Shelter Manager

**Agency Information**

Dawn House Women’s Shelter, established in 1986 in response to Kingston's housing crisis, is a nonprofit entity born from collaboration among diverse community members and organizations. The shelter caters to women aged 18 and above, with or without children, offering a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, advocacy, support, and resources.

Following funding cuts, Dawn House Women's Shelter temporarily closed in 2016. Yet, driven by resilience, swift action, and unwavering commitment, it resurged in 2017, providing Transitional and Long-Term Supportive Housing in the city's West End. The agency rebranded as Dawn House Services and Housing for women, coinciding with its reopening in October 2017.

This journey began with the creation of affordable housing for 16 women, marking the first step in an ambitious blueprint to combat homelessness among Kingston's women. Dawn House is dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions for women of all ages. As we embark on our next expansion phase, we warmly welcome dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate individuals to join our dynamic team.

The Shelter Manager reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the shelter while providing direction and support to a team of 10-15 staff.

**Responsibilities**:
**Leadership and Operations**:

- Responsible for the day-to-day operation of Ridley West Wing/Shelter.
- Ensures consistent implementation of Dawn House philosophies, mandates, and policies.
- Fosters a positive working environment for volunteers, students, and shelter staff.

**Team Development and Support**:

- Provides support and direction to volunteers, students, and shelter staff.
- Promotes team functioning through leadership, job coaching, and conflict resolution.
- Coordinates training and gives guidance to staff, volunteers, and students.

**Scheduling and Staffing**:

- Prepares and posts the work schedule a month in advance.
- Ensures adequate staffing for each shift.

**Quality Improvement and Reporting**:

- Identifies areas for improvement and takes action to enhance program quality.
- Liaises with external agencies and represents Dawn House at community events.
- Reviews incident reports, investigates client complaints, and documents corrective actions.
- Ensures compliance with City requirements and supports reporting needs.

**Performance Management**:

- Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff, volunteers, and students.
- Conducts ongoing goal-based performance reviews.
- Empowers staff to effectively resolve challenges and problems.

**Communication and Collaboration**:

- Chairs team meetings, sets agendas, and facilitates information flow.
- Meets regularly with the Executive Director to collaborate on service delivery initiatives.

**Frontline Support**:

- Provides frontline support including meal preparation, crisis management, and first aid.

**Qualifications**:
**Education and Experience**:

- Degree/diploma in Social Work, Social Sciences, Human Service, or related field.
- 5 years of service/people-facing experience (shelter, customer service, etc.).
- Minimum 3 years of supervisory/managerial experience.
- We value transferable skills and experience and are open to other variations of education, work, and lived experiences.

**Skills and Approaches**:

- Resourceful with strong problem-solving skills.
- Committed to community-based social service and feminist principles.
- Expertise in wrap-around service and harm reduction approaches.
- Familiarity with Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and behavior assessments.
- Experience with diverse populations, including mental health, homelessness, etc.
- Effective communication, conflict mediation, and interpersonal skills.

**Credentials and Ethics**:

- Holds an up-to-date CPIC with vulnerable sector check.
- Knowledge of mandated reporting laws.
- Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries.

**Legislation and Compliance**:

- Understanding of Mental Health legislation, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Residential Tenancies Act.

**Engagement and Inclusivity**:

- Skilled in building relationships with residents and external agencies.
- Experience with diverse communities, placement students, and volunteers.

**Adaptability and Leadership**:

- Thrives in changing environments with tight deadlines.
- Empathetic decision-maker in sensitive situations.
- Experience in presenting to boards, donors, and community groups.

**Strategic Skills**:

- Capable of building strong strategic relationships and partnerships.
- Effective leadership in ambiguous situations.
- Budget and contract management experience.

**How to apply**:

- Why you’d be a great fit for Dawn House
- Experience as it related to the roles responsibilities and qualifications

**Note**:These positions are female only relying on provisions of Section 23 of the Human Rights Act in setting the restriction. Dawn H