Men’s Shelter, Vancouver (Casual)

Ready to help create a safe, clean, and welcoming first step for men coming in off the street—starting tonight?

This position will be responsible for the intake of and care for men entering the UGM Shelter by ensuring they have a safe and clean place to find direction, assistance and sleep. The job will include making referrals for housing, clothing, other shelter, recovery and a wide variety of other sundry duties as dictated by the needs of the individuals we serve. The work will be based on the Hastings Facility and from time to time the Shelter Worker will assist Outreach at other locations.

This is a casual position. The starting range for this position is $26.26 to $28.70 per hour/annum.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide support to guests that visit the Shelter including referrals to external services.
• Build strong relationships with guests and encourage them to explore Christianity.
• Facilitate a devotional and lead Bible studies when required.
• Recommend and assist guests in finding suitable safe accommodation.
• Monitor age, sobriety, gender of guests coming into the building/shelter where appropriate.
• Maintain the center and office space in a clean and presentable condition.

• Maintain accurate records, including important information of clients for future reference.

• Participate in staff meetings, training and development opportunities.
• Counsel up to the level of personal expertise and refer to Case Managers or Chaplains as necessary.
• No clients are allowed to exit the building to smoke. Once a client leaves, they leave the shelter.
• Monitor the areas in and around UGM, this includes hallways and stairwells and checking the washrooms every 20 minutes.
• Ensure that individuals are not sleeping outside of the building before finishing your shift.
• Ensure that equipment is functioning properly, submitting requests to maintenance if service or repairs are necessary.
• Complete administrative responsibilities (i.e. time log, stories, reports, stats).
• Provide support to staff and departments on an as-and-when required basis.
• Provide training and support to new staff, volunteers and interns.

• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KSA’s

• Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement (see www.ugm.ca) and Statement of Faith.
• Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.

• Understanding of the importance of a high level of confidentiality within the organization and its clientele.
• Experience working in a community organization, foundation or ministry.
• Experience dealing with complex matters.
• 1-2 years of related work experience is required.
• Related post-secondary education preferred.
• Consideration may be given to alternate combinations of lived experience and education.
• Basic English skills (verbal, reading and writing).

• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Ability to work independently under the direction of a Supervisor.
• Identify and solve problems and follow through on initiatives.
• Complete UGM Non Violent Crisis Intervention Course.
• Complete UGM Outreach Worker Orientation Course.
• Health and Safety Qualifications for Program/Shelter Staff
• Solid understanding of health and safety protocols specific to program/shelter environments, including infection control, personal hygiene standards, and safe handling of potential hazards.
• Previous experience working in environments with vulnerable or high-needs populations, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for residents.
• Completed, or willing to complete, relevant health and safety training, including nonviolent crisis intervention: handling mental health crises and de-escalation, first aid, naloxone, suicide prevention or specialized safety courses.

Working Conditions

• Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors, with up to 10% of the time spent outdoors in all types of weather.

• Physical Requirements

Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking or reaching for up to 60% of the time. Employee is required to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard for up to 30% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 35lbs occasionally.

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Regular environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work

This position works overnight shifts. Some work on scheduled days off may be required. Moderate overtime may be required. Working on statutory holidays may be required.

• Hazards

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working frequently with people in unhealthy conditions and may include exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check.