Full job description
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
Job Title: Warming Centre Support Worker
Position Type: Bargaining Unit, Relief, Contract – Until April 15, 2023
Number of Positions: 10-15
Rate: $21.77 per hour
Hours: Days, Evenings, Weekends
Supervisor: Senior Manager, Warming Centre
Posting Date: November 1, 2022
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Location: 55 John Street, Toronto
Why Fred Victor?
For over 125 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in providing place and purpose to people in need in Toronto. Our mission
is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are
committed to ending chronic homelessness. This is an ambitious and bold goal but we believe, achievable.
The Warming Centre at Metro Hall will operate during Extreme Cold Weather alerts from November 15th 2022 to April 15th
2023. Serving approximately 45 clients plus pets, the centre will act as emergency shelter during the cold weather period.
Services will address immediate basic needs for food, sleep, community referrals and harm reduction services. The Warming
Centre Support Worker, will support with all relevant tasks relating to intake, client-support, service delivery, crisis
intervention, and referrals. The Warming Centre Support Worker will play a crucial role in monitoring the program space
when program management is off-site, and contacting on-call management in the event of crisis. The position will also
provide guidance and mentorship for peer trainees for day-to-day tasks, and communicate with program management and
the Peer Program Lead when peer trainees require extra support. The Warming Centre Support Worker will collaborate with
peer staff, the Peer Program Lead, and designate management staff to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the
warming centre.
Does this sound like work you want to be a part of?
We offer a collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a chance to make
a difference. With over 60 programs and services and more than 21 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your
career with us. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line roles.
The position works in a Warming Centre Setting. The Metro Hall Warming Centre is a 24-hour facility. All applicants must
be willing to work with animals, and be proximate to animals. All employees must expect to be in potentially threatening
situations. These positions are emotionally challenging and at times physically demanding.
What You Will Do (Position Summary)
Process client intakes, transfers and support clients with daily needs
Record client notes, intake forms, and discharge plans in accordance to Toronto Shelter Standards and FVC’s
policies and procedures
Serving meals provided for warming centre visitors
Contact the on-call program manager in event of crises or emergencies
Debrief with previous and relieving shift team for consistency and efficiency of service for program visitors
Work closely with security staff in order to provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to potential crises
Show an understanding and commitment to harm reduction practices and principles
Distribution of harm reduction kits and stocking of harm reduction supplies
1
Provide on-floor guidance to Peer positions, creating an environment that supports and empowers peer trainees
to contribute meaningfully to the program
Monitoring capacity, and coordinating with staff to manage safe transportation to other warming centre sites
for visitors when site is at full capacity
Ensure COVID-19 health & safety measures are being adhered to
Direct visitors to relevant on-site services – including food, harm reduction supplies, lockers, washrooms, cots
Collaborate with peer staff, Peer Program Lead and Program Manager for all operations
Perform safety checks and building rounds
De-escalate and manage conflict with or among clients
Responsible for resolving client’s complaints when appropriate, including timely follow-up
Provide appropriate referrals, information and advocacy to other support services to assist visitors with supports
after the closure of the warming centre
Maintaining a log of activities at each centre, including staff on site, services provided including number of
visitors who were allowed inside the centres and those who were directed to an alternate room/space within
the warming centre, calls for medical attention and any unusual incidents
Use emergency building systems and follow fire procedures
Communicate and demonstrate appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff, and community partners
and abide by all the Fred Victor Centre’s policies and procedures e.g. Anti-Harassment and Discrimination and
the Staff Code of Conduct
Work in accordance to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
Identify, intervene, and effectively deal with crisis and conflict situations
Deal with emergency situations as they arise
Perform administrative tasks such as communications, reports, finding and coordinating staff coverage,
information management of service statistics and client information as required
Participate in regular meetings and evaluations with Program Manager
Observe work related requirements such as punctuality, attending staff meetings, meeting deadlines and
working with or without direct support
Attend regular staff meetings, read emails, communicate effectively and support the team
Other duties as required
What You Bring to the Team (Qualifications):
Educational background in social services or human services including continuing education aimed at deepening
practice in working with vulnerable individuals.
Demonstrated experience providing individual support to clients who are homeless, living in poverty, dealing with
mental health issues, addictions, and/or social isolation, abuse, sexual orientation, history in the criminal justice
system, recent immigration, or who identify as LGBTQ2SA+, or have pets in their care.
Ability to work with and support peer trainees, with a strong basis of knowledge on peer work and values
Knowledge of shelter options within Toronto
Able to incorporate principles of anti-oppression and equity in responding to the service needs of homeless women
Extensive working knowledge of mental health issues and addictions, including demonstrated experience applying
harm reduction approaches
Demonstrated experience and ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients and partner
agencies. Extensive knowledge of community-based resources and supports
Literacy in Word, Windows, Excel, Outlook, and client database programs (SMIS and Pirouette)
What Sets You Apart:
Experience working with homeless individuals
Advanced decision making skills
Client Focused and demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and adhere to legislation
Excellent communication skills
Training in First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention
Applied computer skills (MS word, excel, Outlook etc.)
2
Compensation and Benefits
For the Warming Centre Support Worker, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of $21.77
Access to employee and family assistance plan
How You Can Apply
Send your resume and an email describing why you want to be part of the Fred Victor Team by to Leigh Hunter –
ets@fredvictor.org with Warming Centre Support Worker in the subject line.
A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring.
All candidates offered a position with Fred Victor must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination as a
condition of employment. Fred Victor will comply with its Human Rights obligations and accommodate employees who are
legally entitled to accommodation.
