Summary of the Role
The Manager, Van Outreach Programs will oversee two mobile van outreach teams serving the communities in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Wellington County. Based out of our Guelph this role will supervise and support frontline staff, lead performance management and ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across both regions. This Manager will also be responsible for seeking out, maintaining and strengthening community partnerships, contributing to strategic planning, and managing program budgets. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires a balance of operational oversight and creative problem solving to make a difference in the communities that we serve.
Responsibilities
- Attend scheduled Van stops regularly in both communities to supervise and support staff teams. Distribute harm reduction materials, collect statistics and provide basic needs supplies when necessary.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery by standardizing protocols and processes across both locations, and conducting regular site visits and implementing new processes, when required.
- Manage vacation, sick time and lieu time requests from staff.
- Work with the Director of Community programs to connect regularly with funders to discuss trends, new findings, pressure points, and additional updates for the Community Health Van programs.
- Ensures the completion of the quarterly reporting and evaluation components with support from Coordinators.
- Support campaigns and communications as needed with the Director of Fundraising and Communications.
- Work proactively to seek out opportunities to source donations through online and in-person requests.
- Attend team lead, all staff and van department meetings as required.
- Participate in recruitment efforts, when required.
- Authorizes the cancellation of service stops.
- Coordinate and support training for all team members.
- Support the Peer Coordinator’s leadership of the Peer team, including performance conversations.
- Manage program budgets for both teams in collaboration with the Director of Community Programs, including tracking spending, forecasting and year-end spending.
- Seek out and plan Van attendance at Sanguen-run and other community events, including coordination of coverage, attending events whenever possible
- Ensure outreach and team supplies and inventory levels are organized and maintained.
- Support team members, peers, and volunteers participating in the program and ensure the safety of all participants during program activities.
- Coordinate visitors to the Van, including individuals from the Region, Board Members and local politicians.
- Provide support and guidance for students on placement, new staff Peers and volunteers.
Qualifications
- Possess a valid G-Class driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- Please note: In order to receive an offer of employment, the successful candidate will need to provide proof of their valid driver’s license as well as proof of a clear driving abstract. The cost to obtain a driving abstract will be reimbursed at that time.
- 3-5 years of experience supervising or managing outreach or direct service teams in a non-profit setting
- Reliable access to a safe and reliable personal vehicle to attend outreach stops
- Lived or living experience related to substance use to support others who use drugs is considered an asset.
- Personal vehicle insurance for work purposes, considered an asset
- Must have an understanding of how to work with highly marginalized individuals in a compassionate and respectful manner.
- Familiarity with Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Wellington County social service landscape, including local shelters, health services and municipal resources
- Experience managing budgets, including tracking, reporting and making resource allocation decisions
- Demonstrated ability to assess existing workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements that increased efficiency and reduced manual effort.
- Demonstrated ability to support staff well-being in high-stress or front-line environments
- Strong understanding of social services and health care systems in the KW region.
- De-escalation skills when it comes to conflict and crisis management.
- Demonstrated ability to make informed decisions and effectively delegate tasks when necessary.
- Demonstrated strong time-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and autonomously.
- Knowledge of relevant social, health and treatment services for people who actively use substances.
- Must be comfortable being around, discussing and working with people who use or have used drugs and compassionate about the barriers faced by people who use drugs.
- Must be willing to continuously learn from the experts (people who use drugs).
- Must be able to lift, lower, and carry up to 50 pounds (23kg) repeatedly.
- Experience or familiarity with Google Workspace (documents, spreadsheets), Excel, Word.
This position will be primarily based in Guelph/Wellington, with 1-2 days being worked in the Waterloo Region.
In addition, this position requires:
- A vulnerable sector check
- Have emergency first aid (or equivalent) and BLS (Health Care Provider level preferred), or willingness to complete this training
- As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our staff and community from COVID-19, subject to any accommodation required by applicable human rights legislation, Sanguen Health Centre requires that all staff have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada.
Hours and Location of Work
This role will be scheduled up to 40 hours per week. The location of work will include 29 Young Street E, Waterloo, and 176 Wyndham Street, North in Guelph, including various outreach stops throughout Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph and Wellington County. Shifts will be Monday through Friday, and will include daytime and evening hours.
Mileage will be reimbursed for travel between work locations within a shift, if a personal vehicle is used.
Compensation
- The compensation for this role will range from $79,000-$84,000/year, depending on experience and qualifications, paid as an annual salary
- Company-sponsored benefits plan after successful completion of the probationary period.
- 4 weeks’ vacation which accrues biweekly (prorated to the FTE).
- 15 paid sick days per calendar year.
Sanguen Health Centre is committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. Should you require any accommodation, please inform us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. For any accessibility-related assistance, requests for information in accessible alternative formats or to report any accessibility problems, please share in your application or email [email protected], referencing the job post ID number (2026-11).
Sanguen Health Centre is committed to building an environment where everyone feels heard, welcomed and included. Sanguen is a proud equal opportunity workplace that is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Pay: $79,000.00-$84,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you have reliable access to a safe personal vehicle?
Licence/Certification:
- G-Class License (required)
Work Location: In person
