Tenant Support Worker - Temporary PT

Lu’ma Native Housing Society; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 41,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Lu’ma Native Housing Society is seeking a Tenant Support Worker for a temporary, part-time onsite role in Vancouver. The position focuses on engaging tenants in a low-barrier housing environment, promoting housing stability, and applying harm-reduction and trauma-informed principles to support wellness.

Under Site Manager supervision, you will build trust, maintain boundaries, facilitate community activities, and coordinate care with health and social service partners while upholding

Qualifications

• Certificate, diploma, or degree in Social Services, Community Support, Mental Health, Addictions, or a related field.
• Valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or equivalent), Mental Health First Aid, WHMIS, Food Safe Level 1 (or equivalent), Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or MANDT, and Naloxone certificates.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize new residents with program sites and guidelines for living communally.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with tenants while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Provide non-judgmental, person-centered support to tenants.
• Encourage tenant engagement in wellness goals, planning and activities.
• Offer life skills coaching related to daily living, self-care, budgeting, and tenancy maintenance.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution when needed.
• Respond promptly to crisis situations, including overdoses and medical emergencies, using trauma-informed approaches.
• Administer Naloxone and first aid as required.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary partners to meet tenant needs.
• Maintain clear, timely documentation and shift handovers.
• Support day-to-day site operations and safety.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Harm reduction

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

Cultural safety

Communication

Team collaboration

Documentation

Interdisciplinary coordination

Education

Social Services / related field degree

First Aid Level 1

Mental Health First Aid

WHMIS

Food Safe Level 1

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention / MANDT

Naloxone certification

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Employment Type

Temporary, Part-Time (The maximum term of this employment will not exceed six (6) months and will end upon the early return of the employee on leave or the completion of six (6) months, whichever happens first.)

This role is to be performed onsite. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available for this position.

Schedule

7:30am to 4:00pm, Statutory and Lu’ma Paid Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Pay

$31.56 per hour plus a percentage in lieu of Statutory and Lu’ma Paid holidays, Vacation, Benefits and Optional RRSP as per the COPE 378 Collective Agreement.

Union

This position requires union membership.

About Lu’ma

Lu’ma is a Coast Salish word for “new beginnings.” Lu’ma offers a wide range of programs, services and other initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, improving the overall health of the urban Indigenous community and responding to the evolving needs of Indigenous peoples.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of Supportive Housing Site Manager, the Tenant Support Worker provides front-line support and engagement to tenants living in a low-barrier supportive housing environment. The role focuses on building trust, promoting housing stability, and supporting tenants to achieve wellness in alignment with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles. The Tenant Support Worker works collaboratively to maintain a safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded living environment where all tenants are treated with dignity and respect.

Responsibilities

Tenant Support & Engagement

Familiarize new residents with the various program sites including the physical environments and guidelines for living communally and work to facilitate positive relationships between residents.

Build positive, trusting relationships with tenants while maintaining professional boundaries.

Provide non-judgmental, person-centered support to tenants who may be actively using substances or managing complex mental health concerns.

Encourage tenant engagement in individualized goals, wellness planning, and community activities.

Offer life skills coaching related to daily living, self-care, budgeting, and tenancy maintenance.

Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation and support conflict resolution when needed.

Crisis Intervention & Safety

Respond promptly and effectively to crisis situations, including overdoses, medical emergencies, and behavioural incidents, using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.

Administer Naloxone and first aid as required.

De-escalate conflicts and work to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all tenants and staff.

Communicate safety or security issues to the Site Manager or emergency responders as appropriate.

Case Coordination & Referrals

Support tenants to access health care, addiction services, income support, and cultural or community resources.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners (e.g., health authority staff, Indigenous Elders, social workers, peer support workers) to meet tenant needs.

Contribute to case planning discussions and follow through on identified support actions.

Documentation & Communication

Maintain clear, objective, and timely documentation, including case notes, incident reports, and shift handovers.

Ensure tenant’s file and documentation are completed, current, and organized.

Conduct one-to-one meetings with tenants and maintain accurate, timely documentation of updates, progress reports, goal plans, referrals, and all relevant case information.

Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing staff development or training.

Contribute to a positive workplace culture grounded in respect, collaboration, and accountability.

Uphold confidentiality and adhere to privacy regulations.

Site Operations & Teamwork

Support day-to-day site operations including tenant check-ins, wellness checks, and building rounds.

Monitor the physical environment, support building cleanliness, and report maintenance or safety issues.

Partner with homemakers, contractors, and building service teams to help tenants maintain safe, sanitary, and organized living environments, ensuring maintenance issues are responded to promptly in support of tenant well-being.

Respond to emergencies according to established protocols and procedures.

Collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistent communication and continuity of care.

Contribute to a positive team culture grounded in mutual respect, accountability, and cultural humility.

All other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

Certificate, diploma, or degree in Social Services, Community Support, Mental Health, Addictions, or a related field.

Valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or equivalent), Mental Health First Aid, WHMIS, Food Safe Level 1 (or equivalent), Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or MANDT, and Naloxone certificates.

Experiences

Minimum 2 years’ experience working as a front-line support worker with people who have complex needs and who are struggling with poverty and homelessness.

Experience working with Indigenous communities or within an Indigenous organization considered a strong asset.

An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.

Cultural awareness and commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous cultural safety.

Must be open to working with people who are struggling with substance use and/or mental and spiritual wellness.

Knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and Residential Tenancy Agreements.

Skilled in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

Ability to work effectively with individuals with multiple barriers in a low-barrier housing context.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including documentation and teamwork.

Ability to work effectively with program staff, community partners and residents, including being non-judgmental in trying situations and demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills;

Ability to work under pressure and manage stresses and crises.

Competence with computers and case management systems.

This role requires lifting up to 50 lbs, frequent walking/standing, and the ability to climb stairs and respond quickly in emergencies.

Must be able to bend, crouch, kneel, and reach, including performing emergency interventions (e.g., first aid, CPR, naloxone).

Requires physical stamina and emotional resilience to manage stressful and unpredictable situations.

This position is open to all applicants. All positions are subject to a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record clearance.