Job Description

Position Summary:

The Program Manager for the Outreach Resource Centre will lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that address homelessness in Burnaby. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery, effective collaboration with community partners, and alignment with the Society's mission and strategic goals. The Program Manager will supervise volunteers, contractors, summer students, manage budgets, and report on program outcomes to support continuous improvement and accountability.

Core Soft Skills:

The Program Manager must demonstrate strong empathy and compassion, understanding the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and providing support in a non-judgmental, client-centered manner. Resilience and stress management are essential, allowing the manager to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or emotionally challenging situations. Adaptability, decisiveness, and flexibility are key, as the role requires responding to changing community needs and shifting priorities, particularly during challenging situations. The manager must excel in collaboration and teamwork, fostering an inclusive and cooperative environment for staff, volunteers, clients, and partners. Strong communication and active listening skills are critical for understanding diverse perspectives and conveying information clearly and sensitively. The role also demands sound problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution abilities, enabling the manager to navigate complex challenges with professionalism and fairness. Motivation, initiative, and strategic thinking fuel program innovation and ongoing improvement, while cultural competency and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion ensure that all services and interactions are respectful, welcoming, and accessible to the diverse community we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Development

o Oversee day-to-day operations of the ORC, ensuring programs are responsive to community needs.

o Develop, implement, and monitor programs that support individuals experiencing homelessness, including resource services and food services,

o Ensure programs adhere to best practices, safety requirements, regulatory requirements, and funding obligations.

o Build and maintain relationships with local agencies and service providers

o Recruit service providers for the ORC to respond to the needs of community members

Supervision & Development

o Supervise and support ORC volunteers, contractors, and summer students.

o Recruit volunteers and contractors for the ORC

o Foster a positive, inclusive, safe, and trauma-informed work environment.

o When needed, assist with investigations, write up incident reports, and foster a safe environment

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

o Collect and analyze program data to assess effectiveness and inform strategic planning.

o Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director, funders, and the Board of Directors.

o Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

o Develop and manage program budgets.

o Ensure responsible allocation of resources and compliance with funding requirements.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, or related field (will consider experience in lieu of education)

Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably in homelessness, housing, or social services.

Strong understanding of homelessness, poverty, and systemic barriers to housing.

Experience managing teams particularly in violative environments

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with community partners, clients, and stakeholders.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and client-centered approaches.

Familiarity with program evaluation, reporting, and budget management.

Working Conditions:

Hybrid role with a primary presence required at the ORC in Burnaby.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support programs and events.

Work in a fast-paced, at times unpredictable, dynamic environment serving vulnerable populations.

While rare, this role requires awareness that personal safety is sometimes compromised, and employees must take appropriate precautions while performing their duties.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25,000.00-$30,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress On-site parking Paid time off Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Burnaby, BC V5E 3C6

Application deadline: 2025-12-29
Expected start date: 2026-01-05