Casual Shelter Resource Worker (Overnights)

First United Church Community Ministry Society; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established community-focused organization is seeking a dedicated Casual Shelter Resource Worker for overnight shifts. This role is crucial in providing a safe and welcoming environment for vulnerable individuals in the Downtown Eastside. As part of a supportive team, you will engage with residents, assist with their needs, and ensure the smooth operation of the emergency shelter. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills to support individuals facing complex challenges, this opportunity offers a meaningful way to contribute to the community while gaining valuable experience and training.

Benefits

Möglichkeiten zur beruflichen Weiterbildung

Schulung in Krisenintervention

Zugang zu Gemeinschaftsveranstaltungen

Qualifications

• Erfahrung im Umgang mit gefährdeten Bevölkerungsgruppen und in der Konfliktbewältigung.
• Fähigkeit zur Dokumentation und Nutzung von Technologien wie HIFIS.

Responsibilities

• Schaffung einer sicheren und einladenden Umgebung für die Bewohner des Notunterkunft.
• Erster Ansprechpartner für neue und wiederkehrende Nutzer der Notunterkunft.

Skills

Beziehungsaufbau

Krisenintervention

Kommunikationsfähigkeiten

Kritisches Denken

Education

Mindestens Abschluss der 12. Klasse

Training in gewaltfreier Krisenintervention

Erste-Hilfe-Zertifizierung

Tools

Outlook E-Mail

HIFIS

Word/Excel

Job description

FIRST UNITED is a registered charity that has been serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community for nearly 140 years. We offer responsive, low-barrier services to individuals who are low-income, underhoused or homeless. We provide essential services to meet the daily needs of community members and engage in systems change work to reduce homelessness and break cycles of poverty. If you’re looking for purpose-filled work and want to make a difference in the community, this might be the opportunity for you.

First United is seeking candidates for overnight shifts in our new 50 bed, low barrier shelter on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. If it is your desire to make a difference for those most vulnerable and to gain knowledge, experience and valuable skills in working with those with complex mental health and addiction issues, this is the job for you. We offer opportunities for training and professional development. We look forward to meeting and working with you.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Casual Shelter Resource Worker (overnights)
DEPARTMENT: Shelter
REPORTS TO: Shelter Manager
DATE: February 2025
Starting Wage: $27.05 per hour

POSITION OBJECTIVE

This position is accountable to the Manager of Shelter Services in providing a welcoming, safe, and secure environment to the men and women living in the First United Church's 24/7 emergency shelter. Under the immediate direction of the Shift Supervisor, the Shelter Resource Worker will be a daily presence at the First United Church to provide support to the men and women in the areas of relationship development and community engagement while performing a variety of duties to ensure the smooth operation of the emergency shelter.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create a safe, welcoming and calming environment for the men and women staying with the First United emergency shelter and from the community using our services. Engage and develop relationships with each individual through active listening, program offerings, access to our services and being a steady presence throughout all areas of the First United Church.
• Act as the first point of contact for men and women staying in the First United Church emergency shelter. Welcome new and returning users of the emergency shelter by completing intakes, discussing shelter guidelines and ensuring basic shelter, food and hygiene needs are met.
• Maintain the smooth operation of the emergency shelter by knowing who is in the building, doing regular counts and check-ins, managing the entrance door and graciously declining entry to non-shelter users when our day program closes.
• Ensure shelter residents are aware of meal times and when the sleeping areas are open, making them accessible and ready for use at the appropriate times.
• Maintain daily documentation and information sharing through HIFIS, incident report forms, statistic reporting, attending bi-weekly Shelter Resource meetings and monthly all-staff meetings.
• Participate as a team member of the whole First United church organization. Stay knowledgeable of and be active in programs, services and special projects.
• Stay observant of the environment and provide calming intervention as required to ensure the safety of everyone and policies are being respected.
• Provide first response to crisis intervention as required. Communicate with team members, Shift Supervisor and/or Manager of Shelter Services.
• Participate with the general cleanliness and organization of the First United Church including all common areas, washrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Effective working relationship building skills and boundary setting with vulnerable populations.
• Ability to discern relevant information, apply critical thinking and facilitate the resolution of challenging situations using diplomacy, tact, and persuasion.
• Exceptional communication skills required (written and verbal) and the ability and experience of dealing with and de-escalating conflict in a fluid work environment is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer/technology such as: Outlook E-Mail, HIFIS (client data), Word/Excel, Timecard/Payroll Software.
• Willingness to participate and show initiative to participate in community events and applicable training.

EDUCATION

• Minimum Grade 12
• Related training in non-violent crisis intervention
• Basic First Aid Certification.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of one year previous experience working in community based services providing direct services to at risk populations.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code.