Warming Centre Attendant

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Completion of grade ten and, preferably, Occupational First Aid Level 1
• Plus related experience working with marginalized populations would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the community and social service agencies and programs in the area
• Understanding of and commitment to individuals experiencing homelessness who may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.
• Conflict and de-escalation skills especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations including situations in which mental health and addiction are factors.
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and to do so independently when required.
• Willing and able to enforce policies, procedure, and rules in a firm and compassionate manner.
• Valid Occupational First Aid - Level I preferred.
• Knowledge of homelessness related agencies, services and resources or experience working with marginalized populations is considered an asset.

Record Checks:

• A satisfactory Police Record check is required for this position.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual
Position Start Date: October, 2024
Number of Positions End Date: Multiple
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-013: $27.04 to $31.66 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The Warming Centre Attendant position reports to the Warming Centre Coordinator, who is responsible for providing coordination, direction, and support to guests accessing City of Vancouver (COV) operated Temporary Shelters, Extreme Weather Response Shelters, as well as Warming Centres which may be operated by non-profit partners. Warming Centre Attendants work overnight with other 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 Warming Centres operate as a life saving measure, for the purpose of providing 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. Warming Centre Attendants 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, and engages with guests to provide feedback as requested. This is a seasonal overnight position with no guarantee of hours that is weather dependent.

SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set-up and take 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.
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, patrons, and community members, and shelter guests
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served.
• Works tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may use substances and/or be isolated through poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or other factors of social exclusion.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries with staff, volunteers, and patrons.
• Ensures shelter/warming centre policies and procedures are followed and communicates concerns in a calm, clear and compassionate manner.
• Deals confidently and respectfully with volatile and unpredictable situations including those in which mental health and addiction issues are factors.
• Monitors access to the shelter/warming centre and regularly monitors the environment and guests and all accessible public spaces in the facility on a regular basis.
• Maintains paper and electronic records including incident reports, logbook, and shelter attendance reports.
• Engages with guests to provide feedback, as requested.
• Performs routine janitorial duties as required.
• Administers basic first aid and maintains applicable records.
• Makes referrals to community agencies as needed.
• Monitors and reports any facility issues including maintenance, cleanliness and pest control issues as required.
• Demonstrated ability working as a team member.
• Other duties as assigned.