Job Description

Temporary Winter Shelter Support Worker

This position is open to all applicants

This position requires union membership

Wage - Grid 10 $25.95/hr

Status:

Temporary to December 31, 2025

Location:

Temporary Winter Shelter

Reports To:

Program Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society will be opening our

Temporary Winter Shelter

to support guests to find shelter from extreme weather during the winter months. We are looking for respectful, supportive and collaborative staff who will work on one of the following shifts: 8am - 4pm, 4pm - midnight, midnight to 8am. This special project starts October 20 and goes until April.

The

Temporary

Shelter Support Worker

plays an integral role within Cedar Strong's emergency shelter team. This role is responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for guests, offering crisis intervention, advocacy, and support while ensuring a clean and well-managed shelter space. The role includes working collaboratively across all shifts with coworkers and guests to foster a trauma-informed, inclusive, and solution-focused shelter environment.

Job Duties

Safety & Housekeeping:

Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards of shelter spaces, guest rooms, and common areas. Conduct regular room and wellness checks. Handle guest laundry and ensure laundry room upkeep. Respond to emergency situations, including cleaning biohazards or spaces affected by substance use. Monitor guest safety, enforce shelter guidelines, and report issues to the coordinator.

Guest Support & Intake:

Conduct guest screenings, intakes, and orientations. Provide crisis intervention and emotional support. Assist guests in identifying needs and creating action plans. Offer information and referrals to external supports and services. Administer harm reduction supplies and Naloxone when needed. Facilitate support group meetings and liaise with other agencies as required.

Administrative & Record-Keeping:

Maintain accurate and confidential guest records and documentation in Office 365 Teams. Document daily activities, critical incidents, and shift change briefings. Dispense medications from blister packs in accordance with medical guidance. Track appointments and guest-related updates.

Other Responsibilities:

Uphold Cedar Strong's policies, ethical standards, and code of conduct. Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development. Assist with special projects and tasks as assigned by the Program Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

Diploma in a related human/social service field OR equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum one (1) year of recent, related experience preferred. Experience working with individuals facing homelessness, substance use, trauma, and/or mental health challenges is an asset.

Provided Training Oct 20-Oct 24, 2025:

Trauma-Informed Practice Cultural Awareness Naloxone Administration Mental Health First Aid Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or De-escalation Training First Aid Level 1 Record Keeping

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Shifts available: 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am, 12am-8am. On-site at shelter locations, sometimes working independently but always with access to staff support from other shelter sites. Involves physical activity such as cleaning, lifting, or transporting laundry/donations. Mental/emotional resilience required to respond to guests in crisis, administer Naloxone, and manage unpredictable scenarios.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your resume and cover letter through Indeed or through the Cedar Strong website.

We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve. Applicants with lived experience, as well as those from protected groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $25.95 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Education:

DCS / DEC (preferred)
Experience:

emergency shelter support: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

First Aid Certification (preferred)
Location:

Hope, BC (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-10-10
Expected start date: 2025-10-20