Shelter Manager

Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society; Merritt; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid vacation

Professional development

Job summary

Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society is seeking a Shelter Manager to lead the 24/7 Merritt shelter and support services. You will report to the Executive Director and ensure safe, trauma-informed, and person‑centred service delivery while maintaining regulatory compliance.

You will supervise staff, coordinate admissions and bed usage, and connect participants to housing, healthcare and community resources, fostering a respectful, trauma-informed environment for people experiencing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field (or equivalent).
• Diploma or certificate plus supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience in emergency shelter, homelessness, or social services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coordination of shelter operations.
• Ensure trauma-informed, person-centered service delivery.
• Oversee admissions, bed utilization, and occupancy.
• Supervise team leads and frontline staff.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews.
• Monitor safety and quality using records and reports.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Crisis intervention

Communication

Trauma-informed practice

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related

Diploma or Certificate in Human Services or related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

HIFIS

Payworks

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Shelter Manager is a key leadership role responsible for the overall operation of NVSSS's 24/7 shelter and support services. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position ensures safe, effective, and trauma-informed service delivery while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Shelter Manager oversees daily operations, staff supervision, client services, and facility management while fostering a supportive environment for vulnerable populations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and coordination of shelter operations.
• Ensure safe, effective, trauma-informed, and person-centered service delivery.
• Oversee participant admissions, bed utilization, pet registry, and shelter occupancy.
• Provide operational oversight of Overdose Prevention Services and harm reduction supports, ensuring safe, effective, and person-centered service delivery
• Maintain accurate participant records using HIFIS and other information systems.
• Conduct routine facility inspections and coordinate maintenance requirements.
• Participate in emergency planning and operational response.
• Supervise, coach, and support Team Leads and frontline staff.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and probationary reviews.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development.
• Address attendance, performance, and employee relations matters in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and promote effective communication.
• Ensure completion of mandatory training and professional development.
• Approve employee timesheets and leave requests using Payworks.
• Monitor staffing schedules and operational resources.

Shelter Participant Services

• Support participant intake, assessment, referrals, and service coordination.
• Provide leadership during crisis intervention and behavioural support situations.
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally safe, and harm reduction approaches.
• Monitor participant wellness, safety, and engagement.
• Support participant programming and life-skills development.
• Support participant access to housing, healthcare, income assistance, and other community resources.

Compliance and Quality Improvement

• Ensure compliance with BC Housing service agreements, organizational policies, WorkSafeBC requirements, and applicable legislation.
• Monitor operational performance indicators and program outcomes.
• Prepare monthly operational reports for the Executive Director.
• Complete and review incident reporting and follow-up.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Support the Joint Health and Safety Committee.

Administration

Assist with operational budgeting, purchasing, and inventory control.

Community Collaboration

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous organizations, BC Housing, Interior Health, emergency services, municipal partners, and community agencies.
• Represent NVSSS on community committees and collaborative initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will possess one of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or another related discipline; or
• A Diploma or Certificate in Human Services, Community Support Worker, Addictions, Mental Health, or a related field, combined with progressively responsible supervisory experience; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant education, employment experience, leadership experience, and lived experience.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of progressive leadership experience within emergency shelter services, homelessness, housing, or the social services sector.
• Experience supervising employees within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use, and complex trauma.
• Experience managing crisis situations and operational priorities.
• Experience with BC Housing’s Coordinated Access, VAT, and HIFIS systems is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Leadership and people management skills.
• Sound judgement and effective decision-making.
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and person-centred service delivery.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Basic First Aid.
• WHMIS Certification.
• Mental Health First Aid.
• ASIST Certification,
• Trauma-Informed Practice training,
• Opioid Poisoning Response Training,
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural safety and culturally responsive practices.

Requirements

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check,
• Legal authorization to work in Canada.

Working Conditions

• Primarily based at the NVSSS’s Knight Inn Shelter in Merritt, BC.
• Standard work schedule of Monday to Friday; occasional evening and weekend work may be required to respond to operational requirements.
• Fast-paced environment requiring sound judgement during crisis situations.
• Regular exposure to individuals affected by homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, and trauma.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and participate in critical incident management.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

NVSSS offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Competitive salary - $72,200 annually
• Extended health and dental benefits for both full-time and part-time employees and their dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees, that provides support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, addressing mental health concerns, and focusing on personal development in various areas.
• Paid vacation for full-time employees,
• Professional development and employer-supported training.

NOTE

• Your privacy is important to us. The information we collect is used solely for consideration for employment.
• We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NVSSS reserves the right to amend job advertisements. No phone calls please.
• Please visit our careers (https://nvshelterandsupport.easyapply.co) page to see more job opportunities.