Shelter Coordinator (Term)

JOB SUMMARY

This position will provide direct support to community members using trauma informed and culturally safe practices.  During winter months (November – March 31), the Shelter Coordinator will lead the staff to accomplish set goals.  

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct support to community members accessing Siloam Mission’s Drop-In services (i.e. meals, entrance, clothing,);
• Provide leadership to the shelter team assigning breaks;
• Make capacity calls on a 1 to 20 ratio for the space each night based on staffing;
• Incorporate a Housing-Focused approach and monitor the Behaviour Based approach;
• Respond to emergency situations that occur in the shelter;
• Prepare and complete incident reports, daily logs and other required documents and reports; 
• Act as a liaison between the Shelter, Drop-In Team, and Management addressing ongoing questions and concerns;
• Support the training of newly hired team members;
• Lead daily de-briefs with the team;
• Assign tasks based on day-to-day priority when leading the team;
• Support the team in the daily clean-ups in the shelter area;
• Meet with Shelter Management to provide consistency in leadership and standards of work in the Shelter;

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE  

• Post-secondary education in relevant social services or an equivalent relevant experience;
• 1-2 Years of experience working with diverse populations or similar work setting
• Experience and ability to lead a team and work collaboratively as part of a team.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/BEHAVIORS

• Able to work with a diverse staff team and promote inclusion and cultural awareness in the workplace;
• Good understanding of colonization and its impact on Indigenous peoples;
• Certificates in NVCI, ASIST, CPR First Aid, Mental Health First Aid; preferred Experience working with HIFIS4, is an asset
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique issues and barriers affecting those experiencing poverty and homelessness;
• Knowledge of community resources for homelessness, health, mental health and substance use; and harm reduction;
• Knowledge of Housing First Principles and housing resources;
• Ability to mitigate and respond to threats to safety and security of staff and community members;
• Ability to work within a harm reduction framework;
• Ability to communicate appropriate professional boundaries;
• Ability to lead a small team of volunteers
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high pressure environment, and strong ability to make quick decisions;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form relationships
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• MS Office and data entry skills;

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Work requires standing and walking over extended periods of time;
• Periodically lifting of up to 50lbs occasionally
• 12 hours shifts – exact hours bi-weekly
• Overtime will be offered when necessary;
• Hazardous conditions could potentially include unpredictable or risky behaviours from community members; 

RELATIONSHIP

•  Works closely with Shelter Staff, Community Members, and various other departments of Siloam Mission.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

The incumbent contributes to making the organization safe for clients and staff and recognizes the importance of reporting unsafe situations and participating in follow up reviews as a learning opportunity.

• Provides a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Safety and Health
• Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHMIS and Safe Work Procedures. Immediately investigates and recommends corrective action on any unsafe acts, work conditions, incidents, near misses, injuries or illnesses.
• Demonstrates understanding of role and responsibilities in fire prevention and disaster preparedness and participates in safety and health training programs including the facility’s Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plan.
• Supports an environment which avoids, prevents and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of services. Community Member safety is a standing item for all individual and departmental meetings.