Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

• Responding to inquiries and requests by residents and resolving any problems or issues
• Reports on any client illness, drug/alcohol related issues or concerns
• Provides culturally respectful and compassionate service to the guests
• Responds to resource and service enquiries for guests
• Documenting all incidents appropriately
• Conducts floor checks periodically throughout the shift
• Conducts wakeup calls for residents
• Call the police or related Public Service in the event of an emergency or disturbances
• Ensures appropriate and timely communication with residents, employees, and managers
• Maintains a safe environment for building residents and visitors
• Ensures facilities are in compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and building codes
• Maintains professional relationships with residents
• Maintains facility cleanliness inside
• Maintains safety & security
• Develops strong networking with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal services
• Assists with cleaning up dining room after guests’ meals
• Performs other duties as required

Qualifications / Required Skills

• High School Diploma
• First Nations, Metis, Inuit or Aboriginal ancestry is preferred
• Minimum 2 years related employment experience working with people experiencing homelessness or poverty and other societal issues.
• Knowledge of social services and resources with the GVRD
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and building codes
• Food Safe Certificate
• Physical ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Working knowledge of the Downtown East Side and services and supports that are provided
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English
• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Politically, culturally, and socially conscious and sensitive to other people’s experiences
• High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts in any given situation
• Customer service focus towards all residents
• Knowledge of Aboriginal culture, spirituality, and community
• Strong ethics, integrity, and commitment to staff and residents' privacy

Additional Information

CERTIFICATES:
• Crisis Prevention training or de-escalation training.
• Standard first aid and CPR
• Indigenous awareness training
• Mental health first aid training
• Domestic violence safety planning
• Substance use awareness and safety training-including naloxone training
• LGBT2Q+ awareness training
• Trauma-informed practice training
• Staff self-care training
• Vulnerability Assessment Tool training
• AHMA or BC housing database training

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and hepatitis B viruses
• Interact with residents, family members, staff, visitors, and government agencies
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and supporting guest.
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
• These positions require union membership with the BC General Employees Union
• The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

EXPERIENCE:
• Working knowledge of the DTES services and supports: 2 years (required)
• Related employment: 2 years (required)
• Work Location: In person

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. 

Salary: CA$23.30 per hour

Contact Information

Please send your resume to HR@vafcs.org

Employer Profile

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit charitable organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people. The Society manages twenty-three programs and services through three locations in Vancouver. The Friendship Centre at 1607 East Hastings is a community-led organization creating meaningful change for the Urban Aboriginal Population that we serve. VAFCS is currently seeking an individual connected with Indigenous community, highly organized, and self-motivated to work with us!

BC Housing and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society are partnering to build a range of housing options for people of all ages struggling to find a place to call home. 1015 East Hastings provides 80 safe shelter beds; 25 studios and one-bedrooms for people moving from the shelter to more independent living; 85 affordable rental homes for people and families with lower incomes; 53 new market rental homes; and social enterprise space.

The purpose of the Resident Support Worker is to provide a high standard of transition care providing first point of contact for all and respond respectfully to all enquiries, complaints, concerns, or emergencies in a timely manner utilizing VAFCS policies and procedures.

SHIFTS: (8:00am to 4:00pm); Evening (4:00pm to 12:00am); Night (12:00am to 8:00am) Part-time/Weekends