Job Description

Requisition ID: 47619

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function.

Warming Centres operate as a life saving measure, for the purpose of providing overnight warm spaces to marginalized populations who are experiencing homelessness and may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and other issues related to poverty and marginalization. Warming Centres typically operate between the months of December and April when the temperatures drop to -4C, or feels like -4C.

The Warming Centre Attendant position is an overnight front-line position. Working as a team (City and external partners), they are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness to access indoor warming spaces.

Attendants carry out a variety of duties in a calm professional manner, supporting guests with basic needs while overseeing the nightly operations of the Warming Centre. Staff assist with referrals to other services when appropriate, monitor guest behaviour and the overall centre, which may include incident response and crisis management, and responds with de-escalation methods to ensure a safe and secure environment for all guests. The provision of warm beverages and snacks is also an element of the Warming Centre model.

This is a seasonal position that operates between the months of December 2026 – April 2027. It is a weather dependent, awake overnight role. Warming Centres are only activated during certain weather parameters and therefore, there is not a guarantee of hours. The position reports to a Social Planner in Homelessness Services

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Set-up and take down warming centre operations and the overall supervision of the centre during overnight operations
• Problem-solving overnight in the absence of a supervisor and liaising with other organizations or stakeholders as needed
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, patrons, community members, and Warming Centre guests
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served
• Works tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may use substances and/or be isolated through poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or other factors of social exclusion
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries
• Ensures policies and procedures are followed and communicates concerns in a calm, clear and compassionate manner
• Monitors access to the warming centre and regularly monitors the space, guests and all accessible public spaces in the facility on a regular basis.
• Maintains paper and electronic records including incident reports and data collection
• Engages with guests to provide feedback, as requested.
• Monitors and reports any facility issues including maintenance, cleanliness and pest control issues as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Completion of Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred), plus some experience working in a community, social service or health care environment would be an asset, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Occupational First Aid Level I certification or the ability to obtain one would be an asset, but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of and commitment to individuals experiencing homelessness who may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.
• Conflict and de-escalation skills especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations including situations in which mental health and addiction are factors.
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and to do so independently when required.
• Willing and able to enforce policies, procedure, and rules in a firm and compassionate manner.

Record Checks:

• A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Business Unit/Department: Arts Culture Community Service

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual

Position Start Date: December, 2026

Position End Date: April, 2027

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-013: $28.83 to $33.75 per hour

Number of positions: multiple

Application Close: November 18, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.