Shift Supervisor; Temporary

Position: Shift Supervisor (Temporary)
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, under-housed or homeless. We provide essential services to meet the daily needs of community members and engage in systems change work to reduce homelessness and break cycles of poverty. If you're looking for purpose-filled work and want to make a difference in the community, this might be the opportunity for you.

Each job within the FIRST UNITED CHURCH Community Ministry Society should promote the accomplishment of our vision, mission, and values.

What We Offer

Annual salary progression for all staff

Comprehensive and 100% employer-paid health benefits including extended health and dental plan for regular staff, spouses and dependents

Life insurance, Long-term Disability, and AD&D benefits

15 days of paid annual vacation

13 statutory paid days off every year and 12 days of paid sick leave

An inclusive and supportive workplace culture

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
FIRST UNITED is seeking one individual to cover a temporary leave of a Shift Supervisor in our 51 bed; low barrier shelter located in the Downtown Eastside. This position works Monday to Fridays, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and will cover the period from October 26, 2026 until December 3, 2026.

The Shift Supervisor supports the Shelter Program at First United by providing direct service and supervision to staff, shelter residents, and community members, helping them understand and adhere to shelter and organizational policies and protocols, encourage a healthy work culture guided by our mission and values, and ensuring effective operations of the shelter program.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain a safe, supportive environment within the shelter and problem solving for the fostering of effective team relationships.

Provide leadership while participating in and overseeing the regular activities of the shelter. Take responsibility for all decisions, including when to contact emergency services or to elevate an issue to management. Taking an active role in defusing and de-escalating aggressive situations, ensuring organizational policies, best practices and safety procedures are following including proper incident reporting, maintain the cleanliness and safety of the space and coordinating necessary services for repairs and cleaning.

Monitor facility to maintain safety of clients and shelter space.

Assist clients with shelter routines.

Support clients in following all shelter procedures.

Help clients work through conflict with others living in the shelter.

Keep shelter clean, restock supplies, and ensure that bed checks and wake up calls are being done.

Communicate observations and interactions with clients to shelter manager and shelter management through documentation in shift reports, and reports.

Ensure confidentiality and professional language are practiced at all times.

Assist with shelter meals as required, following all food safety guidelines.

Intervene in incidents in the shelter, using appropriate techniques and safety procedures.

Complete documentation as needed for client reporting, and incident reporting.

Basic maintenance, organization & cleaning of facilities.

Treat clients in a culturally sensitive manner.

Assist with scheduling/shift coverage.

Participate in Departmental, staff meetings and relevant trainings as required.

Adhere to agency policy, procedures and practices, including Occupational Health and Safety.

Direct staff when emergency protocols required (critical incidents, overdoses, medical emergencies, etc.).

Complete all duties as assigned. Other duties as required.

Due to the nature of the 24 hr/365 day shelter operations shifts may be day,…