Karin Maier
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Compassionate and resourceful Community Worker with hands-on experience supporting vulnerable individuals through trauma-informed, harm reduction, and client-centered frameworks. Proven success in drop-in centers, housing support, and outreach services, with strong interpersonal and advocacy skills. Passionate about creating inclusive, low-barrier environments that empower people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and complex challenges.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Relief Drop-In Worker
The Neighbourhood Group – St. Stephen’s
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Supported day-to-day drop-in operations; built rapport with participants and assisted with conflict prevention.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure consistent, participant-focused service delivery.
Corner Drop-In Community Worker
The Neighbourhood Group – St. Stephen’s
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Delivered solution-focused, non-clinical support to diverse clients, including those facing homelessness, mental health issues, addictions, and abuse.
- Conducted assessments, offered referrals, and connected individuals with housing, legal, and employment services.
- Distributed harm reduction kits, toiletries, and clothing; supported program safety and engagement at the entrance.
- Maintained trauma-informed, low-barrier interactions aligned with social justice principles.
Housing & Drop-In Support – Student Placement
All Saints Toronto
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Helped stabilize housing for clients through follow-up support and system navigation (OW, ODSP, CRA, RGI).
- Participated in drop-in services: meal prep, plating, serving, client engagement, and outreach walks.
- Referred clients to mental health, legal, and employment supports; supported peer volunteers in community outreach.
Education
Community Worker Diploma - Accelerated, Honours
George Brown College
01.2024
Post-Grad Certificate - Communications & PR
Centennial College
01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Honours with Distinction
University of Toronto
01.2007
Skills
- Trauma-Informed & Harm Reduction Approaches
- Client-Centered Support & Crisis Intervention
- Mental Health & Addictions Awareness
- Housing Stabilization & System Navigation
- Conflict De-escalation & Community Safety
- Referrals, Advocacy & Case Coordination
- Group Facilitation & Outreach Activities
- Documentation & Client Database Use
- Equity, Diversity & Anti-Oppression Practice
- Microsoft Office, Dynamics CRM, SharePoint
Timeline
Relief Drop-In Worker
The Neighbourhood Group – St. Stephen’s
07.2024 - 10.2024
Corner Drop-In Community Worker
The Neighbourhood Group – St. Stephen’s
06.2024 - 07.2024
Housing & Drop-In Support – Student Placement
All Saints Toronto
01.2023 - 01.2024
Post-Grad Certificate - Communications & PR
Centennial College
Bachelor of Arts - Honours with Distinction
University of Toronto
Community Worker Diploma - Accelerated, Honours
George Brown College
Awards
Better Jobs Ontario Grant (2023), AWHL Volunteer Commitment Award (2010 & 2015), Ontario Graduate Scholarship – Woodsworth College (2008), Jan Monaghan & Noah Meltz Bursaries (2002–2006)
Additional Experience
- Client Administration – Gluskin Sheff + Associates (2014–2019)
- Communications & Research – The Goldie Company (2011–2013)
- Development Associate – Furniture Bank (2009–2010)
- Grant Writer – Freelance (2021)
- Dietary Aide – Beach Arms Retirement Home (2020–2021)
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