more running out.”

CASASC is thrilled by this sponsorship, which ensures Oscar’s needs are met by a local company. Please visit them online at https://feedsam.com

Oscar waits diligently for his food delivery, that arrives right to his front door and is placed in a special bin, keeping it safe from the elements and critters.

Oscar has also been excited about the recent snowfalls in Red Deer. He has been showing his true love of winter by wanting to spend each waking minute frolicking and roaming in the snow.

He is growing by leaps and bounds, attending obedience school and training, quickly acquiring the skills needed to become a certified pet therapy dog.

Stay tuned for an Oscar update every two weeks.

Now Hiring Community + Court Support Worker

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking an experienced and compassionate individual to join our Community Support Services team as the Community & Court Support Worker.

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

Position: Community & Court Support Worker

Reports to: Community Support Services (CSS) Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time – 12-month term-certain

Location: Main Office, Red Deer, Alberta

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Hourly rate: $22-25

Anticipated Start Date: December 1, 2020

Position Summary

As a part of CASASC’s Community Support Services team the Community & Court Support Worker is trained to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. They are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

Community & Court Support Worker also covers visits to those in the hospital or clients who face barriers in accessing in-office services. Outreach services are currently provided in, but not limited to: Maskwacis, Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, Olds, Wetaskiwin, Pigeon Lake, Red Deer and the Red Deer Regional Hospital.

Court Support:

  • Assist victims of sexual abuse/assault as they navigate their way through the criminal justice process including police investigations, preliminary hearings and trials.
  • Provide advocacy services to victim/survivors of sexual assault.
  • Assist with referrals for crisis care services for recent victims/survivors.
  • Provide specialist support and information regarding victim/survivors’ rights and options with legal and medical issues.
  • Provide assistance with court preparation and court accompaniment.

Community Support:

  • Attend interagency meetings as a representative of CASASC
  • Build strong working relationships with Victim Services Unit (VSUs) and Police Services (RCMP and Municipal) within service areas.

Other:

  • Provide program relevant statistical data for reports to CSS Coordinator
  • Promote self-development and professional growth through participation in training
  • Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and committees as assigned
  • Any other duties or tasks as assigned by the CSS Coordinator

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or related degree/diploma
  • 2-3 years of work experience providing community or court support
  • Experience with Case Management and Caseload Planning
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or mental health will be considered an asset.
  • Experience with Aboriginal and Indigenous communities and extensive knowledge of culture, customs, and traditions (preferred).

Desired Skills:

  • Superior organizational & computer skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to set priorities, solve problems and be resourceful under pressure
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with complex cases
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Demonstrated crisis intervention skills

Addition Requirements (must be valid at time of hire):

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • Valid Driver’s licence with valid and satisfactory Driver’s abstract

Benefits:

  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule

How to Apply:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Email resume & cover letters with salary range expectations to hr@casasc.ca. Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: Sunday November 22, 2020 @ 11:59 p.m.

Servus Credit Union supports No Secrets

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a donation from Servus Credit Union.

CASASC Community Support Services Coordinator Carlia Schwab (left) accepted the $3,000 donation from Servus Credit Union North Hill Branch Manager Vangi Willington on Nov. 6.

The donation to CASASC will be used towards program materials for the new No Secrets classroom activity box.

No Secrets is a personal safety program for children ages 5 to 9 (Kindergarten to Grade 4) with a focus on child sexual abuse prevention. No Secrets provides a forum from which children can discuss safe and unsafe touching, body parts including private areas, feelings and who you can tell. In 2019, No Secrets was presented to over 13,000 students in Central Alberta.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence each and every day of the year.

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise public awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it.

What is Family Violence:

Family violence is when someone uses abusive behaviour to control and/or harm a member of their family, or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship.

Family violence includes many different forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect carried out by family members or intimate partners. It may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts that form a pattern of abuse. Family violence can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for victims and for those who see or hear the violence.

Family violence can happen to people of all ages, abilities, cultural and spiritual backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. Victims can be in romantic relationships, divorced, children (birth, step, adopted or foster), grandparents, or individuals with guardians or caregivers.

Family Violence and COVID-19:

Rates of family violence increase during and following natural disasters, public health crises and economic downturns. It is important to know where you can turn if you are experiencing family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Child sexual abuse

With the added stress and time together caused by COVID-19, families with unhealthy relationships are more likely to experience child sexual violence.

Social isolation

Isolation is a risk factor for family violence. Many people who experience family violence use their support of friends and family to manage their situation. Social distancing and self-quarantine or isolation during the COVID-10 pandemic can make it more challenging to access valuable relationships, but there are ways to stay connected.

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long

Throughout November we’re featuring different ways you can get involved by promoting awareness. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We’ve created custom FVPM graphics for you to share, tweet and tag CASASC throughout the month, along with many other resources and events:

-Purple ribbons – Small silk purple ribbons will be available at both CASASC locations throughout the month. Wear the purple ribbon in unity to show survivors of family violence that they are not alone.

-Purple #iRespect t-shirt – CASASC will have a special edition MADE TO Respect t-shirt available. Staff are encouraged to wear theirs throughout the month, and on Purple Day.

Events:

-Purple Day – Thursday, November 19th

Wear purple on this day to honour those affected by family violence. We believe in creating a world in which everyone feels safe in their homes. Show us your purple by sporting your purple #iRespect t-shirt, the purple ribbon or other purple items.

-Film Showing – Thursday, November 19th, Time TBA

Two short films on the topic of family violence will be shown at Carnival Cinemas. Time TBA. This event is a partnership between CASASC and the Central Alberta Film Festival (CAFF). We are so excited about this partnership and being able to feature two Alberta-made short films.

-Silent Witnesses (Purple Silhouettes) – TBA

CASASC will be hosting an outdoor exhibit with silent witnesses (purple human figure cut outs) to bring awareness to the issue of family violence in our community. The exhibit will be able to be viewed from your vehicle. More details to come.

-Ask An Educator Day – Friday, November 13th

On this day our amazing education team will be hosting a social media takeover of CASASC’s accounts. They will be answering questions throughout the day and will feature resources and information about programs and several topics. Later in the day, Coffee Chat with CASASC (our live chat show) makes it return with Bailey and Kailee both going live to answer questions. Make sure to tune in throughout the day.

-Made With Love Raffle – Ongoing month of November

The Made With Love store is hosting a raffle for CASASC throughout the month of November. Stop in the shop (5560 45 St Unit E15, Red Deer, AB)to purchase a ticket for the raffle basket, full of handcrafted items from the store. We are thrilled with this partnership with a local business.

Now Hiring Adult Counsellor

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking an experienced and innovative individual to join our clinical team as a Counsellor (Adult).

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

Position: Counsellor (Adult)

Reports to: Clinical Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time – 12-month term-certain (maternity-leave), with possibility for extension

Location: Main Office, Red Deer, Alberta

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Hourly rate: $25-35/hr

Anticipated Start Date: November 2, 2020

Position Summary

The Counsellor is a collaborative member of the CASASC Clinical team who provides crisis, short-term, and long-term counselling services to those affected by sexual violence, regardless of the length of time since the trauma incident.

The role of the Counsellor is to provide individual or group sessions to support personal coping skills and accelerate recovery in those who are experiencing the after-effects of a trauma.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide crisis intervention, problem solving, and/or psycho-educational supports to individuals, groups, and/or families.
  • Provide goal directive supportive counselling in the client’s preferred format (in-person, telephone, or video chat)
  • Ensure safety planning is provided to according to agency standards
  • Provide community information, referrals, and services by accompaniment, in accordance with agency and professional standards.
  • Adhere to the code of ethics and standards of practice of both the agency and the applicable professional regulatory body.
  • Maintain digital records of topics covered and results of individual and/or group counselling activities in accordance with agency standards
  • Assist with crisis calls/webchats/texts, intakes, walk-ins, and/or visitor inquiries
  • Build strong working relationships with health services agencies, community organizations, and peers
  • Any other duties or tasks as assigned by the Clinical Coordinator

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related diploma & professional registration (RSW, RPN). ** Preference for those with clinical experience and/or currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or post-Graduate program in Counselling **
  • 2-5 years working experience providing individual and group counselling/support
  • Experience with Case Management and Caseload Planning
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or mental health will be considered an asset.

