support worker

social worker

outreach worker

nurse

shelter support worker

The Working Centre

When I first got hired for my position, I was very excited for a few reasons: I'd be able to make a difference in my community, make more than minimum wage, and learn some new valuable skills. While all of these things were technically true, I am extremely disappointed in my experience so far with The Working Centre.

There is no job security, as staff sign one-year contracts and are never full-time permanent. The yearly raise is very small, and does not reflect cost-of-living or inflation in the area. While pay is certainly a far cry above minimum wage, it still isn't much to live on in this area, and the benefit package has pitiful coverage.

The day-to-day is pretty great, as most of the staff are solid people and making connections with the shelter residents is genuinely enjoyable. However, there is very little clear dialogue with upper management (the Mancinis specifically), and they often don't know enough context of our shelter to actually help make decisions--they actually tend to complicate it. Staff are not expected to have any prerequisite training, and there is no organizational training outside of overdose response. Because The Working Centre offers low-barrier shelter, a lot of the residents are people with extreme cognitive disabilities or mental health and drug addiction issues, none of which staff are trained to deal with. There are often not enough staff on shift to manage the needs of all residents, especially when you consider those who need extra support.

The Working Centre's shelters do not follow the industry-standard shelter models, so residents often live in shelter for YEARS without any dream of housing. There are people living in Working Centre shelters who moved in when The Working Centre STARTED offering shelter in 2020, and still haven't been placed in some form of actual housing. They don't subscribe to a Housing First model (which is pretty standard in shelter work), and seem to have no interest in actually helping people progress out of the shelter system.

Often, violence/theft from residents or misconduct from employees are overlooked and not taken seriously, which I think is mostly to do with the fact that The Working Centre does not actually have an HR department/staff (it's their daughter). 

I'm glad I took this opportunity because it did teach me that I do really want to do social work as my career, and I absolutely love the community in the shelter where I started. However, the mismanagement, lack of communication/followup, and low pay encouraged me to look for work elsewhere.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Helping the unhoused getting their lives back on track.  

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Very little support from the employees.  Most training is staff that watched YouTube videos to then pass on to you.   They don’t hire professionals.  

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The company holds the community members at the highest, where they are enabling people to continue their high risk lifestyle.  Employees are the lowest respected, no performance reviews, contracts are always updated or signed very late.  Anytime you challenge the “work environment model “ you are told you are not a good fit, and shown the door.   Ministry of labour has visited numerous times due to issues.  

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Everyday is minimal structure.  The residents moods or challenges dictate how the days progress.

Each day of work was different. I learned that working in an environment with so many different, unique people was rewarding even if I came with it's challenges. The hardest part of the job was watching how the community treats the homeless population. There are so many stigmas around homelessness & addictions and it's devastating to know that it could happen to each and every one of us. The work is humbling. 

The work culture is collaborative. We try to be very team-centric. Management is typically off-site. They are not directly involved in situations. The team is full of people who are passionate about helping people.

TWC culture is exploitative. No one takes responsibility for anything. No transparency or information sharing. Casual to the point of unreliability. Takes months if not years to get anything done. Extreme gaslighting. Regular wage theft. Takes advantage of people and that can’t be assertive and ices out anyone that calls them out on how they treat people.

Innovative projects, just not adequately supported. In a state of institutional failure, needs to overhaul and concentrate.

Skills and experience are given little to no weight. Harm done to people accessing services because no integration of social work principles. 

A typical day as a social community worker involves diverse tasks: assisting individuals in need, coordinating community programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders. I've learned empathy, resourcefulness, and effective communication skills. Management prioritizes support for our initiatives. The workplace culture promotes teamwork, inclusivity, and a passion for social change. The most challenging aspect is managing emotional stress while supporting vulnerable populations. Yet, the most rewarding part is witnessing positive impacts on the community, seeing lives positively affected through our efforts, which makes every effort worthwhile.

The best company I worked for in my 10 years in Canada. Typical day supporting people with drug addiction. Connecting them with goverment services, housing , etc. I learned planning, organization, interpersonal and customer service skill. How to deal with challenging behaviors. Management supported me along the way. Excelente workplace culture. Hardest part of the job: dealing with challenging individuals and the loss of some clients due to overdose. Modt enjoyable: team support and camaraderie between coworkers/managers.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The ethical solidity, creative resilience and dynamic team work!

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Witnessing the reality of societal inflicted suffering

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
An inspiring, energetic work place with a strong community orientated work culture

Completely enjoyed my experience with the Working Centre and will always send anyone their way who is in need of support of any kind. If they cannot properly assist they will guide you to the best place to help with your needs. 

I really enjoyed the work I did with the working centre because it made a noticeable impact on the people I worked with regularly. I have not since found a job that has been nearly as fulfilling. 

Productive in every way. Nice to cater to people from all walks of life .I loved working there..the company was insightful and very helpful in the needs of others. I got along well with my colleagues and the university students getting their hours in each week.Greart atmosphere and good communication 




Top Job Titles	Average salary
Support worker 5 salaries reported	$18.14 per hour
Social worker 2 salaries reported	$38.50 per hour
Outreach worker 2 salaries reported	$18.14 per hour
Nurse 2 salaries reported	$36.75 per hour
Shelter support worker 1 salary reported	$20.12 per hour

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