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.
• RRSP Employee matching contribution
• 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. 

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

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide in-person, low-barrier service by drop-in intake. This one-to-one in person advocacy service includes providing referrals, information, summary advice and/or full representation regarding the following legal issues: welfare (including disability), tenancy, employment insurance, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan (including CPP Disability), immigration, debt, employment-related issues (e.g. employment standards), and other similar administrative law matters.
• Provide full representation at hearings, written submission of appeals and reconsiderations of decisions, written and spoken interventions at an administrative level with a number of government programs, interviews and investigation and basic assistance with a wide variety of applications.
• Assist with forms (facilitating access to benefits): old age security, victim assistance, birth certificate applications, guaranteed income supplement, etc.
• Connect clients to appropriate resources within our cultivated network of service providers and legal aid as required if we are unable to assist them.
• Communicate with numerous government agencies, social service agencies, housing providers, other community legal assistance organizations and individual lawyers to advocate for clients.
• Assist in the development and delivery of public legal education workshops.
• Engage in research that is directly related to the casework.
• Participates in weekly case review conferencing with other First United advocates.
• Meet monthly and quarterly reporting requirements for Law Foundation or First United.
• Engage in weekly or bi-weekly legal supervision and file review (Law Foundation-funded advocates only).

SKILLS & Abilities:

• Good communication skills both oral and written.
• Up-to-date computer skills with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of the difficulties encountered by people living in the Downtown Eastside is an asset.
• Knowledge of statutes such as Residential Tenancy and Employment and Assistance Acts.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Law Degree or depending upon experience, a university undergraduate degree, para-legal training diploma or continuing education training in poverty law.
• Legal advocacy experience would be an asset.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Latitude:

The Legal Advocate is to seek input or to exchange information about regular duties with the Advocacy Manager or delegate.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Bargaining Unit

Job Classification: CSSEA Provincial Agreement JJEP Classification 15

We are committed to becoming a more just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace, which extends to how we hire. We are continually learning new and unlearning old practices while examining systemic causes of inequity, including colonialism.  We aim to be representative of the communities that we serve. We welcome everyone to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on Indigeneity, race, colour, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. In order to achieve a representative team, preference may be given to people who are members of one or more of these groups.

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

WHAT WE OFFER

Wage: $27.85 per hour (increased as a Living Wage employer)

• 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.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing or vacuuming.
• Gather and empty trash.
• Service, clean and supply restrooms.
• Clean windows inside and outside (where accessible), glass, and mirrors using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges and squeegees.
• Dust furniture, walls, ceilings and equipment.
• Fix toilets that are running or plugged.
• Clean ventilation system intake and output grills.
• Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications and WHMIS requirements.
• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
• Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.
• required.
• Monitor building security and safety by locking doors, garbage bins, etc
• Alert the team if assistance is needed for a community member
• Move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies either manually or by using vehicles.
• Notify management concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
• Remove snow from sidewalks, driveways and outside the loading dock using snow shovels and spread snow melting chemicals.
• Complete requisitions for supplies and equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties and submit to the Manager.
• Perform preventative maintenance inside and outside the building upon request of the Manager.
• Set up, arrange and remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders and scaffolding to prepare rooms for events such as meeting, dinners, etc.
• Maintain overall building appearance including watering plants, changing light bulbs, ensuring signage is free from graffiti, etc.
• Ensure cleanliness of bunk beds by cleaning with disinfectant and spraying insecticides for bed bugs using proper WHMIS practices.
• Maintain bunk beds to ensure the safety of employees and Shelter Residents by ensuring safety railing and screws are fastened correctly.
• Ensure laundry is completed daily.
• Other duties, as required.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Ability to maintain a calm, welcoming, empathetic and professional demeanor with vulnerable and/or marginalized individuals.
• Ability to avoid engaging in incidents with staff, Community Members and volunteers.
• Good physical condition with ability to lift up to 25 kilograms.
• Ability to read and understand chemical labels.
• Ability to work different shifts and to maintain a good attendance and on time record.
• A driver’s license that is valid for the past ten (10) years is a plus.
• Good command of written and verbal English.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12.
• Janitorial training an asset, WHMIS
• Experience in a non-profit related environment, e.g. shelter, group home, recovery house, low-income housing

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Latitude:

The incumbent works fairly independently. If clarification is required, it is expected that the incumbent will request further direction from the Shelter Manager or their delegate.  

