Job Description

: Out of the Cold Shift Leader

Position Title:

Out of the Cold Shift Leader

Department:

Emergency Shelter / Out of the Cold Program

Reports To:

Shelter Manager / Program Coordinator

Employment Type:

Full Time (Seasonal)

Position Summary:

The Out of the Cold (OTC) Shift Leader oversees the safe, compassionate, and efficient operation of shelter services during their assigned shift. This role provides leadership to staff and volunteers, ensures participant needs are met, responds to crises, and maintains a welcoming, low-barrier environment consistent with harm-reduction and trauma-informed practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shift Supervision & Leadership

Provide on-shift leadership to shelter staff and volunteers. Ensure clear communication at shift change, including reviewing logs, incidents, and updates. Assign tasks and support team members in completing nightly duties. Foster a supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental environment for both guests and staff.

2. Guest Support & Engagement

Welcome and register guests using established intake procedures. Build rapport and support guests with empathy, dignity, and boundaries. Respond to guest concerns, de-escalate conflicts, and implement safety protocols. Monitor guest well-being and connect individuals with onsite or external supports as needed.

3. Safety, Crisis Response & Harm Reduction

Maintain a safe, calm shelter environment using trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches. Respond to crises, including medical emergencies, overdoses, mental health concerns, and behavioral escalations. Administer naloxone and first aid/CPR when required. Follow all safety policies, including room checks, overdose monitoring, and incident documentation.

4. Facility Operations

Ensure shelter spaces (sleeping areas, washrooms, common areas) remain clean and functional. Oversee nightly routines including bed assignments, laundry, bedding distribution, and supply management. Support meal preparations and distribution (if applicable). Report maintenance or safety concerns to the Shelter Manager.

5. Administration & Documentation

Complete shift logs, incident reports, guest notes, and occupancy records accurately and promptly. Safeguard confidential information following privacy and organizational guidelines. Ensure all necessary forms and data tracking are submitted before end of shift.

6. Collaboration & Communication

Work collaboratively with community partners, outreach workers, emergency services, and internal staff. Communicate concerns, recommendations, and operational issues to supervisors. Participate in training, meetings, and debriefings.

QualificationsRequired

Experience working in shelter, outreach, social services, or harm-reduction settings. Strong crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills. Ability to work compassionately with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental illness, and trauma. Ability to work overnight, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Clear Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Check (or organizational equivalent).

Preferred

Training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, non-violent crisis intervention, or related areas. Current First Aid/CPR and Naloxone certification. Experience supervising staff or volunteers. Knowledge of housing-first principles and community resources.

Core Competencies

Empathy and non-judgmental approach Leadership and teamwork Crisis response and problem-solving Clear communication Boundaries and professionalism Reliability and accountability Cultural humility and anti-oppressive practice

Working Conditions

Fast-paced environment supporting individuals with complex needs. Standing, walking, and some light lifting (bedding, supplies). Exposure to challenging situations, including behavioral escalations or medical emergencies. Overnight and weekend hours may be required.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 48 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events
Work Location: In person