Director of Emergency Services (Full-time, Permanent)

POSITION: Director of Emergency Services

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services-Shelter, Harm Reduction and Van Outreach

REPORT TO:  Executive Director

DIRECT REPORTS: Shelter Services Manager, Outreach Services Manager/Coordinators, Harm reduction coordinator

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

WAGE RANGE: $83,000-$93,000

LOCATION: Winnipeg MB

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Emergency Services leads the development and program oversight for Main Street Project’s Emergency Shelter, Van Outreach and Harm Reduction.  The Director provides guidance and supervision to managers ensuring MSP’s programs and services that meet community needs. In accordance with MSP’s 5-year strategic plan and in collaboration with MSP programs while enhancing and embracing Truth and Reconciliation. 

Program Areas

Emergency Shelter

Main Street Project’s 24-hour emergency shelter and drop-in, staffed by a team of 30 front line support workers, is designed to ensure respite is available to all. Using a trauma informed and harm reduction model we offer safe and non-judgmental services to those who are homeless, displaced, and experiencing mental health or substance use issues. Individuals receive access to basic needs, Case Workers, harm reduction supplies, resource information and medical support through WFPS paramedics.  

Outreach Services

Main Street Project’s Van Patrol is a mobile community outreach program that offers support to all people in Winnipeg on the streets, sleeping rough, and houseless or in crisis through a trauma-informed and harm reduction lens. The van is a mix of preventative outreach support and a crisis response service The multi-disciplinary team is made up of 12-20 support staff, and peer workers.

Harm Reduction Services

Support with the oversight of Community Supported Opioid Access and Manage Alcohol programs at an advisory level and ensure reporting and program coordinators are supported.  Ensure Naloxone training, supply distribution and other harm reduction supports are happening/supported in all areas of MSP. And lead the strategic plan goals around harm reduction for the community

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee program development and management in the areas of Shelter, Harm Reduction, and Outreach services
• Develop, revise and implement program policies & procedures in collaboration with the management team
• Provide support and develop a culturally safe atmosphere in partnership with the Director of Indigenous Relations 
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to understanding and implementing to the calls to action under Truth and Reconciliation 
• Provide oversight on the use of the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS), ensuring program-wide compliance with data input and reporting requirements. 
• Effectively promote evidence base "best practices" in the transitional and permanent supportive housing field (i.e. Housing First) and related fields (i.e. trauma informed cares, critical intervention, harm reduction, etc.).
• Provide leadership to resolve issues impacting program and service delivery; develop strategies in collaboration with directors and managers to balance competing and conflicting interests to achieve the best outcomes for MSP
• Implement and advance Housing First program initiatives within the organization
• Participate on the senior leadership team including the overall strategic planning for MSP
• Develop reports for the Executive Director, leadership team and various auditors and reporting agencies.
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Executive Director
• Facilitate the growth of program staff through supervision, consultation and training 
• Ensure staffing levels meets program delivery goals
• Identify performance issues concerns taking appropriate action to resolve; 
• Work with the HR and program managers to fill vacancies; identify hiring needs within the department, advising the Human Resources Department
• Ensure programs are within the approved payroll budget; monitor biweekly payroll
• Ensure staff receive appropriate supervision and performance evaluations
• Provide ongoing coaching and supervision to program managers
• With the program managers, assess staff training needs and facilitate their obtaining the training; oversee documentation of credentialing requirements
• Engage and collaborate with external community partners
• Identify key stakeholders in the community (i.e. service providers, government entities, etc.) and ensure regular check-ins to discuss program and progress towards outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure attendance at critical community meetings.
• Respond to inquiries and build meaningful relationships with external stakeholders
• Demonstrate high professional and ethical standards, and have a therapeutic approach of being empathetic, respectful, and motivational.

Education & Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of philosophies, practices and standards relating to social housing program design, development, implementation and evaluation.
• Significant experience in a leadership capacity in comparable, complex organizations
• In-depth knowledge of the housing and support needs of vulnerable populations.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of MHRC and WHRC mandate(s), programs and policies in delivering social housing to the vulnerable.
• Advanced educational and professional qualifications, with demonstrated advanced expertise and experience in the sector
• Graduate from a recognized post-secondary health or social services program
• Experience in program management, strategic planning, budgets and finance.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record with clear Vulnerable Sector Search, and a clear Adult Abuse Registry Check required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License

Skills & Specifications

• Ability to assess program requirements, develop policies, procedures and delivery strategies to meet operating mandates and expected outcomes, evaluate program effectiveness from needs perspective, and provide recommendations to improve program implementation and management
• Effective consultative, facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution, problem solving and consensus building skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with other directors, managers and staff, other branches of government and various external stakeholders including housing associations, health authorities and provincial and federal governments
• Excellent project management, analytical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven financial acumen, with the ability to improve effectiveness and efficiency through the management and utilization of human, financial, and physical resources.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to direct, motivate, evaluate, and recognize staff; proven ability to share skills and knowledge with others.
• Proficiency with office computer equipment and software
• Competent in the application of Health and Safety standards
• Working knowledge and understanding of the various components of human resource management. Experience in a unionized environment is considered an asset. 
• Commitment to the principles that guide Main Street Project, as reflected in the history, vision, mission and values.
• Proven ability to work within an interdisciplinary work environment with respect, professionalism, cooperation, sensitivity and cultural awareness.
• Strong knowledge, commitment and demonstrated ability to apply diversity, equity, cultural safety, pro-choice, social determinants of health, population health, anti-oppression, harm reduction, trauma-informed and community development principles in all aspects of the work.
• Ability to work flexible hours to allow for attendance at meetings and may include evening, holiday, or weekend consultation.
• Knowledge of TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Call to Justice, and UNDRIP
• Additional languages (Indigenous) are considered an asset 
• Experience working with Indigenous organization and/or communities an asset

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