1. Safety, Conflict Prevention, and Crisis Response
- Be a calm, visible, and approachable presence in and around the Thrift Store during peak hours, including evenings and Saturdays.
- Respond to disruptive situations, safety concerns, and crisis events using trauma-informed, nonviolent de-escalation practices while maintaining clear behavioral boundaries and supporting volunteer and staff safety.
- Build trust and rapport with individuals who frequently visit the area and who may be experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or crisis.
- Assess safety risk in real time and contact emergency services (police, EMS), outreach teams, or other appropriate supports when necessary.
- Liaise regularly with the Thrift Store Manager and leadership team regarding emerging safety concerns, patterns, and incidents.
- Develop, refine, and implement violence-prevention and incident-response protocols in collaboration with Thrift Store leadership.
- Debrief and offer post-incident support to volunteers and staff involved in or affected by an occurrence.
2. Volunteer Support and Capacity Building
- Foster a culture of empathy, dignity, hospitality, and proactive support among volunteers and staff.
- Design and deliver training for volunteers and staff on conflict de-escalation, trauma-informed approaches, healthy boundaries, and peacebuilding practices.
- Recruit, train, and support a volunteer welcoming team that fosters a safe, welcoming, and compassionate environment through positive relationships and appropriate referrals (volunteers are not expected to intervene in unsafe situations).
- Provide ongoing encouragement, coaching, and emotional support to volunteers and staff.
3. Community Outreach and Partnerships
Build relationships and referral pathways with Lethbridge-area agencies that support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and mental health challenges.
Establish collaborative relationships with neighboring organizations, businesses, service providers, and community partners facing similar safety and outreach concerns to share learning, resources, and best practices.
Connect community members, when appropriate, with available services and supports that may contribute to their well-being and stability.
Participate in MCC’s anti-poverty, restorative justice, and community engagement networks for peer support, learning, and ongoing professional development.
Represent MCC Alberta’s mission, values, and commitment to nonviolent peacemaking in interactions with community agencies, local authorities, volunteers, customers, and the broader public.
Help identify emerging community needs and trends that may affect the Thrift Store and contribute to recommendations for future responses and partnerships.
4. Program Development, Evaluation, and Administration
Maintain consistent, accurate documentation of incidents, follow-ups, and learning outcomes.
Support the implementation and ongoing refinement of violence-prevention and safety policies in partnership with the Program Director and Thrift Store leadership.
Participate in a monthly check-in meeting together with the Thrift Store Manager and the Program Director to assess progress, identify emerging concerns, share lessons learned, and adapt the program as needed.
Contribute to ongoing program evaluation, including tracking outcomes and recommending improvements.
Other
Maintain a high level of integrity, reflecting a Christ-like character toward colleagues, volunteers, community partners, and neighbors who are unhoused or marginalized.
Model nonviolent peacemaking through respectful daily interactions with staff, volunteers, and the public.
Participate in MCCA orientations, staff meetings, and Staff Annual Retreat.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
