Job Description

Job ID: 61196
Job Category: Community & Social Services

Division & Section: Toronto Shelter & Support Services, Homelessness Init & Prevention Svcs

Work Location: Seaton House, 339 George Street Toronto Ontario

Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary 12 Months

Salary Range: $123,833 to $170,184 per year
Hiring Zone: $138,623 to $150,296 per year

Shift Information: Monday to Friday 35 hours per week (may be required to work evenings, overnight and weekends)

Affiliation: Non-Union

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 09-MARCH-2026 TO 23-MARCH-2026

Are you passionate about harm reduction? Are you an experienced enthusiastic People Leader who has overseen innovative change management initiatives that have resulted in improved outcomes for service users? Do you value lived experience in the visioning and shaping of the work and priorities of programming?

We are looking for an experienced operational and strategic leader with a deep understanding of issues surrounding homelessness and substance use, and in the delivery of services to people who are vulnerable and resilient. You must possess strong leadership and communication skills with a proven track record of working effectively with staff at all levels of the organization, community stakeholders , elected officials, advocates and the public, coupled with knowledge of systemic oppression and the barriers faced by people living in extreme poverty. You are a champion of meaningful equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation processes and practices.

As a leader you are experienced in leading and motivating a diverse workforce by ensuring effective teamwork, providing resolution to controversial labour relations issues, ensuring high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encouraging innovation in others.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Project Director and/or Director of Homelessness Initiatives and Prevention Services (HIPS), Toronto Shelter and Support Services Division (TSSS), the Manager Homelessness Initiatives – Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) provides leadership in transforming service delivery and coordinating System partnerships in alignment with TSSS’s divisional priorities and broader organizational strategic plans.

• Responsible for daily oversight and management of Harm Reduction Unit which focuses on embedded case management, capacity building, and policy and program development to improve health and housing outcomes for people who use substances
• Leads the development and implementation of the Harm Reduction Unit in a way that compliments Housing First and data-informed focussed services that are tailored to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
• Develops and implements performance indicators to ensure appropriate program delivery and accountability, and to measure program effectiveness and promote continuous improvement.
• Contributes to the multi-year service planning process for the Division by identifying emerging issues and factors impacting service programs and costs.
• Ensures program and service delivery models are supported by data systems, performance measures and benchmarks are standardized across sites and programs.
• Within the Division's strategic directions, leads in strategic and operational planning and implementation, and change management initiatives that may be large scale and transformational utilizing effective management strategies and action planning to facilitate service delivery improvements.
• Manages, motivates and trains staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.
• Manages the day to day operation of all assigned staff including the scheduling, assigning and reviewing of work. Monitors and evaluates staff performance, approves salary increments and directs and/or undertakes disciplinary action when necessary. Authorizes and controls vacation and overtime requests. As part of a HIPS Management Team contributes to the development of standard operating procedures and policies related to program delivery, performance measures, human resources, labour relations, finance and administration in accordance with Corporate and/or Divisional Guidelines.
• Develops, recommends and administers the annual budget for the HRU and ensures that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Ensures that the site(s) meet Corporate standards in relation to Occupational Health and Safety.
• Manages occupational health and safety and labour relation issues and investigations related to City staff working in HIPS; ensuring compliance with City policies and procedures, collective agreements, and Provincial legislation in collaboration with People & Equity Division.
• Ensures the ongoing effectiveness of a comprehensive workplace violence program throughout all partnership locations with the HRU.
• Ensures that all programming and services are being carried out using best practices, and that all programs and services support client goals and program outcome achievement.
• Liaises with community groups regarding issues relevant to homelessness, health and substance use, and shelter clients and/or participants including participating in or leading planning groups, advisory committees, etc. Responds and resolves client complaints from community agencies, elected officials, advocates, the public and media.
• Oversees the site(s) and satellite locations, including ensuring that facilities are maintained in an excellent state of repair according to established regulations and standards, and work as part of a collaborative management team to develop capital budgets as required.
• Manages alternate programs/sites as assigned by the Assistant Director and/or Director and act on their behalf as required during scheduled absences.

Key Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary education in a relevant professional discipline, i.e Public or Business Administration, Social Services or an equivalent combination of education and experience
2. Extensive experience in managing diverse workforce (leading, motivating, monitoring, and evaluating performance), handles labour relations matters and resolves conflicts
3. Considerable experience working in the housing and homelessness sector
4. Considerable experience in organizational and change management, and utilizing effective management strategies and action planning to facilitate service delivery improvements
5. Considerable experience in leading harm reduction programs and initiatives
6. Experience in planning, development and implementing programs, including program performance, and reporting on achievements
7. Experience in development and management of operating budgets
8. Political acumen and insight, as well as advanced skills and judgement, in public relations, including the ability to manage, negotiate and achieve consensus among parties having different objectives
9. Ability to apply an equity lens to policies, programs and strategies, and to assess the impact of proposed changes on equity-seeking communities including Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, LGBTQS+ and low income city residents
10. Knowledge of current issues and trends in the field of homelessness and harm reduction
11. Knowledge and understanding of collective agreements, Human Rights Code, Worker's Safety and Insurance Board, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Employment Standards Act
12. Proven ability to work effectively with broad range of stakeholders including community groups, government and political representatives and the general public
13. Demonstrated superior verbal and communication skills
14. Ability to work evenings, overnights and weekends if required

A Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check will be required as a condition of employment. For more information on Shelter Services, please visit our website at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/about-torontos-shelter-system/

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process