Site manager - Homeless shelter

Title: Site Manager - Homeless Shelter

Employee Working Location: In person (Montreal, QC)

Employment Status: Casual (Winter period)

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2026, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Canadian Red Cross is seeking a Site Manager to coordinate activities at a shelter or warming center for people experiencing homelessness in Montreal.
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Site Manager supports the planning, coordination and continuous improvement of on-site service. They provide daily oversight of operations, support response teams, ensure compliance with best practices in helping people experiencing homelessness, and work closely with partners involved in service delivery.
The Site Manager acts as an operational focal point in the field to create a safe and inclusive environment adapted to the needs of people living in situations of great vulnerability.

In this role, you will :

Responsibility 1: Coordination of operations and site management

• Coordinate all on-site activities and services to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate service delivery.

• Ensure compliance with Canadian Red Cross standards, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

• Ensure the effective day-to-day running of operations and make operational decisions as required.

• Continuously assess the operational requirements, workforce and material needed to deliver services.

• Ensure the ongoing management of inventory, procurement, and equipment required for the effective operation of the site.

• Participate in the development and implementation of procedures to improve services.

• Produce the required reports, statistics, and other documentation, ensuring compliance with established standards and reporting requirements.

• Perform any other related tasks required by the operation.

Responsibility 2: Team management and support

• Coordinate the day-to-day work of employees, responders, volunteers, and other personnel assigned to the site.

• Foster team engagement around program objectives and promote a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

• Provide coaching, guidance and support to team members during complex situations.

• Participate in the onboarding, training and professional development of new personnel.

• Support skills development and the implementation of best practices.

• Facilitate team meetings and ensure effective communication and handover between different shifts.

• Participate in conflict resolution and support teams in finding appropriate solutions.

Responsibility 3: Quality of services and operational support

• Ensure that all site-based interventions comply with recognized best practices related to services for people experiencing homelessness, harm reduction, mental health, addictions and working with vulnerable individuals.

• Monitor the quality of services and recommend improvements to practices and procedures.

• Help responders assess and handle complex or high-risk situations.

• Collaborate with the Advisor to support the implementation of established approaches and protocols.

• Ensure adherence to principles of protection, inclusion, respect for diversity, and trauma-informed practices.

• Analyze incidents, trends observed in the field and recurring issues in order to implement appropriate corrective measures.

• Support continuous service improvement of services by making recommendations based on identified needs.

Responsibility 4: Critical situation management, health and safety

• Serve as the point of contact during crises, incidents, or situations requiring coordinated action.

• Oversee the application of protocols related to the safety of site residents, employees and partners.

• Ensure that health and safety guidelines and procedures are communicated, understood and applied.

• Ensure that incidents, accidents, and critical events are documented and managed in accordance with established procedures.

• Collaborate with emergency services and partners when required.

• Ensure that teams are adequately prepared to support individuals experiencing mental health issues, substance use issues, or heightened vulnerability.

Responsibility 5: Relations and coordination with partners

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community, institutional and municipal partners involved in service delivery.

• Facilitate coordination and information sharing between stakeholders.

• Foster a coordinated and cohesive approach to meeting the needs of individuals accessing services.

What We Are Looking For:

• University degree in a relevant field (social work, criminology, psychoeducation, special education, psychology, social service management, administration or related field) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years relevant working experience, including 3 years overseeing a team.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Experience in the fields of mental health, addiction or harm reduction is an asset.

• Experience as a Canadian Red Cross volunteer, particularly in emergency management or overseeing operations, is an asset.

• Strong proficiency with standard office software and computer applications, particularly Microsoft Office.

• Knowledge of the Canadian Red Cross's role in emergency response, support and recovery is an asset.

Skills and abilities

• Inspiring leadership and the ability to positively influence teams.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to analyze complex situations and exercise sound professional judgment.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to resolve conflicts and facilitate collaboration between stakeholders.

• Ability to demonstrate a compassionate, empathetic, and respectful approach when working with vulnerable individuals.

Working conditions:

• Occasional exposure to psychosocial crisis or emergency situations.

• Potential presence of people experiencing mental health issues, addictions or intoxication.

• Schedule may include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays depending on operational needs.

• Frequent movement throughout the site and regular frontline presence.

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.

• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to determine eligibility for employment. For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check.