Accessibility & Accommodation
Fred Victor is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected,
and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants
who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of
sexual orientation and gender identities and have lived-experience
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please
contact us in advance. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested. Information received relating
to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
3
Job Title: Warming Centre Support Worker
Position Type: Bargaining Unit, Relief, Contract – Until April 15, 2023
Number of Positions: 10-15
Rate: $21.77 per hour
Hours: Days, Evenings, Weekends
Supervisor: Senior Manager, Warming Centre
Posting Date: November 1, 2022
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Location: 55 John Street, Toronto
Why Fred Victor?
For over 125 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in providing place and purpose to people in need in Toronto. Our mission
is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are
committed to ending chronic homelessness. This is an ambitious and bold goal but we believe, achievable.
The Warming Centre at Metro Hall will operate during Extreme Cold Weather alerts from November 15th 2022 to April 15th
2023. Serving approximately 45 clients plus pets, the centre will act as emergency shelter during the cold weather period.
Services will address immediate basic needs for food, sleep, community referrals and harm reduction services. The Warming
Centre Support Worker, will support with all relevant tasks relating to intake, client-support, service delivery, crisis
intervention, and referrals. The Warming Centre Support Worker will play a crucial role in monitoring the program space
when program management is off-site, and contacting on-call management in the event of crisis. The position will also
provide guidance and mentorship for peer trainees for day-to-day tasks, and communicate with program management and
the Peer Program Lead when peer trainees require extra support. The Warming Centre Support Worker will collaborate with
peer staff, the Peer Program Lead, and designate management staff to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the
warming centre.
Does this sound like work you want to be a part of?
We offer a collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a chance to make
a difference. With over 60 programs and services and more than 21 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your
career with us. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line roles.
The position works in a Warming Centre Setting. The Metro Hall Warming Centre is a 24-hour facility. All applicants must
be willing to work with animals, and be proximate to animals. All employees must expect to be in potentially threatening
situations. These positions are emotionally challenging and at times physically demanding.
What You Will Do (Position Summary)
Process client intakes, transfers and support clients with daily needs
Record client notes, intake forms, and discharge plans in accordance to Toronto Shelter Standards and FVC’s
policies and procedures
Serving meals provided for warming centre visitors
Contact the on-call program manager in event of crises or emergencies
Debrief with previous and relieving shift team for consistency and efficiency of service for program visitors
Work closely with security staff in order to provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to potential crises
Show an understanding and commitment to harm reduction practices and principles
Distribution of harm reduction kits and stocking of harm reduction supplies
1
Provide on-floor guidance to Peer positions, creating an environment that supports and empowers peer trainees
to contribute meaningfully to the program
Monitoring capacity, and coordinating with staff to manage safe transportation to other warming centre sites
for visitors when site is at full capacity
Ensure COVID-19 health & safety measures are being adhered to
Direct visitors to relevant on-site services – including food, harm reduction supplies, lockers, washrooms, cots
Collaborate with peer staff, Peer Program Lead and Program Manager for all operations
Perform safety checks and building rounds
De-escalate and manage conflict with or among clients
Responsible for resolving client’s complaints when appropriate, including timely follow-up
Provide appropriate referrals, information and advocacy to other support services to assist visitors with supports
after the closure of the warming centre
Maintaining a log of activities at each centre, including staff on site, services provided including number of
visitors who were allowed inside the centres and those who were directed to an alternate room/space within
the warming centre, calls for medical attention and any unusual incidents
Use emergency building systems and follow fire procedures
Communicate and demonstrate appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff, and community partners
and abide by all the Fred Victor Centre’s policies and procedures e.g. Anti-Harassment and Discrimination and
the Staff Code of Conduct
Work in accordance to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
Identify, intervene, and effectively deal with crisis and conflict situations
Deal with emergency situations as they arise
Perform administrative tasks such as communications, reports, finding and coordinating staff coverage,
information management of service statistics and client information as required
Participate in regular meetings and evaluations with Program Manager
Observe work related requirements such as punctuality, attending staff meetings, meeting deadlines and
working with or without direct support
Attend regular staff meetings, read emails, communicate effectively and support the team
Other duties as required
What You Bring to the Team (Qualifications):
Educational background in social services or human services including continuing education aimed at deepening
practice in working with vulnerable individuals.
Demonstrated experience providing individual support to clients who are homeless, living in poverty, dealing with
mental health issues, addictions, and/or social isolation, abuse, sexual orientation, history in the criminal justice
system, recent immigration, or who identify as LGBTQ2SA+, or have pets in their care.
Ability to work with and support peer trainees, with a strong basis of knowledge on peer work and values
Knowledge of shelter options within Toronto
Able to incorporate principles of anti-oppression and equity in responding to the service needs of homeless women
Extensive working knowledge of mental health issues and addictions, including demonstrated experience applying
harm reduction approaches
Demonstrated experience and ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients and partner
agencies. Extensive knowledge of community-based resources and supports
Literacy in Word, Windows, Excel, Outlook, and client database programs (SMIS and Pirouette)
What Sets You Apart:
Experience working with homeless individuals
Advanced decision making skills
Client Focused and demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and adhere to legislation
Excellent communication skills
Training in First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention
Applied computer skills (MS word, excel, Outlook etc.)
2
Compensation and Benefits
For the Warming Centre Support Worker, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of $21.77
Access to employee and family assistance plan
How You Can Apply
Send your resume and an email describing why you want to be part of the Fred Victor Team by to Leigh Hunter –
ets@fredvictor.org with Warming Centre Support Worker in the subject line.
A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring.
All candidates offered a position with Fred Victor must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination as a
condition of employment. Fred Victor will comply with its Human Rights obligations and accommodate employees who are
legally entitled to accommodation.
Accessibility & Accommodation
Fred Victor is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected,
and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants
who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of
sexual orientation and gender identities and have lived-experience
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please
contact us in advance. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested. Information received relating
to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
3