FIRST UNITED is a registered charity that has been serving Vancouver's Downtown Eastside community for 140 years.

We offer responsive, low-barrier services to individuals who are low-income, under-housed or homeless. We provide essential services to meet the daily needs of community members and engage in systems change work to reduce homelessness and break cycles of poverty. If you're looking for purpose-filled work and want to make a difference in the community, this might be the opportunity for you.

Each job within the FIRST UNITED CHURCH Community Ministry Society should promote the accomplishment of our vision, mission, and values. Comprehensive and 100% employer-paid health perks including extended health and dental plan for regular staff, spouses and dependents ~ Life insurance, Long-term Disability, and AD&D; benefits ~15 days of paid annual vacation ~FIRST UNITED is seeking one individual to cover a temporary leave of a Shift Supervisor in our 51 bed; This position works Monday to Fridays, 9:00 A.M.

The Shift

Supervisor supports the Shelter Program at First United by providing direct service and supervision to staff, shelter residents, and community members, helping them understand and adhere to shelter and organizational policies and protocols, encourage a healthy work culture guided by our mission and values, and ensuring effective operations of the shelter program. Take responsibility for all decisions, including when to contact emergency services or to elevate an issue to management. Taking an active role in defusing and de-escalating aggressive situations, ensuring organizational policies, best practices and safety procedures are following including proper incident reporting, maintain the cleanliness and safety of the space and coordinating necessary services for repairs and cleaning.

Monitor facility to maintain safety of clients and shelter space. Assist clients with shelter routines. Support clients in following all shelter procedures.



Help clients work through conflict with others living in the shelter.

Communicate observations and interactions with clients to shelter manager and shelter management through documentation in shift reports, and reports. Ensure confidentiality and professional language are practiced at all times. Assist with shelter meals as required, following all food safety guidelines.

Intervene in incidents in the shelter, using appropriate techniques and safety procedures. Basic maintenance, organization & cleaning of facilities. Assist with scheduling/shift coverage. Adhere to agency policy, procedures and practices, including Occupational Health and Safety.

Direct staff when emergency protocols required (critical incidents, overdoses, medical emergencies, etc.). Due to the nature of the 24 hr/365 day shelter operations shifts may be day, evening or overnight. Related training in non-violent crisis intervention Post-secondary diploma or degree in related field.

Food safe level 1. Minimum 2 years’ experience working with clients who experience addiction and/or mental health.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervision of shelter resource workers, shelter residents, and community members.

Latitude: Reports to the Shelter Manager, working closely to ensure adequate coverage of management duties on a weekly basis, and to ensure a cohesive and trusting team culture. Regular communication is maintained with all levels of management, staff, shelter residents, and community members. Communication is also maintained with management and co-workers as work is assigned and completed, and information is exchanged on an ongoing basis.

Bargaining Unit

Candidates matching closely with the position's needs will be contacted for a phone interview. ~ Candidates advancing to the next stage can expect 1 phone screen, and up to 2 interviews with the Manager and hiring committee. ~ All positions at First United require a criminal record check clearance. ~2 references from previous supervisory manager will be requested at the offer stage. #

📌 Shift Supervisor (Temporary) (Vancouver)
🏢 First United Church Community Ministry Society
📍 Vancouver