Low Barrier Shelter Team Lead

Wikwemikong Health Centre; Wikwemikong; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wikwemikong Health Centre in Ontario is seeking a Team Lead for the Emergency Low Barrier Shelter to guide daily operations and supervise Shelter Workers and Peer Support staff.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and client-centered service, with emphasis on Anishinaabe knowledge, harm reduction, and respectful engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Mental Health, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
• 2–3 years’ experience with individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of low barrier shelter models and harm reduction approaches.
• Understanding of First Nation community dynamics and Anishinaabe cultural perspectives.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Assets: MHFA; ASIST or Suicide Intervention Training; First Aid/CPR.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and mentorship to Shelter Workers and Peer Support staff.
• Support staff scheduling and shift coverage.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and effective communication across shifts.
• Assist with staff orientation, onboarding, and training.
• Provide coaching and support to staff in consultation with the Emergency Shelter Coordinator.
• Collaborate with staff to model crisis response, rapport building, and conflict resolution.
• Oversee daily shelter and peer support operations.
• Ensure shelter policies, procedures, and residency agreements are applied consistently.
• Assist with client intake, discharge, and documentation.
• Monitor bed utilization and service quality.
• Participate in team meetings and drive program improvement.
• Maintain shelter inventory and coordinate purchasing within budgets.
• Ensure shelter environment remains safe, clean, and welcoming.
• Support minor facility upkeep and health and safety standards.
• Build respectful and empathetic relationships with clients.
• Provide trauma-informed supervision and support within the shelter environment.
• Use de-escalation and mediation techniques to manage conflicts and crises.
• Assist clients with goal setting, housing navigation, and referrals to services.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external service providers.
• Encourage culturally grounded supports, including Anishinaabe knowledge.
• Complete case notes and incident reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional standards.
• Provide operational updates to the Emergency Shelter Coordinator.
• Support program data collection and reporting requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis intervention

Communication

Harm reduction

Trauma-informed care

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Services or related field

Job description

Low Barrier Shelter Team Lead

Summary The Emergency Low Barrier Shelter provides safe and dignified overnight lodging for individuals experiencing homelessness, including those not served by other programs. The Team Lead – Shelter & Peer Support Services supports daily shelter operations and provides leadership to frontline staff, ensuring services are trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and client-centered. Collaborating with the team, the Team Lead promotes safe operations, consistent service delivery, and a collaborative environment rooted in Anishinaabe values, harm reduction, and respect forlived experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Shelter Workers and Peer Support staff.


• Support staff scheduling and shift coordination tomaintainadequate coverage.


• Promote teamwork, accountability, and effective communication across shifts.


• Assistwith staff orientation, onboarding, and training.


• Provide coaching, feedback, and support to staff in consultation with the Emergency Shelter Coordinator.


• Collaborate with staff to model effective crisis response, rapport building, and conflict resolution.


• Support the daily operation of shelter and peer support services.


• Ensure shelter policies, procedures, and residency agreements are applied consistently.


• Assistwith client intake, discharge, and documentation processes.


• Monitor program flow, bedutilization, and service quality.


• Participate in team meetings and support continuous program improvement.


• Monitor andmaintainshelter inventory including food, hygiene supplies, bedding, PPE, and program materials.


• Track usage and coordinatepurchasingwithin established budgets.


• Ensure the shelter environmentremainssafe, clean, and welcoming.


• Support minor facility upkeep and ensure health and safety standards aremaintained.


• Build respectful and empathetic relationships with clients.


• Provide trauma-informed supervision and support within the shelter environment.


• Use de-escalation and mediation techniques to manage conflict and crisis situations.


• Assistclients with goal setting, housing navigation, advocacy, and referrals to services.


• Collaborate with internal teams and external service providers.


• Encourage culturally grounded supports, including Traditional wellness approaches and Anishinaabe knowledge.


• Complete case notes, incident reports, and other documentation accurately andin a timely manner.


• Always maintain confidentiality and professional standards.


• Provide operational updates and reports to the Emergency Shelter Coordinator.


• Support program data collection and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Mental Health, Indigenous Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Minimum2–3years’ experiencecollaborating with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use.


• Previousleadership or supervisory experience is considered an asset.


• Knowledge oflow barrier shelter models, harm reduction approaches, and community support systems.


• Understanding ofFirst Nation community dynamics and Anishinaabe cultural perspectives.


• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.


• Assets: Mental Health First Aid; ASIST or Suicide Intervention Training; First Aid / CPR; Crisis Prevention and Intervention training.

Salary: $77,000.00