Shift Lead - Housing Services

at  Lift Community Services

Lift Community Services is working with all levels of government to eliminate homelessness in the qathet Regional District. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about supporting from a harm-reduction approach while serving program participants. Lift is an inclusive employer that welcomes applicants from all walks of life! Lived experience is valued by our team and we are looking for workers that represent the cultural diversity found in our community.

THE POSITION

The Shift Lead is responsible for providing case management and direct support to clients at the assigned housing site, as well as acting as the Responsible Person in Charge, assigning shift duties, ensuring continuity between day and night shifts, and possessing advanced knowledge of site policies and procedures to ensure compliance on their shift.
We are looking for dedicated and creative individuals with strong leadership, client care, and organization skills, who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. You must be a team player who can work collaboratively in a low-barrier setting with multiple competing priorities. This is a front-line role for people who have a natural ability to problem-solve and a passion for working directly with clients.

QUALIFICATIONS AND LIVED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Related diploma or degree preferred or minimum Grade 12, plus two (2) years of recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Certificates in First Aid, Overdose Response, Crisis Intervention and De-escalation, Trauma and Mental Health
• Advanced Overdose Response training

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Understands the concept of “barriers” to housing, and systemic issues that contribute to homelessness
• Understands the needs of individuals with concurrent disorders
• Knowledge of local community-based services for mental health and substance use
• Familiar with common health issues, and knows when a health issue is an emergency
• Maintains a basic awareness and understanding of “street culture”
• Understanding of harm reduction practice

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated leadership skills in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize work, and practice self-care
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Systems-based knowledge: navigating healthcare, criminal justice and social services, referrals and connections to other service providers, working and communicating across services/teams
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain established professional boundaries
• Requires Vulnerable Sector Check and/or Criminal Record Check clearance.

KEY TASKS AND COMPETENCIES

• Provide leadership for the shift and ensure shift duties are completed to a high standard of quality and compliance
• Act as the Responsible Person in Charge (RPIC) in the absence of the Assistant Manager
• Prepare nightly formal handover to night shift to ensure optimal site safety; receive handover from night shift every morning
• Ensure documentation, filling, safety reports, record keeping and communications are completed according to site policies and procedures
• Support the Coordinator with data entry and administrative tasks
• Report urgent safety and maintenance concerns to the Coordinator and/or Supervisor on Call
• Report urgent client care concerns to the Coordinator and/or community care teams
• Provide training and orientation for new staff
• Support 10-15 assigned clients in a person-centered, trauma-informed manner through activities such as goal planning, home support, crisis intervention, harm reduction, resource referrals, peer counselling, and safety planning
• Assist the site coordinator with intake and discharge of clients
• Prepare weekly client reports ahead of case planning meetings
• Hold a monthly life-skills session open to all participants
• Assist with implementing and monitoring behavioural support and eviction prevention plans
• Ensure compliance with the Good Neighbour Agreement and relevant site policies
• Provide leadership on site security; serve and enforce bars according to established guidelines
• Communicate with neighbours, community partners, and emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) in a professional and responsive manner
• Provide leadership on medical emergency response including First Aid and Advanced Overdose Response
• Ensures adherence to regulatory and safety standards (BC Housing, Health Canada, WorkSafeBC, Lift Policies etc.)
• Oversee peer job draw and daily neighbourhood/site sweeps
• Escalate complex client and staffing matters to the Coordinator
• Refer maintenance and supplies needs to the Maintenance Coordinator
• Build and maintain a network of positive working relationships with other team members, community partners and the people we serve
• Carry the on-call phone 24 hours/day for one week out of every 8 weeks, and respond to emergencies and scheduling needs after hours