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Define any relationship accountability and communication needs with peers, management, leadership, Board of Directors, or external partners.

• Regular communication is maintained with all levels of staff and management.
• Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information is exchanged on an ongoing basis.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Bargaining Unit

Job Classification: CSSEA Provincial Agreement JJEP Classification 10

We are committed to becoming a more just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace, which extends to how we hire. We are continually learning new and unlearning old practices while examining systemic causes of inequity, including colonialism.  We aim to be representative of the communities that we serve. We welcome everyone to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on Indigeneity, race, colour, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. In order to achieve a representative team, preference may be given to people who are members of one or more of these groups.

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

WHAT WE OFFER

Wage: $30.05 per hour.

An inclusive and progressive work environment.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Help Desk:

• Providing exceptional client greeting services; providing helpful and knowledgeable assistance and informed referrals to clients, visitors, and the public in-person, over the phone and via email.
• Monitoring messages and answering the direct line.
• Ensuring the reception and client lobby area is clean, tidy, and sanitized
• Community mail – updating the community mail list and distributing the mail to the community, adding postage, and taking out the daily mail.
• Helping with lifting/moving office and supplies and/or furniture, as required.
• Advising the Program Manager when supply inventory is low.
• Program Support Data-entry - Providing administrative and statistical support for programs, word processing, formatting, and editing, reports and spreadsheets as requested
• Keeping statistics for Community Help Desk, and other community programs as required for grants and funders.
• Harm reduction and ensuring there are enough rig kits made well in advance, and other supplies are stocked as needed. 
• Updating and maintaining the community message board
• Deescalating situations with the community

Program Support:

Community Meal Program

• Assisting with community meals in the dining hall at breakfast and lunch.
• Setting up and managing the line, ensuring bread, coffee is out and ready for each meal, and bussing and cleaning tables. 
• Assisting community members as needed, to manage the line pick up food if they have wheelchairs or walkers. 
• Managing the emotional climate of the line and dining hall to keep the service running smoothly.  

In-Kind Donations

• Picking up and delivering donations from donors as required. 
• Meeting donors onsite to accept approved donations.  

Tax Program: assisting with intakes in receiving tax-related documents from clients, assistant with data entry, for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP.)

Community Engagement: Facilitate social inclusion activities and programs like foot care, health and hygiene, café, movies, card tournaments. Support community internal and external events onsite and within the local community.  

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior organizational skills, with strong attention to detail; exceptionally resourceful, with the ability to effectively problem-solve.
• Demonstrated record of professional excellence, high degree of initiative.
• Proven ability to offer exceptional customer/client service(s) in person, via phone, email.
• Superior knowledge of windows-based applications (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Ability to prioritize, manage time, and engage in multiple tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong sense of idealism and desire to give back to the community; and good sense of humour and ability to have fun while working.
• Ability to display a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures.
• Fluency in a second language such as Cantonese, Spanish and French is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and clean driving record, with ability to drive cargo van.
• Physical ability to safely lift 23 kg (50 lbs.)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• College/Associate’s Degree or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ reception and/or administrative experience in a computerized office environment where tact, empathy and professionalism are valued.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with the DTES community in a direct service capacity.
• If applicable, a minimum of 1-year continuous sobriety is strongly suggested.
• Additional relevant post-secondary skills/training an asset.
• Mental Health First Aid training or certification is an asset.
• Managing hostile interactions training is an asset.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Latitude:

This position reports to the Manager, Community Services. This individual collaborates frequently with colleagues in the Programs Department, management, as well as with bargaining unit staff.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Define any relationship accountability and communication needs with peers, management, leadership, Board of Directors, or external partners.

