Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function

The Warming Centre Attendant position reports to the Warming Centre Coordinator, who is responsible for providing coordination, direction and support to guests accessing City of Vancouver (COV) operated Warming Centres which may be operated by non-profit partners. Warming Centre Attendants work overnight with other staff (both City and external) as a team and are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness to access shelter and indoor warming spaces. The Warming Centres operate as a life saving measure, for the purpose of providing shelter to marginalized populations who are experiencing homelessness and may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.



This front-line position carries out a variety of duties in a calm professional manner, supporting guests with basic needs, including shelter and food. Warming Centre Attendants assists guests with referrals to other services when appropriate, monitoring guest behaviour and the overall shelter environment, incident response and crisis management, and responds with de-escalation methods to ensure a safe and secure environment for all guests. The position is responsible for monitoring shelter access, enforcing policies and procedures, performing routine janitorial duties, supporting guests and maintaining records and reports including incident reports and guest attendance reports as required, and engages with guests to provide feedback as requested. This is a seasonal positional with no guarantee of hours.



Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Set-up and take down of shelter/warming centre operations and the overall supervision of the shelter/warming centre program during overnight operation
Problem-solving overnight in the absence of a supervisor, and liaising with other organizations or stakeholders as needed.
Maintains a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, patrons, and community members, and shelter guests
Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served
Works tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may use substances and/or be 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
Ensures shelter/warming centre policies and procedures are followed and communicates concerns 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
Monitors access to the shelter/warming centre and regularly monitors the environment and guests and all accessible public spaces in the facility on a regular basis
Maintains paper and electronic records including incident reports, log book, and shelter attendance reports
Engages with guests to provide feedback, as requested
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 required
Demonstrated ability working as a team member
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Completion of grade ten
Occupational First Aid Level 1 preferred
Related experience working with marginalized populations would be an asset


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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
Conflict and de-escalation skills especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations including situations in which mental health and addiction are factors
Excellent verbal communication skills
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
Knowledge of homelessness related agencies, services and resources or experience working with marginalized populations is considered an asset


A Police Record Check clearance is required for 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: Auxiliary/Casual

Position Start Date: October 2023

Position End Date: April 2024

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



Application Close: October 8, 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 website.

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

Contact Information

https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/39531/

Employer Profile

Requisition ID: 39531


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.