SHELTER MANAGER

Lead. Inspire. Make a Lasting Difference.

Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) is seeking an experienced and compassionate Shelter Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our 24/7 emergency shelter and support services.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will lead a dedicated team committed to providing safe, trauma-informed, and person-centred services to individuals experiencing homelessness. This role combines operational leadership, staff development, participant support, regulatory compliance, and community collaboration to ensure high-quality service delivery while fostering a positive workplace culture.

If you are an experienced people leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, believes in dignity and respect for all people, and is passionate about strengthening community, we encourage you to apply.

About NVSSS

Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) is a community-based, non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, outreach, housing navigation, and connections to essential services for adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the Merritt Area.

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. 

People Leadership 

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. 

Support staff debriefings after critical incidents.

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, 40hrs/week, (9 AM - 5 PM) ; 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 for full-time employees,

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.