Desired Skills:

  • Superior organizational & computer skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to set priorities, solve problems and be resourceful under pressure
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with complex cases
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Demonstrated crisis intervention skills
  • Availability to work flexible hours (days and some evenings)

Addition Requirements (must be valid at time of hire):

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Benefits:

  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Work from home

How to Apply:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Email resume & cover letters with salary range expectations to hr@casasc.ca. Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: Wednesday October 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm.

CASASC welcomes new pet therapy dog

/in , /by

CASASC has a new furry face greeting clients as they enter the door.

Meet Oscar, a two-month-old Bernedoodle. He joined the CASASC team on October 5. Oscar is in training and is working with his handler on a daily basis to learn all of the ins and outs of supporting clients.

Now Hiring Community Support Services Coordinator

/in , /by

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking an experienced and innovative individual to join our leadership team as the Community Support Services Coordinator.

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

Position: Community Support Services Coordinator

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct reports: Educators (3), SART Team Lead, and Support Services Team Lead

Job Type: Full Time – permanent

Location:  Red Deer, AB & travel within Central Alberta

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Hourly rate: Determined based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: September 15th, 2020

Position Summary

The Community Support Services Coordinator (CSS Coord) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Community Support Services department. This includes providing informal and formal supervision for all Educators, SART Team Lead, and Support Services Team Lead.  The CSS Coord will actively develop strong partnerships with schools, health services agencies, local businesses, community organizations and volunteers.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

  • General
    • Promote CASASC’s education programs & support services to external organizations by attending conferences, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, and/or trade shows.
    • Research all funding sources and projects requirements sponsorship grant applications
    • Provide reports for applications as required for special events & community initiatives
    • Research programming opportunities for the CASASC on an on-going basis
    • Responsible to the liaison and/or resource to other CASASC departments to promote and enhance the mission and vision of CASASC
    • Provide monthly & quarterly statistical reports to Executive Director, as required
  • Education & Prevention Services
    • Coordinate all bookings for CASASC education and prevention programs
    • Organize transportation and accommodations needs for all Educators
    • Analyze feedback data to develop statistical reports to Executive Director regarding the effectiveness of the education programs
    • Develop, prepare, and present specialized training programs as requested by community organizations and/or local businesses
  • Community Support Services (SART, Help Line, and Volunteers)
    • Provide oversight of the Sexual Assault Response Team
    • Provide administrative support to the SART Team Lead, SART Coordinator, and/or SANE nurses at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre
    • Provide oversight of the 24/7 – Phone/Text/Webchat Help Line
    • Provide in-office oversight for volunteer recruiting, and training
    • Provide support to Help Line volunteers, Support Team Members & Team Lead

Desired Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Education, or related field. (Master’s degree or Post-Graduate certificate in Education, Management, or Leadership, preferred)
  • Minimum 5-10 years of experience in a supervisory role
  • Superior organizational & computer skills

Desired Skills:

  • Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity relating to issues of sexual violence prevention programs and/or mental health support services available in Alberta
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to set priorities, mediate disputes, solve problems while under pressure
  • Strong team leadership, supervisory and management skills
  • Functional knowledge of financial reporting and management budgets
  • Experience with public relations and public speaking

Addition Requirements (must be valid at time of hire):

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • A valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory Driver’s abstract

CASASC offers a competitive compensation package along with professional development opportunities for innovation and personal growth.

