Shift Supervisor (Temporary)

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary progression

Health benefits

Life insurance

Long-term Disability

AD&D

Vacation 15 days

Statutory days 13

Sick leave 12 days

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

FIRST UNITED is seeking a temporary Shift Supervisor for a 51-bed shelter in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. The role runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, from Oct 26, 2026 to Dec 3, 2026, overseeing staff, residents, and operations to ensure safety and policy adherence.

The supervisor will lead shelter activities, de‑escalate conflicts, coordinate services, and maintain confidentiality while supporting clients with daily routines.

Qualifications

• Minimum Grade 12.
• Related training in non-violent crisis intervention.
• Basic First Aid Certification.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in related field.
• Food safe level 1.
• NVCI.
• Trained in naloxone.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with clients who experience addiction and/or mental health.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, supportive environment within the shelter and foster positive team relations.
• Provide leadership while supervising shelter activities and making decisions, including emergencies.
• Monitor facility safety and assist clients with shelter routines.
• Support clients in following shelter procedures and resolving conflicts.
• Keep shelter clean, restock supplies, and manage bed checks and wake-ups.
• Document observations and reports to shelter management via shift reports.
• Ensure confidentiality and professional language at all times.
• Assist with shelter meals and follow food safety guidelines.
• Intervene in incidents using approved safety procedures.
• Complete client and incident documentation; perform basic facility maintenance.

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Post-secondary diploma or degree in related field

Tools

First Aid Certification

NVCI

Naloxone training

Job description

FIRST UNITED is a registered charity that has been serving Vancouver's Downtown Eastside community for 140 years. We offer responsive, low-barrier services to individuals who are low-income, under-housed 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.

Each job within the FIRST UNITED CHURCH Community Ministry Society should promote the accomplishment of our vision, mission, and values.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Annual salary progression for all staff
• Comprehensive and 100% employer-paid health benefits including extended health and dental plan for regular staff, spouses and dependents
• Life insurance, Long-term Disability, and AD&D benefits
• 15 days of paid annual vacation
• 13 statutory paid days off every year and 12 days of paid sick leave
• An inclusive and supportive workplace culture

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

FIRST UNITED is seeking one individual to cover a temporary leave of a Shift Supervisor in our 51 bed; low barrier shelter located in the Downtown Eastside. This position works Monday to Fridays, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and will cover the period from October 26, 2026 until December 3, 2026.

The Shift Supervisor supports the Shelter Program at First United by providing direct service and supervision to staff, shelter residents, and community members, helping them understand and adhere to shelter and organizational policies and protocols, encourage a healthy work culture guided by our mission and values, and ensuring effective operations of the shelter program.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a safe, supportive environment within the shelter and problemsolving for the fostering of effective team relationships.
• Provide leadership while participating in and overseeing theregular activities of the shelter. Take responsibility for all decisions,including when to contact emergency services or to elevate an issue to management. Taking an active role in defusing and de-escalating aggressive situations, ensuring organizational policies, best practices and safety protocols are following including proper incident reporting, maintain the cleanliness and safety of the space and coordinating necessary services for repairs and cleaning.
• Monitor facility to maintain safety of clients and shelter space.
• Assist clients with shelter routines.
• Support clients in following all shelter procedures.
• Help clients work through conflict with others living in the shelter.
• Keep shelter clean, restock supplies, and ensure that bed checks and wake up calls are being done.
• Communicate observations and interactions with clients to sheltermanager and shelter management through documentation in shift reports, and reports.
• Ensure confidentiality and professional language are practiced at all times.
• Assist with shelter meals as required, following all food safety guidelines.
• Intervene in incidents in the shelter, using appropriate techniques and safety procedures.
• Complete documentation as needed for client reporting, and incident reporting.
• Basic maintenance, organization & cleaning of facilities.
• Treat clients in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Assist with scheduling/shift coverage.
• Participate in Departmental, staff meetings and relevant trainings as required.
• Adhere to agency policy, procedures and practices, including Occupational Health and Safety.
• Direct staff when emergency protocols required (critical incidents, overdoses, medical emergencies, etc.).
• Complete all duties as assigned. Other duties as required.
• Due to the nature of the 24 hr/365 day shelter operations shifts may be day, evening or overnight.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Grade 12
• Related training in non-violent crisis intervention
• Basic First Aid Certification.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in related field.
• Food safe level 1.
• NVCI.
• Trained in naloxone.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with clients who experienceaddiction and/or mental health.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervision of shelter resource workers, shelter residents, and community members.

Latitude:

Reports to the Shelter Manager, working closely to ensure adequate coverage of management duties on a weekly basis, and to ensure a cohesive and trusting team culture.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Regular communication is maintained with all levels of management and staff while completing work. Key relationships include:

• Regular communication is maintained with all levels of management, staff, shelter residents, and community members.
• Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information is exchanged on an ongoing basis.

JOB CLASSIFICATION & WAGES:

Bargaining Unit

Job Classification: CSSEA Provincial Agreement JJEP Classification 14

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Candidates should submit resume, cover letter and respond to writtenquestions.
2. Candidates matching closely with the position's needs will be contacted for a phone interview.
3. Candidates advancing to the next stage can expect 1 phone screen, and up to 2 interviews with the Manager and hiring committee.
4. All positions at First United require a criminal record check clearance.
5. 2 references from previous supervisory manager will be requested at the offer stage.