Casual Shelter Resource Worker; Overnights

First United is a registered charity that has been serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community for 140 years. We offer responsive, low-barrier services to individuals who are low-income, underhoused or homeless. We pursue dignity, belonging, and justice to meet the daily needs of community members while engaging in systems change work to reduce homelessness and break cycles of poverty.

First United is seeking candidates for overnight shifts in our new 50 bed, low barrier shelter on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. If you desire to make a difference for those most vulnerable and gain knowledge, experience, and valuable skills in working with those with complex mental health and addiction issues, this is the job for you. We offer opportunities for training and professional development.

Position Title: Casual Shelter Resource Worker (overnights)
Department: Shelter
Reports To: Shelter Manager
Starting Wage: $27.05 per hour

A neighborhood where every person's worth is celebrated and all people thrive.

We seek a just society, nurturing spirits through ministry, housing, advocacy, and community services.

• Acceptance: we practice a presence of acceptance, caring for people no matter who they are.
• Discernment: we develop and grow our skill at using critical thinking and judgement in our interactions with the community we serve.
• Empathy: we practice empathy, truly seeing and hearing the experience of those around us.
• Accountability: we show up and go the extra mile.
• Social Justice: we aspire to a sustainable and equitable society.

This position is accountable to the Manager of Shelter Services in providing a welcoming, safe, and secure environment to the men and women living in the First United Church's 24/7 emergency shelter.

• Create a safe, welcoming, and calming environment for the men and women staying with the First United emergency shelter.
• Act as the first point of contact for men and women staying in the First United Church emergency shelter.
• Maintain the smooth operation of the emergency shelter by knowing who is in the building, doing regular counts and check-ins, and managing the entrance door.
• Ensure shelter residents are aware of meal times and when the sleeping areas are open.
• Maintain daily documentation and information sharing through HIFIS, incident report forms, and statistic reporting.
• Participate as a team member of the whole First United church organization and stay knowledgeable of programs, services, and special projects.
• Stay observant of the environment and provide calming intervention as required to ensure the safety of everyone.
• Provide first response to crisis intervention as required and communicate with team members, Shift Supervisor, and/or Manager of Shelter Services.
• Participate with the general cleanliness and organization of the First United Church, including all common areas, washrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Other duties as required.

• Effective working relationship building skills and boundary setting with vulnerable populations.
• Ability to discern relevant information, apply critical thinking, and facilitate the resolution of challenging situations.
• Exceptional communication skills required (written and verbal) and the ability and experience of dealing with and de-escalating conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer/technology such as Outlook E-Mail, HIFIS, Word/Excel, and Timecard/Payroll Software.
• Demonstrated a strong community member-focused philosophy in all interactions.
• Demonstrated a high level of initiative, self-direction, flexibility, and ability to adapt to, lead and manage change/changing situations.

• Minimum Grade 12
• Related training in non-violent crisis intervention
• Basic First Aid Certification.

• A minimum of one year previous experience working in community-based services providing direct services to at-risk populations.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code.