• Regular communication is maintained with all levels of management, staff, shelter residents, and community members.
• Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information is exchanged on an ongoing basis.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Bargaining Unit

Job Classification: CSSEA Provincial Agreement JJEP Classification 12

We are committed to becoming a more just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace, which extends to how we hire. We are continually learning new and unlearning old practices while examining systemic causes of inequity, including colonialism.  We aim to be representative of the communities that we serve. We welcome everyone to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on Indigeneity, race, colour, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. In order to achieve a representative team, preference may be given to people who are members of one or more of these groups.

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

WHAT WE OFFER

Wage: $28.37 per hour.

An inclusive and engaging workplace culture.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensuring all safety and emergency procedures are followed; guarding against theft, vandalism and fire.
• Liaising with emergency services personnel when they enter the building, assisting them with the location of the person in distress, and any other information they require to administer emergency services. 
• Remaining consistently on site and in radio contact. If required to leave the building or go off the floor, communication with other staff and the Associate Director of Community Connection & Safety or designate is required.
• On a pre-determined schedule, making rounds of the building perimeter and premises, doing bathroom and shower room safety checks, and noting the entry and exit of employees, visitors, and other individuals.
• Monitoring and limiting access to employee-only areas, including but not limited to, offices, meeting rooms, the parking garage, loading dock, kitchen, cafe areas not being actively supervised by other staff or volunteers, multi-purpose rooms, library, and/or outdoor amenity space on the second floor. 
• Ensuring areas/rooms are clear of people and locked when not in use.
• Responding to overdoses and performing CPR, first aid, and/or naloxone/Narcan administration when necessary.
• Directing visitors to the Community Services desk or other areas of the building, including but not limited to, the second and third floor services.
• Monitoring video surveillance system and reviewing and saving camera footage if necessary.
• Responding to radio calls for health and safety emergencies, by answering the radio call for assistance, ensuring naloxone/Narcan administration kit on hand at all times, physically attending the location of emergencies and giving first aid, CPR, administering naloxone/Narcan and/or calling emergency services if necessary.
• Reporting any breaches of building guidelines to the appropriate level of management
• Assisting emergency services when on site to the area of emergency and providing any other information they may require to administer emergency services.
• Maintaining documentation and doing administrative tasks related to the work such as keeping daily logs of activities, incident reports and any issues addressed.
• Collaborating with the Community Services team in related services (mental health and emergency services) to ensure a coordinated and streamlined approach with community, other staff members and volunteers. 
• Light cleaning duties, including but not limited to, sanitizing high touch surfaces, disposing of garbage, safely disposing of needles and other drug paraphernalia.
• Distributing harm reduction supplies, clothing, food and other items, as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Knowledge of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and indigenous specific racism on indigenous peoples. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals using a trauma informed approach.
• Ability to maintain calm, welcoming, empathetic, and professional demeanor with vulnerable and/or marginalized individuals.
• Ability to de-escalate challenging situations with community and maintain safety in the environment with escalated individuals and groups.
• Friendly, attentive, observant and alert.
• De-escalation training certificate
• First Aid, CPR, and naloxone/Narcan administration training.
• All positions at First United require an ongoing satisfaction of a criminal record check.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum three (3) years’ of experience working in frontline social services delivery is required.
• Post secondary diploma in a relevant field or a combination of relevant education and experience. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory Responsibility:

Community members, volunteers

Latitude:

The Community Connections Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of Community Connection & Safety to ensure adequate coverage of public use program areas on a daily basis, and to ensure a safe and dignified environment for community members, volunteers and staff. 

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Define any relationship accountability and communication needs with peers, management, leadership, Board of Directors, or external partners.

• Regular communication is maintained with all levels of staff and community members.
• Communication is maintained with outside partner organizations when they are guests in the building.
• Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information is exchanged on an ongoing basis.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Bargaining Unit

Job Classification: CSSEA Provincial Agreement JJEP Classification 11

We are committed to becoming a more just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace, which extends to how we hire. We are continually learning new and unlearning old practices while examining systemic causes of inequity, including colonialism.  We aim to be representative of the communities that we serve. We welcome everyone to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on Indigeneity, race, colour, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. In order to achieve a representative team, preference may be given to people who are members of one or more of these groups.

