Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function

The Shelter Attendant I is an auxiliary, seasonal position (October 2023 to April 31, 2024) and reports to the Shelter Coordinator. The Shelter Attendant I position is responsible for frontline service for the Evelyne Saller Centre, Temporary Winter Shelter. Shelter Attendant I staff work with other centre staff as a team and are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for individuals who are homeless to access shelter space. The Shelter operates for the purpose of providing overnight shelter to vulnerable populations who are homeless and may also suffer from issues related to addiction, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.



This position delivers shelter services in a calm professional manner by de-escalating situations, dealing with crises, responding to fights and monitoring shelter guest behaviour. The position is responsible for monitoring shelter access, enforcing policies and procedures, performing routine janitorial duties, and maintaining records and reports including incident reports and shelter attendance reports. Incumbents must be available for overnight shifts, including weekends. Schedule may be subject to change due to operational needs and in accordance with the Collective Agreement.



Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Maintains a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, patrons, and community members.
Works tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may be drug/alcohol addicted and/or isolated through poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or other factors of social exclusion.
Establishes and maintains positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries with staff, volunteers, and patrons.
Enforces shelter policies and procedures in a calm, clear and compassionate manner
Deals confidently and respectfully with volatile and unpredictable situations including those in which mental health and addiction issues are factors
Work cooperatively with other service providers/agencies including other shelter providers, outreach workers, and 911 services including Police, Ambulance, and Fire as required
Monitors access to the shelter and makes rounds of shelter and all accessible public spaces in the facility on a regular basis
Operates security equipment as required, including 2 way radios and CCTV camera equipment
Maintains paper and electronic records including incident reports, log book, and shelter attendance reports
Performs routine janitorial duties as required
Administers basic first aid and maintains applicable records.
Makes referrals to community agencies as needed.
Monitors and reports any facility issues including maintenance, cleanliness and pest control issues as per the Centre’s procedure

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Completion of Grade 10 or equivalent plus related experience in a security social services front line position, combined with experience working with vulnerable populations preferably in a social service setting;
Occupational First Aid Level 1 is preferred
Basic Security Training (BST) level 1 would be an asset.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent conflict management and de-escalation skills especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations including situations in which mental health and addiction are factors
Ability to exercise excellent judgment and to do so independently when required
Willing and able to enforce policies, procedure and rules in a firm and compassionate manner
Understanding of and commitment to homeless populations who may also suffer from issues related to addiction, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.
Excellent verbal communication skills
Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills especially in volatile, disruptive and emergency situations
Good writing skills and ability to use MS Office applications for report writing and communications
Considerable knowledge of the rules, policies, operation and programs of the centre and/or low-barrier drop-in centres.
Working knowledge of the community and social service agencies and programs in the area.


Record Checks

A Police Record Check is a requirement of the position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.


The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Additional Information

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: 11/01/2023

Position End Date: 04/30/2024

Number of Positions Available: 4

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-013: $24.88 to $29.13 per hour



Application Close: August 27, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion on our careers site.

Salary: Pay Grade GR-013: $24.88 to $29.13 per hour

Contact Information

https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/39301/

Employer Profile

Requisition ID: 39301


Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.