How to Apply:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Applications must include a resume and a cover letter with salary range expectations and can be emailed hr@casasc.ca

Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: Tuesday September 1st, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Supportive Reporting offers safe space

/in /by

The Supportive Reporting Program is offered to survivors of historical sexual assault that have not yet reported the incident(s).

The RCMP works collaboratively with CASASC to arrange for a trauma-informed, plain clothes police officer to meet the client at a non-police location. When at this location, options for reporting the crime, providing a statement and initiating an investigation are discussed.

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support Worker is an advocate and source of information for the client – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

To offer these services to survivors, the RCMP unit collaborates with a number of agencies in Red Deer including the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, CASASC, Southern Alberta Integrated Child Exploitation Unit and the Red Deer Hospital Sexual Assault Response Team.

Find more info here about CASASC’s Police, Community + Court Support Program.

Now Hiring No Secrets Educator

/in , /by

CASASC is seeking an experienced and innovative individual to join our dynamic team as an Educator for our school-based program No Secrets.

Position: Educator – No Secrets

Reports to: Community Support Services Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time – 12-month term-certain (maternity-leave)

Location:  Red Deer, AB & occasional daily travel to schools within Central Alberta

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Hourly rate: Determined based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately

Position Summary

As a part of CASASC’s Education team, the Educator – No Secrets supports our goal to increase the personal safety of individuals through education and empowerment, which will prevent sexual violence.

Our school-based program No Secrets is a two-part personal safety program for students K-8 with a focus on child sexual abuse prevention. No Secrets Part 1 is for children ages 5-9 focusing on the topics of safe and unsafe touching, safe and unsafe secrets, body parts including private areas, feelings and who you can tell. No Secrets Part 2 is for youth ages 10-13 builds on topics from Part 1 while exploring the importance of a safety network, the foundations of a healthy relationship, body ownership and boundaries, and consent (education and empowerment).

This position is one part of the two-person No Secrets educational team. Each educator on the team is responsible for preparing and delivering either part of the No Secrets program, determined by the Community Support Services Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and deliver the No Secrets program by providing interactive and dynamic presentations using age-appropriate methods and activities.
  • Participate in community public education forums and/or events to promote the awareness of sexual violence issues
  • Provide program relevant statistical data for reports

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or a relevant diploma (EA/ELCC) with 1-2 years of related experience.
  • Exceptional presentation & public speaking skills
  • Ability to build rapport with children and youth ages 5-14 years old
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment and/or independently
  • Superior time management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision
  • Proficient using computers and presentation equipment (incl. basic troubleshooting)
  • Availability to work occasional evenings/weekends for special events

Physical Demands:

  • Program planning and material distribution
  • Presentation set up & take down (tables, chairs, computers, projectors, etc)
  • Low level and waist level lifting to 20 lbs. as well as overhead reaching and above shoulder lifting, could also include trunk rotation and side carrying with either dominant or non-dominant hands
  • Frequent use of office equipment including computers, projectors, etc.
  • Sitting for long periods of time
  • Climbing stairs while carrying supplies

Addition Requirements (must be valid at time of hire):

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • A valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory Driver’s abstract

CASASC offers a competitive compensation package along with professional development opportunities for innovation and personal growth.

How to Apply:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Email resume & cover letters with salary range expectations to hr@casasc.ca.

Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: Friday August 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm.

PRIDEful Yoga + Meditation

/in /by

It’s Central Alberta Pride and we are celebrating by getting down on our mats for a PRIDEful yoga + meditation practice.

Building off the momentum of the Central Alberta Yogathon, join us on Wednesday, August 12 over the lunch hour for an empowering + self-love themed yoga session.

This virtual one-hour practice will be led by Bailey Martineau (trauma-informed certified kids yoga teacher) and Sarah Maetche (yoga teacher in training).  It is designed for all abilities, ages and bodies.

PRIDEful is offered free-of-charge. Donations to CASASC are gratefully accepted.

A waiver will be sent out via email prior to the session. We will send out the link (via email) for the Zoom session to those registered on August 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Register here via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/prideful-yoga-meditation-with-casasc-tickets-114709180246