JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Temporary Shelter Support Worker
Reports to: Shelter Team Lead
Location: Abbotsford
Temporary contract until September 30th, 2026, with possible extension.
JOB SUMMARY
The Nest is a 10-bed shelter which provides safety, connection, and warmth for 10 women who are currently without housing. We are seeking staff who want to support unsheltered women by creating a space that prioritizes dignity and calmness. The Temporary Shelter Support Worker’s main responsibilities will include: Guest engagement and management, housing navigation and stabilization, case management and support services, and interagency collaboration. Casual/On-call positions available at a rate of $29.00 per hour.
Main Responsibilities
1. Guest Engagement and Support
- Complete intake documentation for new guests.
- Provide direct support to shelter guests, addressing their immediate needs and concerns.
- Offer compassionate, emotional support to help guests navigate challenges.
- De-escalate inter-personal conflicts that arise within the space, ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and the neighboring community.
- Follow all organizational policies and procedures.
- Cleaning duties and meal preparation duties (breakfast, lunch and snacks).
- Engage with our neighbors in a healthy and respectful way; including managing any concerns that arise in real time.
- Connect guests with external resources to meet their health, social and other needs.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date administrative records.
- Create a sense of community within the space by developing trusting relationships with the guests.
- Facilitate and engage guests in positive social recreational activities.
2. Housing Navigation and Stabilization
- Assist guests with locating, obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
- Help guests search for and apply to housing programs or units.
- Develop Case Plans for guests willing to participate.
- Coordinate with landlords and housing authorities.
3. Case Management and Support Services
- Provide individualized support to help guests access services, navigate systems, and achieve housing and stability goals.
- Complete guest needs assessment, including the use of the Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT) and/or other approved assessment tools, where necessary.
- Refer guests to income assistance, using system protocols, where available.
- Refer guests to appropriate local support services including support access to mental health, addition and medical care.
- Assist guests with Pension Benefits, Disability Benefits, obtaining a BC Identification Card, or establishing a back account.
4. Interagency Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with service providers, government agencies, and community groups to support guest needs and improve systemic barriers to wellbeing.
- Work with community partners to support and strengthen staff’s resilience around moral injury, burnout and vicarious trauma.
- Advocate for guest access to services.
- Build relationships with shelter staff, healthcare providers, police, etc.
- Help bridge gaps between guests and formal support systems
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Consent to a criminal background check. A criminal record with not necessarily prevent employment with CEDAR.
- A deep understanding of the complex issues and barriers, including the impact of trauma, that unsheltered women face.
- Knowledge of supportive services and experience navigating various community-based referral processes.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.
- Ability to use Microsoft 365 and case management software (CAMS and HIFIS).
- Responsive to communication by email, phone, and instant messaging.
- Experience and/or education in the field of homelessness and/or substance use is an asset.
- Ability to commute/relocate to Abbotsford, BC.
What We Offer and Included Benefits:
- Casual dress.
- On-boarding and other required training.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Team building activities.
- Opportunities for growth and development.
- Wages: $29/hour, bi-weekly pay.
To Apply:
- Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
- Any applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
- We are only able to accept candidates who are Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or those legally entitled/authorized to work in Canada.
- Indicate in your application which position you are interested in.
About CEDAR Outreach Society
CEDAR Outreach Society is a leading grassroots community-based organization in Abbotsford, British Columbia. We provide compassionate and person-centered support to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, involvement with the criminal justice system, poverty-related challenges and other complex barriers. At our core is a deep commitment to preserving the autonomy and dignity of each person we work with, no matter their current situation. Through our combination of responsive and effective outreach, shelter services, housing navigation, eviction prevention, and basic needs assistance, CEDAR builds trust and guides people towards wellbeing. We are honored to be a vital component of our community’s social safety net. Our impact is amplified through strong partnerships with local organizations, service providers, and justice system collaborators. We know that working together to deliver coordinated care and holistic support rooted in lived experience brings the best outcomes for our community.
Why Work at CEDAR?
CEDAR is made up of a strong team of diversely skilled individuals who are committed to facilitating Compassion, Empowerment, Dignity, Accessibility, and Respect for every client we walk alongside.
We seek individuals who not only care deeply about building a healthier community but also have the proven skills and experience to demonstrate their passion and values. We understand that valuable experience can come in diverse forms and prioritize and demonstrate equity, diversity and inclusion as our daily values.
We encourage you to apply if you believe your experience would fit well for this position, even if you don’t meet the formal requirements.
Pay: $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
