Security Attendant

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

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The Shelter Attendant position reports to the Shelter Supervisor or Coordinator and is responsible for providing coordination, direction and support to guests accessing The Gathering Place operated Shelter. Shelter Attendants work with other Shelter staff as a team and are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Shelter operates as a life‑saving measure to provide overnight shelter to marginalized populations, including those dealing with substance use, mental health, physical or cognitive disabilities, and poverty.

The role involves supporting guests with basic needs, including shelter and food, providing referrals to other services, monitoring guest behaviour, responding to incidents, and managing crisis situations with de‑escalation techniques. Responsibilities also include monitoring access, enforcing policies, performing routine janitorial duties, and maintaining records such as incident reports and guest attendance logs.

• Set‑up and take down of shelter operations and overall supervision during overnight operation.
• Problem‑solving overnight in the absence of a supervisor, liaising with other organizations or stakeholders as needed.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, patrons, community members, and shelter guests.
• Create a warm and welcoming environment that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served.
• Work tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may use substances and/or be isolated through poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or other factors of social exclusion.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries with staff, volunteers, and patrons.
• Present self in a professional manner that demonstrates the values of the City of Vancouver and Community Services.
• Ensure shelter/warming centre policies and procedures are followed and communicate concerns calmly, clearly, and compassionately.
• Deal confidently and respectfully with volatile and unpredictable situations, including those involving mental health and addiction.
• Monitor access to the shelter/warming centre and regularly assess the environment and guests.
• Operate security equipment as required, including two‑way radios and CCTV camera equipment.
• Maintain paper and electronic records, including incident reports, log books, and shelter attendance reports; document all incidents in the Resolver Incident Management system.
• Perform routine janitorial duties as required.
• Administer basic first aid and maintain applicable records.
• Make referrals to community agencies as needed.
• Monitor and report any facility issues, including maintenance, cleanliness, and pest control issues as required.
• Demonstrate ability to work as a team member.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Completion of grade ten and, preferably, Occupational First Aid Level 1, plus related experience in a security/social services front‑line position, combined with experience working with vulnerable populations in a social service setting.
• Basic Security Training (BST) Level 1 would be an asset.

• Considerable knowledge of the rules, policies, operation and programs of the centre and/or low‑barrier drop‑in centres.
• 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 substance use, mental health, physical or cognitive disabilities, and poverty.
• Excellent conflict management and de‑escalation skills, especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations…