Open Position: Supportive Housing Front Desk Worker, Central City Housing Society

About Central City Foundation and Housing Society:

Central City Foundation is the legacy that was created in 1907 when a small group of women and men in Vancouver came together to help their neighbours in need. We believe in the intrinsic value of human beings, in their agency and right to self-determination. Our goal is to build a resilient, caring and inclusive community where it is possible for all people to overcome injustice, participate and thrive. The foundation’s capital is mobilized for good through investments in social purpose real estate, grants and programs that support a diverse array of community-led solutions. Central City Foundation currently owns five properties in BC that help provide low-income housing, support for families, Indigenous-led programs, addiction treatments and support for social enterprise. Our low-income housing is operated through our affiliated organization, the Central City Housing Society.

Opportunity:

The Abbott Mansion Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building in the downtown Eastside provides a safe and welcoming community for individuals in need of affordable housing and able to live relatively independently. Our aim is to build strong relationships, connections, and a sense of community within the building while ensuring residents remain safely housed.

You will work as part of a 2-person Front Desk Team (shifts are available for 24/7 coverage) to play a crucial role in maintaining open communication, addressing concerns, and promoting a sense of community – trained to handle a variety of situations, from daily inquiries to emergency responses.

In addition to our commitment to community and safety, we prioritize creating a Respectful Workplace for everyone involved. This commitment extends to our staff, residents, and visitors, ensuring that all interactions are based on mutual respect, dignity, and understanding.

Primary Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Front Desk Worker is to ensure the safety and security of the premises and its residents. This position is responsible for monitoring the front office, building security (including camera and front door access), maintaining the logbooks, general well-being of residents, tracking guests, and ensuring the building is a safe and welcoming place for our residents and visitors. This role requires that you are prepared and responsive, willing to meet challenges directly.

Essential Duties:

Control building access, greeting residents & visitors
Work closely with program and support staff
Interacting with residents, responding to enquiries and performing security duties for the facility, such as monitoring the front door
Ensuring and enforcing community rules
Log relevant entries into the logbook
Responding to emergency situations according to building policies and procedures
Helps ensure the cleanliness of the building
Monitor hallways and stairways to ensure areas are clear of fire hazards
Attends staff meetings and trainings as required
Performs duties as assigned by the Building Manager
Ensure service delivery is consistent with Central City Foundation’s Mission and Mandate and program objectives

Requirements:

The core of our business is serving the inner-city community; therefore, a critical success factor for any person who joins the Central City Housing team is to have an in-depth understanding of the DTES community, anti-oppression work, intersectionality and the legacy of colonialism in our community.

Commitment to working with people who are struggling with substance use and/or mental wellness and wellbeing
Team members are expected to have gained this understanding through lived experience, as well as any formal education
Ability to communicate effectively with residents and staff, verbally and in writing
Ability to remain calm and non-judgmental while diffusing conflicts and problem-solving
Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call

Qualifications:

A current First Aid Certificate is an asset, and experience with overdose response
Experience or training in de-escalation and/or conflict resolution
Thorough knowledge of community issues
Ability to complete a Criminal Record check to the satisfaction of CCHS

Preferential and limited hiring assist CCHS to achieve diverse and equitable representation in our workplace and to recruit employees whose identities enrich the ways in which we accomplish our mission and serve the community.

Job Types: Full-time positions – day shift (7am-3pm), evening (3pm-11pm) amd overnight shifts (11pm-7am). Includes weekdays and weekends. Expected hours: 37.5 per week.

Wage: $21.00 per hour plus benefits after 90 days (+$0.75 Evenings, +$1.25 Overnight). Overtime pay included.

Benefits include: casual dress, dental, employee assistance program, extended health care.

Reports to the Building Manager.

Email resume to: building.manager@centralcityhousing.ca