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

WHAT WE OFFER

Wage: $27.85 per hour (increased as a Living Wage employer)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

First United is seeking a female candidate to cover an indefinite leave in our 51 bed, low barrier shelter on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This position will cover our daytime shift, 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday until the return of the incumbent. 

If it is your desire to make a difference for those most vulnerable and to 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.  

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. Under the immediate direction of the Shift Supervisor, the Shelter Resource Worker will be a daily presence at the First United Shelter to provide support to the men and women in the areas of relationship development and community engagement while performing a variety of duties to ensure the smooth operation of the emergency shelter.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create a safe, welcoming and calming environment for the men and women staying with the First United emergency shelter and from the community using our services.  Engage and develop relationships with each individual through active listening, program offerings, access to our services and being a steady presence throughout all areas of the First United Church.  Will work mainly with the shelter residents.
• Act as the first point of contact for men and women staying in the First United Church emergency shelter.  Welcomes new and returning users of the emergency shelter at First United Church by completing intakes, discussing shelter guidelines and ensuring basic shelter, food and hygiene needs are met. 
• Maintains the smooth operation of the emergency shelter by knowing who is in the building, doing regular counts and check-ins, managing the entrance door and graciously declining entry to non-shelter users when our day program closes, doing room/bathroom checks regularly.  Monitor the showers and ensure clear of refuse for the next community member.  Provide assistance to the Shift Supervisor as needed.
• Ensure shelter residents are aware of meal times and when the sleeping areas are open making them accessible and ready for use at the appropriate times.  Provide access to work lockers as needed.
• Maintain daily documentation and information sharing through HIFIS, incident report forms, statistic reporting, attending bi-weekly Shelter Resource meetings and monthly all-staff meetings.  Share community information to all staff and the community as it pertains to our daily work at the First United Church.  Liaise with the Shift Supervisor/Assistant Shelter Manager and Shelter Case Planners with concerns and complete Community Care Referrals.
• Participate as a team member of the whole First United church organization.  Stay knowledgeable of and be active in programs, services and special projects.  Use this knowledge to engage shelter residents in participating in volunteer work, Advocacy, Clinical Outreach team, First United housing, Supportive funding, and other programs when appropriate. 
• Stay observant of the environment and provide calming intervention as required to ensure the safety of everyone and policies are being respected.
• Provide first response to crisis intervention as required.  Communicate with team members, Shift Supervisor and/or Manager of Shelter Services and work alongside them to deescalate and resolve situations.  Call for Emergency Medical Assistance when appropriate and calling the on-shift First Aid Attendant for all injuries to staff and community members regardless of the severity.  Report all incidents, observations, and unsafe conditions through the proper channels and on the computer.
• Participate with the general cleanliness and organization of the First United Church including all common areas, washrooms, and sleeping areas. Dispose of belongings that have not been left in a designated spot, or when a shelter resident no longer uses the shelter services.   Assistant residents to downsize their belonging.
• Other duties as required.
• Men need to announce themselves when entering the Women's Shelter area.

 KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• 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 using diplomacy, tact, and persuasion.
• Exceptional communication skills required (written and verbal) and the ability and experience of dealing with and de-escalating conflict in a fluid work environment is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer/technology such as:  Outlook E-Mail, HIFIS (client data), Word/Excel, Timecard/Payroll Software, fillable forms, etc.
• 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.
• Willingness to participate and show initiative to participate in community events and applicable training.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 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 who have social/lifestyle risks Demonstrated experience working successfully with marginalized populations and those living in poverty.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory/Management responsibility: None

Latitude:

The incumbent works fairly independently. If clarification is required, it is expected that the incumbent will request further direction from the Shift Shelter Manager or delegate. 

That nature of working in an emergency shelter is stressful and often will be supporting clients in crisis brought about by diverse life events and experiences.  The Shelter Resources Worker must have the ability to function independently and under pressure, while managing a multitude of other emergency tasks.  If clarification is required, it is expected that the incumbent will request further direction from the Shift Supervisor and/or Manager of Shelter Services.

