Position Summary
The Community Worker serves as the first point of contact for residents, guests, and service providers at Vatcher Hall, a supportive housing residence for youth ages 16–24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness which is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This role is critical in maintaining a safe, structured, and welcoming environment that promotes stability, independence, and overall well-being.
The weekend Community Worker position follows an afternoon/evening shift on alternating weekends, which includes holidays.
The Community Worker will apply a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and youth-centered approach while collaborating closely with case managers and the broader support team to assist residents in achieving their individualized goals.
Key Responsibilities
Resident Support & Engagement
- Monitor and control building access in accordance with visitor and safety policies
- Greet and interact with residents in a respectful, supportive, and professional manner
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and community-oriented environment
- Provide information, guidance, and referrals to on-site and external services
- Build and maintain respectful relationships with residents while upholding professional boundaries
- Administer life skills programming and encourage a sense of community within the building
- Support conflict de-escalation using trauma-informed practices
- Offer basic problem-solving support and connect residents to appropriate resources
- Maintain awareness of resident well-being and communicate concerns promptly to case managers
Front Desk Operations
- Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and direct calls appropriately
- Maintain accurate records, including visitor logs, incident reports, and shift notes
- Manage mail and package distribution for residents
- Monitor and respond to security systems (e.g., cameras, alarms, access control) in accordance with policy
- Maintain organized and accurate documentation
- Support shift-to-shift communication and reporting
- Complete monthly fire safety and panic button checks, reporting any deficiencies
Safety & Security
- Conduct regular walkthroughs of the building and surrounding areas to ensure safety and cleanliness
- Respond to emergencies and incidents following established protocols
- Contact emergency services when required and collaborate with staff and external responders
- Complete detailed, timely incident reports following critical events
- Maintain situational awareness and proactively address potential safety concerns
Coordination with Case Managers & Support Team
- Communicate regularly with case managers regarding resident concerns, behavioral changes, and incidents
- Document and share observations to support case planning and service delivery
- Reinforce program expectations and support implementation of resident service plans
- Follow established communication protocols during crises
- Participate in shift handovers to ensure continuity of care
- Attend team meetings and training sessions as required
Qualifications
Required:
- Community College diploma in a related field
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, or a related field
- Experience working with youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (email, data entry, reporting systems)
- Training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and/or de-escalation techniques
- Valid CPR/First Aid certification
- Knowledge of youth development, harm reduction, and positive youth development models
Core Competencies
- Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
- Empathy balanced with strong professional boundaries
- Effective conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
- Reliability, consistency, and accountability
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and marginalized communities
Administrative & Team Collaboration
- Maintain organized and timely documentation and reports
- Communicate effectively with incoming/outgoing shifts and multidisciplinary team members
- Participate in staff meetings and trainings as required
- Support program staff with administrative or operational tasks as needed
- Experience working with youth ages 16–24, particularly those experiencing homelessness, foster care involvement, or housing instability
- Training or experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and conflict de-escalation
- Knowledge of youth development, harm reduction, and/or positive youth development models
- CPR/First Aid certification
Core Competencies
- Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
- Empathy balanced with strong professional boundaries
- Strong crisis response and de-escalation skills
- Reliability, consistency, and accountability
- Teamwork and effective communication
- Ability to work with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and youth from marginalized backgrounds
- Exposure to challenging behaviors, crisis situations, and high-need populations
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: From $24.74 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Paid time off
Application question(s):
- Do you have Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training or related training?
- Are you willing and able to provide a vulnerable sector CPIC prior to employment?
Education:
Experience:
- human/social services: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (preferred)
- driver's licence (required)
Work Location: In person
