Low Barrier Shelter Team Lead

Summary

The Emergency Low Barrier Shelter provides safe and dignified overnight lodging for individuals experiencing homelessness, including those not served by other programs. The Team Lead – Shelter & Peer Support Services supports daily shelter operations and provides leadership to frontline staff, ensuring services are trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and client-centered. Collaborating with the team, the Team Lead promotes safe operations, consistent service delivery, and a collaborative environment rooted in Anishinaabe values, harm reduction, and respect for lived experience.

Responsibilities

1. Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Shelter Workers and Peer Support staff.
2. Support staff scheduling and shift coordination to maintain adequate coverage.
3. Promote teamwork, accountability, and effective communication across shifts.
4. Assist with staff orientation, onboarding, and training.
5. Provide coaching, feedback, and support to staff in consultation with the Emergency Shelter Coordinator.
6. Collaborate with staff to model effective crisis response, rapport building, and conflict resolution.
7. Support the daily operation of shelter and peer support services.
8. Ensure shelter policies, procedures, and residency agreements are applied consistently.
9. Assist with client intake, discharge, and documentation processes.
10. Monitor program flow, bed utilization, and service quality.
11. Participate in team meetings and support continuous program improvement.
12. Monitor and maintain shelter inventory including food, hygiene supplies, bedding, PPE, and program materials.
13. Track usage and coordinate purchasing within established budgets.
14. Ensure the shelter environment remains safe, clean, and welcoming.
15. Support minor facility upkeep and ensure health and safety standards are maintained.
16. Build respectful and empathetic relationships with clients.
17. Provide trauma-informed supervision and support within the shelter environment.
18. Use de-escalation and mediation techniques to manage conflict and crisis situations.
19. Assist clients with goal setting, housing navigation, advocacy, and referrals to services.
20. Collaborate with internal teams and external service providers.
21. Encourage culturally grounded supports, including Traditional wellness approaches and Anishinaabe knowledge.
22. Complete case notes, incident reports, and other documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
23. Always maintain confidentiality and professional standards.
24. Provide operational updates and reports to the Emergency Shelter Coordinator.
25. Support program data collection and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Mental Health, Indigenous Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience collaborating with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of low barrier shelter models, harm reduction approaches, and community support systems.
• Understanding of First Nation community dynamics and Anishinaabe cultural perspectives.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.
• Assets: Mental Health First Aid; ASIST or Suicide Intervention Training; First Aid / CPR; Crisis Prevention and Intervention training.

Salary: $77,000.00. Interested applicants MUST submit: 1) A cover letter; 2) Resume; 3) Photocopy of certificates/diploma/degree from a post-secondary institution, and 4) Contact information (email, phone number) of 2 work related references.

Attention: Melissa Roy

NAANDWECHIGE-GAMIG Wikwemikong Health Centre

P.O. Box 101, 16A Complex Drive, Wikwemikong, Ontario     P0P 2J0

Telephone: 705-859-3164 / Fax: 705-859-3300 / Email: melissaroy@wiikwemkoong.ca

Deadline: Until Position is Filled