                                                                                                                 
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Regular communication is maintained with all levels of staff and management. 
• Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information exchanged on an ongoing basis.
• The Shelter Resource Worker is to seek input or to exchange information about regular duties with the Shift Supervisor, Assistant Managers and/or Manager of Shelter Services

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Bargaining Unit

Job Classification: CSSEA Provincial Agreement JJEP Classification 10

We are committed to becoming a more just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace, which extends to how we hire. We are continually learning new and unlearning old practices while examining systemic causes of inequity, including colonialism.  We aim to be representative of the communities that we serve. We welcome everyone to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on Indigeneity, race, colour, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. In order to achieve a representative team, preference may be given to people who are members of one or more of these groups.

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. 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 our accomplishment of our vision, mission and values. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Comprehensive and 100% employer-paid health benefits including extended health and dental plan for regular staff, spouses and dependents.
• United Church of Canada defined benefit pension plan; employee contribution rate 6%, employer contribution rate 9%.
• Life insurance, Long-term Disability, and AD&D.
• 15 days of paid annual vacation.
• 13 statutory paid days off every year and 12 days of paid sick leave.
• Professional designation reimbursement.
• An inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of First United’s buildings’ functionality and upkeep, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment by managing maintenance tasks, coordinating repairs, supervising staff, and adhering to safety regulations, all while optimizing building operations to meet the needs of occupants within the facility.

This role will be onsite at our location in the Downtown Eastside found at 320 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver. 

Maintenance and repairs:

• Planning and scheduling preventative maintenance activities, coordinating repairs with contractors, managing building systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Safety compliance: Conducting regular safety inspections, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations, managing emergency preparedness plans.
• Building operations:
• Overseeing cleaning and janitorial services, managing waste disposal, monitoring energy consumption and implementing energy-saving measures.
• Procurement of supplies and materials
• Vendor management: Negotiating contracts with service providers like maintenance contractors, cleaning companies, and security firms.
• Budgeting and cost control: Tracking facility expenses, managing maintenance budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities. Est operating budget of $300-$500K.
• Project management: Overseeing renovation projects, coordinating installations and upgrades within the facility.
• Staff supervision: Leading and managing a team of facilities staff.
• Communication and stakeholder management: Collaborating with departments within the organization to address facility needs, communication updates to employees regarding maintenance activities and disruptions.

• Minimum 10 years’ facilities management experience
• Technical knowledge: Understanding of building systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and maintenance procedures.
• Project management skills: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor facility improvement projects.
• Leadership abilities: Leading and motivating a team of facilities staff.
• Problem solving skills: Identifying and resolving facility issues promptly.
• Budgeting and financial management: Effectively managing facility expenses.
• Communication skills: Clear and concise communication with stakeholders at all levels.
• Compliance expertise: Knowledge of relevant building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Ability to maintain a calm, welcoming, empathetic and professional demeanor at all times with staff and with vulnerable and/or marginalized individuals.

Degree or certification in facilities management, engineering, or a related field.

• BOMA designation and an HVAC 4th class Power Engineer credential preferred.

Experience in facility management or a similar operational role.

Knowledge of project management and organizational skills.

• Must be able to pass a Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector).
• A clean driving record
• Availability to respond to emergency situations after hours.
• Management experience in a unionized setting strongly desired.

Experience in a not-for-profit environment (such as a shelter, group home, social housing or recovery house) would be an asset

• Nonviolent crisis intervention training (NVCI) an asset.
• Standard First Aid or equivalent training/recertification within first three months of employment.
• Mental Health First Aid training an asset.

Physical conditions:

• Work can be physically demanding and sometimes dirty and unpleasant.
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs/23kg on a regular basis.

Must be comfortable with physically demanding work that includes bending, stooping, stretching, kneeling, and crouching.

May be exposed to noisy equipment or tools.

Environmental conditions:

• Must be able to work in extreme cold and heat at times.
• Must be able to work outdoors to sweep walkways, shovel snow, remove graffiti, maintain building at times.

