The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit charitable organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people. The Society manages twenty-three programs and services through three locations in Vancouver. The Friendship Centre at 1607 East Hastings is a community-led organization creating meaningful change for the Urban Aboriginal Population that we serve. VAFCS is currently seeking an individual connected with Indigenous community, highly organized, and self-motivated to work with us!

BC Housing and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society are partnering to build a range of housing options for people of all ages struggling to find a place to call home. 1015 East Hastings provides 80 safe shelter beds; 25 studios and one-bedrooms for people moving from the shelter to more independent living; 85 affordable rental homes for people and families with lower incomes; 53 new market rental homes; and social enterprise space.

The purpose of the Desk Clerk is to provide a high standard of transition care providing first point of contact for all and respond respectfully to all enquiries, complaints, concerns, or emergencies in a timely manner utilizing VAFCS policies and procedures.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Responding to inquiries and requests by residents and resolving any problems or issues
- Reports on any client illness, drug/alcohol related issues or concerns
- Provides culturally respectful and compassionate service to the guests
- Responds to resource and service enquiries for guests
- Documenting all incidents appropriately
- Conducts floor checks periodically throughout the shift




- Conducts wakeup calls for residents
- Call the police or related Public Service in the event of an emergency or disturbances
- Ensures appropriate and timely communication with residents, employees, and managers
- Maintains a safe workplace for building residents and visitors
- Ensures facilities are in compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and building codes
- Maintains professional relationships with residents
- Maintains facility cleanliness inside
- Maintains safety & security
- Develops strong networking with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal services
- Assists with cleaning up dining room after guests’ meals
- Performs other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

- High School Diploma
- First Nations, Metis, Inuit or Aboriginal ancestry is preferred
- Minimum 2 years related employment experience working with people experiencing homelessness or poverty and other societal issues.
- Knowledge of social services and resources with the GVRD
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and building codes
- Food Safe Certificate
- Physical ability to lift up to 50lbs
- Working knowledge of the Downtown East Side and services and supports that are provided
- Effective verbal and written communication skills in English
- High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Politically, culturally,



and socially conscious and sensitive to other people’s experiences
- High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts in any given situation
- Customer service focus towards all residents
- Knowledge of Aboriginal culture, spirituality, and community
- Strong ethics, integrity, and commitment to staff and residents privacy

Certificates:

- Crisis Prevention training or de-escalation training.
- Standard first aid and CPR
- Indigenous awareness training
- Mental health first aid training
- Domestic violence safety planning
- Substance use awareness and safety training-including naloxone training
- LGBT2Q+ awareness training
- Trauma-informed practice training
- Staff self-care training
- Vulnerability Assessment Tool training
- AHMA or BC housing database trainingWorking Conditions:
- May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and hepatitis B viruses
- Interact with residents, family members, staff, visitors, and government agencies
- Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and supporting guest.
- Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
- These positions require union membership with the BC General Employees Union

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

Pay: $20.94 per hour

Experience:

- Working knowledge of the DTES services and supports: 2 years (required)
- related employment : 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Resident Support Worker (Canada)
🏢 Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
📍 Canada