Portland Hotel Society

Work can be incredibly draining, sometimes traumatizing, with different job sites having very different risks of this. Therapy supports used to be better, but new management "streamlining" (corporatizing) the company structure and benefits has changed this and many other things. You will feel like you're making a positive difference in people's lives, though. Bonds you make with residents and clients can be a highlight, I've met some amazing and resilient folks and the job has made me realize how fortunate I am. Workplace culture is pretty good, most other staff are decent but new hires in the last year have been less motivated on average and I have had many less instances where I've felt comfortable outing myself as trans to my shift partners than when I was first hired. Pay is quite good for a no-education and no-experience required job, health benefits are very good, vacation time accrues pretty well but has to be booked 6+ months in advance- but HR will make exceptions for extenuating circumstances where time off is needed on shorter notice.

An emotionally taxing job that isn't supported by a comprehensive burnout policy. Burn out is an unavoidable factor if you stay there long enough, in my opinion. Expect to be the janitor, landlord, first responder and emotional support to the residents of the building you're assigned to. This can be challenging when you have to set rules you don't necessarily agree with while also trying to build rapport with folks. I learned a lot about setting boundaries as well as how to be consistent with my word and my choices. The benefit package is nice and includes coverage for things like eyewear, massage therapy, etc. They only cover 9 sessions of counselling through FSEAP.  If you have a line, you only have to work 3 days a week so you get a long weekend every week which is very needed. 

Other staff and residents are great. Unfortunately, the management has no idea how to lead staff, control the buildings, or prioritize safety. Staff are own their own to do all of the heavy lifting and will not be supported when incidents occour. If you work here, don't stay too long or you will suffer burnout and have to take time off. 98% leave before 18 months. Management is only looking for "fresh meat for the grinder." 

A typical night shift entailed Security medical and janitorial duties, such as keeping the buildings clean and orderly, dealing with medical emergencies and getting people their medicines, and making sure those whom were not supposed to be in the buildings weren't inside and signing in those that were visiting.

if you can't hang out on a corner in the DTES for more than 20 minutes and feel okay about it, this is not the job for you. Consider the fact you will face vicarious trauma, ask someone who works for the company for their experience first. Do not jump into it.

PHS involves working with people of all different cultures, past economic backgrounds, ethnicities and genders. Empathy is a necessity in this workplace; staff are not there to judge or create an "us vs. them" environment with the clients.

It is harm-reduction based and geared toward providing housing to those who have been living on the DTES for a great portion of their lives. It is safe to say we work with often challenging individuals.

not for the faint of heart, frontline work is incredibly taxing. extermely high burnout rate. drug addiction is a great drain on society and to the people personally involved both proffesionally and personally.

It can be gritty and sometimes feels a bit thankless but the work itself is actually quite rewarding.  You get to play a key role in making the lives of those who are less fortunate feel a bit easier.

Conflict management
self-care and appropriate boundaries
meaningful interactions on a daily basis
autonomy

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