INTERNAL Only - Guest Empowerment Coordinator (Mercy House)

The Gathering Place; San Juan de Terranova; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gathering Place invites applications for a Guest Empowerment Coordinator (Mercy House) based in St. John’s. This permanent full-time role focuses on trauma-informed, strength-based programs to support residents toward housing stability.

You will design life skills workshops, coordinate supports, and partner with internal teams and external providers to reduce barriers. The position emphasizes dignity, equity, and guest autonomy within a harm-reduction framework.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in health/socialsciences, community services, or a related human services field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience working in a social services, housing, or supportive programming environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma, poverty, substance use, and mental health through both professional and/or lived experience.
• Skilled in designing andfacilitatingprogramming for marginalized or vulnerable populations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, lead with empathy, and navigate sensitive situations with discretion.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Manager and Program Supervisor to plan, deliver, andevaluate programming, including onsite supports and community-based referrals.
• Design and implement life skills workshops, support groups, and volunteer opportunities that reflect the diverse needs and goals of program participants.
• Use trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to engage Guests in meaningful programming, including opportunities for peer leadership and community participation.
• Partner with the Guest Empowerment team to ensure programs are accessible to individuals facing complex barriers such as mental health challenges, substance use, or histories of homelessness.
• Foster an inclusive and culturally responsive environment where dignity, equity, and Guest autonomy are prioritized.
• Build andmaintaincollaborative relationships with internal departments and external service providers to maximize opportunities for support and transition.
• Monitor participation, document progress, and contribute to evaluation efforts to ensure continuous improvement.
• Contribute to a positive team culture rooted in harm reduction, housing-first principles, and community care.
• Supervise relevant student placements asrequired
• Ensure safe,effectiveand efficient delivery of services to The Gathering Place Guests.Application of organizational policies and processespertaining toGuest and workplace safety is expected.
• Support day-to-day program activities and performadditionalduties asrequired.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Trauma-informed approach

Time management

Leadership and empathy

Written and verbal communication

Independent and team work

Education

Post-secondary education in health/social sciences

Job description

Job Title: Guest Empowerment Coordinator (Mercy House)

Reports to: Manager of Housing

Location: St. John’s

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time

Type: Union

Hours: Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend coverage as required

Rate of Pay: $26.16 per hour

PCN: 01-400-006

Position Summary

The Guest Empowerment Coordinator plays a key role in supporting residents of Mercy Houseand Community Health Centreas they transition toward greater independence and housingstability.This positionis responsible fordeveloping and coordinating strength-based, trauma-informed programs that promote skill-building, personal development, and connection to community resources. Working closely with staff, volunteers, and participants, theCoordinatorfosters a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment that reflects the values of dignity, compassion, and harm reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Manager and Program Supervisor to plan, deliver, andevaluate programming, including onsite supports and community-based referrals.

• Design and implement life skills workshops, support groups, and volunteer opportunities that reflect the diverse needs and goals of program participants.

• Use trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to engage Guests in meaningful programming, including opportunities for peer leadership and community participation.

• Partner with the Guest Empowerment team to ensure programs are accessible to individuals facing complex barriers such as mental health challenges, substance use, or histories of homelessness.

• Foster an inclusive and culturally responsive environment where dignity, equity, and Guest autonomy are prioritized.

• Build andmaintaincollaborative relationships with internal departments and external service providers to maximize opportunities for support and transition.

• Monitor participation, document progress, and contribute to evaluation efforts to ensure continuous improvement.

• Contribute to a positive team culture rooted in harm reduction, housing-first principles, and community care.

• Supervise relevant student placements asrequired

• Ensure safe,effectiveand efficient delivery of services to The Gathering Place Guests.Application of organizational policies and processespertaining toGuest and workplace safety is expected.

• Support day-to-day program activities and performadditionalduties asrequired.

Qualifications & Skills

• Post-secondary education in health/socialsciences, community services, or a related human services field.

• Minimum 3 years' experience working in a social services, housing, or supportive programming environment.

• Demonstrated understanding of trauma, poverty, substance use, and mental health through both professional and/or lived experience.

• Skilled in designing andfacilitatingprogramming for marginalized or vulnerable populations.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, lead with empathy, and navigate sensitive situations with discretion.

• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.

Closing Date for Applications: October 14, 2026