Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Requisition ID: 39895


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.



Main Purpose and Function

The Structure Response Liaison position is part of an interdepartmental team responsible for addressing structures in the public realm and seeking compliance with City By-laws. This frontline position supports people with basic needs such as providing resource information, meal tickets, and information on storage and connections to outreach and health supports when a person is being asked to comply with City By-laws. The position carries out a variety of duties in a calm professional manner, always using a trauma informed lens and using de-escalation methods as needed. The position has excellent communication and relationship building skills to liaise with internal and external staff and community partners. Community members with whom the Integrated Response Team engages may also live with issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.



We are hiring for 3 positions covering 7-days a week operations. Current shifts are listed below, however the incumbents may be required to adjust days/hours of shifts in accordance with operational needs and the collective agreement.

Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm
Tuesday through Saturday, 8am-4pm
Wednesday through Sunday, 8am-4pm


Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Works tactfully and compassionately with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or individuals who may live with issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.

Provides resource information, meal tickets, and information on storage and connections to outreach and health supports
Establishes and maintains positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries with staff, community service providers and community members.
Problem-solving in the absence of a supervisor, and liaising with other organizations or stakeholders as needed.
Deals confidently and respectfully with volatile and unpredictable situations including those in which mental health and addiction issues are factors
Administers basic first aid and maintains applicable records.
Makes referrals to community agencies as needed.
Presents self in a professional manner that demonstrates the values of the City of Vancouver and Community Services
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Completion of grade ten and, preferably, Occupational First Aid Level 1, plus related experience in a social service front line position, combined with experience working with vulnerable populations preferably in a social service setting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Given the nature of the work, persons with lived experience of homelessness, mental health or addictions is an added strength for this position but not essential.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of the rules, policies, operation and programs related to the work
Working knowledge of the community and social service agencies and programs in the area
Understanding of and commitment to individuals experiencing homelessness who may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization
Excellent conflict management and de-escalation skills especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations, including situations in which mental health and addiction are factors
Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills especially in volatile, disruptive and emergency situations
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to problem solve in a way that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served
Ability to communicate in a calm, clear and compassionate manner
Good writing skills and ability to use MS Office applications for report writing and communications
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
Valid Occupational First Aid - Level I preferred
Trained in Naloxone administration, non-violent crisis intervention and gender-based violence
Trauma informed approaches to working with equity-denied individuals, including the intergenerational impacts of colonization and residential schools for Indigenous Peoples
Demonstrated ability working as a team member
Knowledge of homelessness related agencies, services and resources or experience working with marginalized populations is considered an asset


Record Checks:

A Police Record Check is a requirement of this 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: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: January 2023
Number of Positions Available: 3
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-013: $24.88 to $29.13 per hour

Application Close: December 3, 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/Vancouver-Structure-Response-Liaison-Brit-V6A-4K6/1101323100/

Employer Profile

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.