Concierge Women’s Homeless Shelter (YWCA Toronto)

YWCA Toronto is an association of diverse and caring women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through dynamic leadership, advocacy and a range of unique and essential services that promote personal growth and economic independence.
 
Internal and External Job Posting
Concierge

Women’s Homeless Shelter 

JOB ID: WHS0165

(6 Positions Available: 2 Day Positions, 2 Evening Positions and 2 Overnight Positions) 

The Women’s Homeless Shelter will provide up to 80 emergency shelter beds to young women (16 – 24 years of age) and adult women (25 and older). The shelter will be staffed 24 hours a day and the staff will work a fixed schedule that may include weekday and/or weekend work and will be responsible for supporting the shelter and shelter residents. . This pet friendly shelter is funded by the City of Toronto and adheres to Toronto Shelter Standards.
 
The Concierge is responsible for welcoming and providing supportive reception service and works within a collaborative team to create a meaningful, safe and relevant environment for participants and guests within a feminist framework that include a skilled response to and knowledge of the dynamics and effects of trauma, mental health and oppression. The position is also responsible for completing administrative duties necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the front desk. 
 
Reporting to the Associate Manager of Women’s Homeless Shelter, the Concierge’s responsibilities include:
  • Answers telephone and in person inquiries regarding 348 Davenport; directs calls to the appropriate staff or program including superintendent and property services on call;
  • Handles client complaints and issues with tact and diplomacy, de-escalating the potenital for conflict;
  • Applies knowledge related to trauma and the dynamics of violence to respond effectively to tenant requests for support;
  • Operates office and security equipment; maintains building entry, ensuring access to authorized persons only;
  • Assists in providing orientation to new residents to ensure familiarity and understanding of programs, staff and community environment;
  • Responds to on-site emergency needs by using the  on-call procedures (i.e.Program Staff, Director on-call, Property Services);
  • Take corrective action when responding to potential safety hazards; ensure hazards are reported to the appropriate personnel;
  • Report all disturbances, vandalism or other emergencies to the supervisor; completing an incident report as required;
  • Responds to emergency situations in accordance with YWCA emergency procedures protocols
  • Engage in other duties as required. 

You will have:

  • Completion of an undergraduate university degree in a relevant field (e.g. Social Work);
  • 1 to 3 years directly related experience within supportive housing;
  • Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel;
  • Excellent customer service skills;
  • Excellent organizational skills and administrative abilities;
  • Knowledge of security operating systems an asset;
  • Ability to use equipment relevant to the position i.e., computer, phone system, security monitoring;
  • Must be organized and detail oriented;
  • Experience working in a residential setting an asset;
  • Ability to  deliver culturally sensitive service in a multicultural environment; 
  • Experience working with diverse individuals and groups within shelter and housing environment (e.g. cultural diversity, gender, abilities, religion, race, sexual orientation, etc.);
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and experience working with women living with experiences of precarious housing, poverty, violence/trauma, and mental health/concurrent addictions issues;
  • Knowledge and experience working from an anti-oppression framework and trauma informed practices;
  • Knowledge of harm reduction framework;
  • Toronto Hostel Training  Centre’s certificate an asset;
  • Completion of WHMIS training an asset;
  • Ability to maintain a positive approach and a professional manner at all times;
  • Demonstrated experience working under pressure and remaining calm in a crisis;
  • Knowledge and experience in de-escalating conflict;
  • Knowledge and experience in responding to crisis situations;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Exceptional verbal and good written communication skills;
  • Ability to follow all safety policies and procedures within the work area and respond properly to emergency or safety situations;
  • Ability to think independently, possess good judgment, demonstrate proven problem-solving skills and effective decision-making skills;
  • Knowledge of a second language an asset. 

Core Competencies:  The employee is expected to:

  • Engage in a self-reflective and collaborative practice that is non-judgmental, compassionate and reflects the mission of YWCA Toronto;
  • Incorporate principles of anti-oppression and equity in responding to the service needs of women and children;
  • Work toward removing systemic barriers to independence and wellbeing;
  • Demonstrate respect, consideration and acceptance of the opinions of others, while expressing expertise and effectively utilizing relevant resources and specialists;
  • Consistently collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary;
  • Value the contribution of others and take action to strengthen partnerships and support others to achieve effective outcomes;
  • Take action to avoid or solve problems and create opportunities for positive change;
  • Demonstrate commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. 
The hours of work for this position are 35 hours per week.  The salary for this position is $46,603 per annum (Level 5), plus comprehensive benefits.  Please note: A police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring.  YWCA is a unionized workplace; Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. This position is within the Bargaining Unit. Please indicate on your cover letter, if you are an internal candidate.  For internal applicants, this position is secondable.
 
Submit your cover letter and résumé to: Ashley Brown, Manager of Women’s Homeless Shelter.  YWCA Toronto, 87 Elm Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A8           EMAIL:  shelterjobs1@ywcatoronto.org
 
Internal Deadline: Wednesday, December 19, 2018           External Deadline: Friday, December 21, 2018
 
Please quote JOB ID number WHS0165 and your name in the subject line.
 
YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations. YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation.  While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone enquiries please. 
 
YWCA Toronto is a Scent-Sensitive environment
 
Posting Date: December 10, 2018