Fire Safety Coordinator

SRO Collaborative; Vancouver; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Vancouver seeks a Fire Safety Coordinator to enhance tenant safety through fire prevention training and support. The role involves community organizing, program management, and collaboration with tenants and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in community organizing and a strong commitment to anti-oppressive practices.

Benefits

4 weeks paid vacation during first year

6 weeks paid vacation each subsequent year

Full benefits package

Top up for cell phone and internet costs

Flexibility to work from home when possible

Opportunities for professional development and growth

Qualifications

• Three years of related work experience, or equivalent.
• Experience in community organizing, tenant empowerment, or a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements program ideas and structures based on input from participants.
• Coordinates the day-to-day operations of one or two programs.
• Supervises and mentors organizers and tenants as required.

Skills

Effective communication

Trauma-informed approach

Building and maintaining trusting relationships

Learning in complex environment

Reliability

Independent, collaborative and teamwork

Equity lens

Education

Post secondary education

Job description

Deadline for Applications: 16 May 2025
Posting Date: 30 April 2025

Job Title: Fire Safety Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time (40 hours/week), permanent salaried position

State Date: As soon as possible

Working Location: Chinatown, Vancouver

Reports to: Program Manager

Salary & Benefits:

• $32.76 – $39.21 per hour, as per SRO-C wage grid
• Annual raises in line with cost-of-living increases.
• 4 weeks paid vacation during first year of employment and 6 weeks paid vacation each subsequent year, plus generous sick leave policies.
• Full benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage.
• Top up for cell phone and internet costs
• Flexibility to work from home when possible.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Overview:

The Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving habitability and affordability for the 4,000 low-income residents living in 100 privately-owned single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels in downtown Vancouver. We are a grass-roots organization that experienced rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are continuing to actively grow.

The Fire Safety Program helps tenants in SRO’s take more control of their safety by providing fire prevention training, resources, and ongoing support. The program aims to expand to multiple buildings, where tenant volunteers, called “Firebolts,” conduct weekly safety checks, update building-specific emergency plans, and lead annual fire drills. Through tenant workshops, one-on-one support, fire safety training, and partnerships with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS), the program strengthens safety and preparedness while tracking areas for improvement. This tenant-centered approach offers support that was previously unavailable, giving tenants the knowledge and tools to respond effectively to emergencies and ensuring they have a clear, actionable plan in place.

Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society Environment and Work Culture:

Community organizing is at the core of SRO-C and the role of organizing is essential to engaging tenants and community. SRO-C tenants are disproportionately impacted by poverty, colonialism, and discrimination. They are a diverse community facing various challenges such as substance use, physical and mental health concerns, behavioural issues, criminal records, and histories of trauma. The demanding and fulfilling tenant organizing work we undertake is supported by our dedicated staff. We support the wellness of our staff by developing skills in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, and conflict mediation to help address the complexities of our work and assist tenants in doing the same. We strive to foster a supportive work environment that promotes continuous learning, enabling staff to think innovatively and act courageously. We recognize that embracing our mistakes can be an opportunity for improvement which is vital in creating positive and meaningful change within our community.

Cultural Safety and Anti-Oppressive Practices

A solid understanding of the issues impacting communities living in and around the DTES and Chinatown, as well as a commitment to learning and practicing intersectional, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches is critical to the work at SRO-C. SRO-C values staff who can work in this challenging environment, be extremely patient, and provide practical, emotional, and human resources support to their fellow staff and share in mutual support of the team. Staff commit to learning and practicing nonviolent communication, conflict resolution, and coaching skills while effectively and compassionately setting and maintaining expectations and accountability with their team.

Key Responsibilities

• A Coordinator at the Collaborative
  • Develops and implements program ideas and structures based on input from participants and organizers following a plan co-created with a manager or director
  • Coordinates the day-to-day operations of one or two programs to meet goals including: logistics, scheduling, communications and on the ground problem solving
  • Implements budgets, policies and procedures in their area of responsibility to keep the program(s) running smoothly
  • Supports alignment and liaises with other programs and stakeholders
  • Supervises and mentors organizers and tenants as required. Assists managers and directors in hiring, training, coaching and evaluating staff
  • Collects, compiles and analyzes data to support program development and reporting as required. Prepares and submits reports as required
  • Collaborates and participates with other staff to organize and run tenant events
    
• A Coordinator uses the skills and qualities listed below to:
  • Create collaborative team work
  • Problem solve day-to-day operational issues and can take some leadership to resolve interpersonal conflicts
  • Supervise and integrate ideas from their team.
  • Facilitate collaboration with all SRO-C members to support its mission
  • Facilitate the promotion of intercultural understanding and cultural and language supports for tenant

Qualifications:

• Post secondary education, or equivalent
• Three years of related work experience, or equivalent
• Experience in community organizing, tenant empowerment, or a similar role
• Experience with harm reduction and knowledge of community resources

Skills:

• Building and maintaining trusting relationships
• Learning in complex environment
• Reliability
• Effective communication, attentive listening and ability to de-escalate
• Independent, collaborative and teamwork
• Trauma-informed approach
• Equity lens

Qualities:

• Self-awareness and reflexivity
• Accountability
• Non-judgemental
• Courage
• Humility
• Empathy

Applications:

Please send a resume and a one-page cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this job via email to [e-mail] . Kindly include in the subject line:

FSC Application {Last Name} {First Name}

We thank all prospective applicants for their time; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. BIPOC and/or LGBT2SIQ+ applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.