Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose & Function

The Evelyne Saller Centre is a Downtown Eastside Community Centre under the auspices of the Arts, Culture, and Community Services department. Located at 404 Alexander Street, the Evelyne Saller Centre serves a socially and ethnically diverse population many of whom are on low fixed incomes and living in single room occupancy hotels, social housing or are homeless; including street seniors, persons with drug/alcohol issues, mental illness, and medical complexities.



The Shelter Coordinator assists in all aspects of developing, implementing, coordinating, decommissioning and evaluating the operations of the Evelyne Saller Centre (ESC) Temporary Winter Shelter. The shelter operates for six months 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.



The Shelter Coordinator reports to the Operations Manager and works closely with the ESC Leadership Team. The role supervises four Temporary full-time Shelter Attendants and a small pool of Auxiliary Shelter Attendants. The role also supervises a small team of Peer Volunteers in conjunction with the Volunteer Program Coordinator. The position works collaboratively with other ESC departments such as Security, Recreation, and Health as well as COV departments such as Outreach Workers and Real Estate, Environment and Facilities Management (REFM) as needed. The position has regular contact with external service providers and agencies such as: other shelter providers, Outreach Workers, Vancouver Coastal Health and Emergency 911 Services including Police, Fire, and Ambulance.



The Shelter Coordinator is a Temporary Full-Time seasonal position (October 2023 – May 2024) of 35 hrs per week. The set schedule is Monday to Friday from 3:30pm to 11:30pm, however this position requires the ability to work some weekend and overnight shifts, as needed. The successful candidate may be required to adjust shifts and locations as operationally required.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

The Shelter Coordinator is responsible for:

Supervising and Leading Staff

Under the guidance of the Operations Manager recruiting, selecting, hiring, training and evaluating staff who report to this position.
Supervising the work of shelter staff including guidance, direction setting, coaching and feedback to support their success.
Establishing and practicing appropriate professional boundaries in the Centre – with and between staff, volunteers and the community.
Identifying needs and gaps and organizing staff training and development to maintain appropriate professional standards of service delivery.


Health and Safety

Ensuring the occupational health and safety of staff in the shelter, as per the City of Vancouver OH&S Program Manual and BC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Ensuring compliance with WCB regulations, and addressing areas of concerns in a timely manner.


Administration

Monitoring the budget for shelter staffing, materials and supplies, and training.
Maintaining BC Housing database along with registering patrons into the shelter.
Preparing reports on shelter program as required; including developing reports for funders and senior government.
Scheduling shelter staff with support from the Operations Manager and in cooperation with the Security Coordinator


Policies and Procedures

Working collaboratively with the Operations Manager in developing, implementing, and evaluating shelter policies, procedures in order to meet goals of a safe and secure environment based on Centre values.
Reviewing and making recommendations for adapting policies and procedure as needed, to manage the shelter effectively.
Providing support to the shelter staff in enforcing policies.


Risk Management

Participating in the development and implementation of plans and procedures for the shelter to ensure the safety and security of the staff, patrons and facility, in conjunction with the Operations Manager.
Working with the Operations Manager to balance operational requirements with risk reduction strategies, working to mitigate risk.


Community Relationships

Working closely with community groups and other service providers/agencies including other shelter providers, outreach workers, housing providers, members of advocacy groups, businesses etc.to support the needs of patrons, staff and the community during the shelters operation and to mitigate potential issues that may arise.


Other duties as required

Qualifications / Required Skills

Education and Experience:

Completion of Grade 12, supplemented by courses in social sciences or related field, plus considerable related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
OFA Level 1 First Aid.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of attitudes, problems, interests and needs of homeless individuals who may face multiple barriers including poverty, mental and physical disabilities, and/or drug or alcohol dependencies, and social isolation.
Considerable knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of low barrier homeless shelters.
Considerable knowledge of the methods, procedures and practices related to operating a shelter for the homeless.
Considerable knowledge of modern office management procedures.
Ability to establish, maintain and prepare a variety of records, files and reports related to the work.
Ability to supervise staff and volunteers in centre operations.
Ability to deal tactfully with difficult issues and handling complaints from patrons and other community members concerning shelter operations.
Ability to perform in a stressful and demanding work environment and to respond responsibly to emergencies.
Considerable knowledge of social service, health, housing and community resources available to patrons.
Demonstrated ability to develop effective policies and procedure, preferably in a social service environment.
Experience with housing outreach an asset.


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: October 2023

Position End Date: May 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $32.87 to $38.68 per hour



Application Close: August 6, 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-020: $32.87 to $38.68 per hour

Contact Information

https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/39069/

Employer Profile

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.