Sensory demands:

• Must have good communication skills and the ability to work under limited supervision.
• Need the ability to listen to and understand written and verbal instructions.

Mental Demands:

• Possible exposure/proximity to traumatic medical events and clients in crisis.
• Possible exposure to emotionally disturbing experiences.
• Ability to exercise nonviolent crisis intervention techniques to reduce interpersonal conflict.

As the first step in our recruitment process, we ask all candidates to upload their cover letter, resume, and answer a few short answer questions about themselves. 

 ***

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.

The Assistant Manager, Shelter aids in oversight of the shelter program at FIRST UNITED. Under the direction of the Shelter Manager, the Assistant Manager manages all staff employed in the shelter, assists with management and support of community members in the building and on the floor, and works closely with others in management and senior management roles to ensure financial viability and operational efficiency. The Assistant Manager works in close cooperation with the program, kitchen, operations, and office staff to ensure overall safety in the building, and the smooth integration of services and programs across the ministry. This is an onsite position at 467 Alexander Street, Vancouver BC. 

• Under the direction of the Shelter Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the multi-shift shelter services team. Assigns tasks and holds staff accountable for tasks based on the job description and established policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures for the Shelter Team and the Shelter Program which align with FIRST UNITED values, and our BC Housing contract. 
• Under direction of the Shelter Manager, manages the performance of the Shelter Team including progressive discipline, coaching and performance reviews. Participates in recruitment, hiring, training and orientation of staff to maintain a full roster of full-time, part-time, and casual Shelter Resource Workers, Case Workers, and Shift Supervisors.
• Works with the Shelter Case Planners, and Shift Supervisors to provide case management and gateway services for shelter residences. Collaborates on decisions with regard to termination of shelter services for shelter residents. 
• May make changes to the weekly staffing schedules, timesheets, leave requests and associated administrative duties regarding shelter staff.
• Ensures the overall safety of the shelter program and assists Case Planners with development of safety plans and referrals.
• Along with Shelter Manager, meets regularly with shelter resource workers, shift supervisors and case planners.
• Reviews HIFIS documentation and shift reports to ensure accuracy and completion as directed by the Shelter Manager.
• Provides crisis intervention and one-to-one support to community members as needed.
• Provides information, referrals, and support to community members about services available at First United and in the wider community.
• Ensures the overall cleanliness of the shelter is maintained and participates as needed.
• Contributes to the overall safety of the shelter program. Develops and provides input to the development of safety plans and decisions regarding denial or restriction of service due to violent, abusive, or inappropriate conduct.
• Other relevant duties as required.

• Post secondary education, degree or diploma in a relevant field plus 3 years’ experience in a non-profit related environment e.g., emergency shelter, group home, recovery house OR a equivalency of relevant education, management, and work experience combined. 
• Experience in a unionized work environment and experience working with a collective agreement is required. 
• Ability to maintain a calm, welcoming, empathetic, and professional demeanor with vulnerable and/or marginalized individuals.
• NVCI and First Aid/CPR

Supervisory Responsibility:

Shift Supervisors, Shelter Resource Workers, Janitorial Staff

Latitude:

Reports to the Shelter Manager, working closely to ensure adequate coverage of management duties on a weekly basis, and to ensure a cohesive and trusting team culture.  

Regular communication is maintained with all levels of management and staff while completing work. Key relationships include: 

• Regular communication is maintained with all levels of management, staff, shelter residents, and community members.
• Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information is exchanged on an ongoing basis.

  Exempt Wage Grid Level 7: $80,963.61-$83,109.14 annually and will commensurate with experience, with new joiners starting at the min to midpoint level.

1. Candidates should submit resume, cover letter and respond to 3 written questions.
2. Candidates matching closely with the position's needs will be contacted for a phone interview.
3. Candidates advancing to the next stage can expect 1 phone screen, in person interview with manager and a final interview with hiring committee.
4. All positions at First United require a criminal record check clearance.
5. 2 references from previous supervisory manager will be requested at the offer stage.