Shelter Attendant I

**Requisition ID**:38656

**Organization**

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

**Main Purpose & Function**

Reporting to the Shelter supervisor or coordinator, the Shelter Attendant is responsible for providing coordination, direction and support to guests accessing City of Vancouver (COV) operated Temporary Shelters and Extreme Weather Response Shelters, as well as Warming Centres which may be operated by non-profit partners. Shelter Attendants work with other Shelter staff (both City and external) as a team and are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness to access shelter and indoor warming spaces. The Shelters and Warming Centres operate as life saving measures for the purpose of providing overnight shelter to marginalized populations who are experiencing homelessness and may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.

This front-line position carries out a variety of duties in a calm professional manner, supporting guests with basic needs, including shelter and food. The Shelter Attendant assists guests with referrals to other services when appropriate, monitoring guest behaviour and the overall shelter environment, incident response and crisis management, and responds with de-escalation methods to ensure a safe and secure environment for all guests. The position is responsible for monitoring shelter access, enforcing policies and procedures, performing routine janitorial duties, supporting guests and maintaining records and reports including incident reports and guest attendance reports as required.

The Shelter Attendant will support a 7 day a week, 24 hours a day operations and must be available for both daytime and overnight shifts, 7 days a week as required.

**Specific Duties & Responsibilities**
- Setting-up and taking down of shelter/ warming centre operations and the overall supervision of the shelter/warming centre program during overnight operation
- Problem-solving overnight in the absence of a supervisor, and liaising with other organizations or stakeholders as needed.
- Maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, patrons, and community members, and shelter guests
- Creating a warm and welcoming environment that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served
- Working tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may use substances and/or be isolated throughpoverty, homelessness, mental illness, or other factors of social exclusion.
- Establishing and maintaining positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries with staff, volunteers, and patrons.
- Presenting self in a professional manner that demonstrates the values of the City of Vancouver and Community Services
- Ensuring shelter/warming centre policies and procedures are followed and communicating concerns in a calm,clear and compassionate manner
- Dealing confidently and respectfully with volatile and unpredictable situations including those in which mental health and addiction issues are factors
- Monitoring access to the shelter/warming centre and regularly monitoring the environment and guests and all accessible public spaces in the facility on a regular basis
- Operating security equipment as required including two way radios and CCTV camera equipment
- Maintaining paper and electronic records including incident reports, log book, and shelter attendance reports
- Performing routine janitorial duties as required
- Administering basic first aid and maintaining applicable records.
- Making referrals to community agencies as needed.
- Monitoring and reporting any facility issues including maintenance, cleanliness and pest control issues as required
- Demonstrated ability working as a team member
- Other duties as assigned

**Qualifications**

Education and Experience:

- Completion of grade ten and, preferably, Occupational First Aid Level 1, plus related experience in a securitysocial services front line position, combined with experience working with vulnerable populations preferably in asocial service setting
- Basic Security Training (BST) level 1 would be an asset.