Ready to lead a dedicated shelter team and strengthen life-changing care for people facing homelessness?

This position will be responsible for the specific operations and oversight of the Shelter Team. With the Manager, you will develop and maintain a healthy culture within the Shelter & Housing Program (SHP) branch, offering direction for the Emergency Shelter program while providing leadership and support for the individuals within these teams. You will be well-versed in the best practices related to shelter and homelessness services and able to contextualize them to effectively serve people who have been marginalized or face multiple barriers.

As part of the SHP branch leadership team, you are responsible for contributing to and implementing the overall vision for the branch and the specific vision for the Emergency Shelter. You will be a clear communicator and solution-focused problem solver with strong administrative skills. You will oversee staff, interns, practicum students, and volunteers for the Emergency Shelter team, building trust and fostering effective team relationships to provide excellent guest care.

As a leader you will be committed to humble service, discernment, and providing guidance for your team. From this posture you will work to ensure the wellbeing of our community by empowering and encouraging staff and enhancing our care and services for the community members in ways that are consistent with Union Gospel Mission’s Vision and Core Values.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting range for this position is $31.92 to $34.88 per hour.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements.

In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a excellent fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

- 40% - Partner with the SHP Leadership Team to provide branch direction and oversight of operations. Creatively and wisely problem-solve and handle complex and difficult issues with staff or community members, including debriefing critical events. Ensure timely follow-up on action items for effective outcomes and to accomplish branch goals.



Perform on-call duties and coverage of shelter teams, as needed.
- 20% - With the Manager of SHP, develop and implement a vision for the Emergency Shelter. Hire, orient, train, supervise, and conduct performance reviews of direct reports. Walk alongside direct reports, providing regular encouragement and empowering leadership.
- 15% - Handle complex care situations with the SHP leadership team, and shelter leadership. Implement best care practices informed by anti-oppressive and decolonial practice through a person-centred lens.
- 10% - Network and collaborate with internal and external partners.
- 10% - Plan and participate in staff meetings, training, and development opportunities.
- 5% - Review and report on KPIs, prepare and contribute to reports, ensure all staff and client documentation is done accurately and promptly. Arrange and oversee practicum student and volunteer placements on the Shelter team.
- Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices, and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
- Other duties as required.

KSA’s

- Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement (see www.ugm.ca) and Statement of Faith.
- Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
- Related post-education required. Bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology from a recognized, fully accredited university, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

- 5+ years of experience in a social services organization, preferably a shelter, developing care plans and supporting people who have been marginalized or face multiple barriers.
- Supervisory experience with a proven ability to motive and direct a team.
- Consideration may be given to alternate combinations of lived experience and education.
- Experience working in a multi-ethnic and social-economic diverse community.

- Experience dealing with complex matters and a demonstrated ability to de-escalate tense situations that could erupt in aggressiveness or violence.

- Experience working with Indigenous people is an asset.
- Experience working within a mission-oriented Christian organization is an asset.

- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate across the organization and externally.

- Excellent time management and administrative skills.

- Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).
- Ability to work independently; self-motivated and disciplined.
- Able to effectively identify and solve problems and follow through on initiatives.
- Valid Class 5 drivers’ license preferred.




- A commitment to ethical practices and the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive matters relating to the organization or those accessing services.
- Complete UGM Non Violent Crisis Intervention Course.

- Health and Safety Qualifications for Program/Shelter Staff
- Solid understanding of health and safety protocols specific to program/shelter environments, including infection control, personal hygiene standards, and safe handling of potential hazards.
- Previous experience working in environments with vulnerable or high-needs populations, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for residents.
- Completed, or willing to complete, relevant health and safety training, including nonviolent crisis intervention: handling mental health crises and de-escalation, first aid, naloxone, suicide prevention or specialized safety courses.

Working Conditions

- Hours of Work

This position is generally scheduled as Monday to Friday, with regular early mornings, late nights, and some overnight shifts required. There is flexibility for the person to set their own schedule within defined parameters. Some weekend and after-hours work is expected. Overtime and work on statutory holidays may be required.
- Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors, with up to 30% of the time spent outdoors in all types of weather.
- Physical Requirements

Duties require extended periods of standing and/ or walking. Duties require occasional periods of climbing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, keyboarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees are required to look at a computer screen for up to 90% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally.
- Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Regular environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.
- Hazards

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working frequently with people in unhealthy conditions and may include exposure to bodily fluids, lice, and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.
- Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a current Driver’s Abstract.

📌 Supervisor, Shelter (Permanent, Full-Time) (Vancouver)
🏢 Union Gospel Mission - Vancouver
📍 Vancouver