Encampment Coordinator (Temporary Full-Time)

City of Thunder Bay • Thunder Bay, ON

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Connect people to support, resources and hope. At the City of Thunder Bay, Our City Runs on People Like You. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs – where your support, compassion, and coordination skills help make a meaningful difference in people's lives within the community. Here, you’ll make a meaningful difference through collaboration, outreach, and coordinated community action to provide human-centred responses to homelessness and encampments. You will be part of a work environment that supports respectful interactions, meaningful opportunities to grow, and a culture that promotes well-being. Thunder Bay offers more than a fulfilling career. With its natural beauty, affordability, and strong sense of community, it’s a city where you can grow personally and professionally.

Requirements

• High school diploma and post-secondary courses in sociology community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or a related discipline; or Grade 10 education and three years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, poverty, and/or substance use challenges.
• Considerable experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or substance use challenges.
• Experience liaising with government, private, and community-based housing providers.
• Experience with crisis management and de-escalation techniques.
• Proficiency in community outreach, advocacy, and public education.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the causes of homelessness and the needs of unhoused individuals.
• Strong knowledge of human rights-based approaches to encampments and related legal and environmental standards.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of barriers to accessing safe, affordable and appropriate housing, informed by lived experience and or direct community involvement.

Nice To Haves

• Indigenous lived experience (culture and practices) or a commitment to support truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is preferred

Responsibilities

• Coordinate community response efforts, outreach initiatives, and support services related to encampments and vulnerable populations within the community.
• Work closely with community agencies, municipal departments, emergency services, housing providers, and social services organizations to support coordinated, respectful, and human-rights based approaches to encampment response and community support.
• Coordinate the City’s encampment outreach efforts and providing technical direction and guidance.
• Develop and implement strategies to prevent, minimize, and resolve encampments in collaboration with supervisor, community partners and City departments, and in alignment with the City’s Human-Rights Based Community Action Plan.
• Engage with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness using a compassionate, human centred approach, ensuring dignity, respect and trauma-informed care while connecting them to resources and support services.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to the Encampment Navigator, ensuring effective service delivery and adherence to established protocols.
• Coordinate and schedule encampment cleanup operations, including site identification, public notification, logistics, and oversight.
• Investigate and respond to citizen complaints and inquiries regarding encampments, illegal dumping, and related issues.
• Ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards during cleanup efforts, including the identification and proper handling of personal property.
• Keep accurate records, track key metrics, and prepare reports to inform management, ensure funding compliance and improve operations.
• Coordinate the People with Lived Experience Advisory Committee, including scheduling meetings, arranging transportation for members, tracking attendance and issuing honoraria.
• Coordinate a Task Force of City staff and community partners for a coordinated response to encampments, including scheduling meetings, taking meeting notes, and distributing agendas and minutes.
• Establish and maintain relationships with service providers, government agencies, and community organizations to enhance support for unhoused individuals.
• Monitor emerging issues related to encampments and provide recommendations to City management.
• Support the safe handling and disposal of drug-related equipment, including sharps, found at encampments and within portable toilets, following established safety protocols.

Benefits

• A competitive salary that reflects your expertise
• A matching pension plan to help you build long-term financial security
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage, plus life insurance for peace of mind
• Generous paid vacation and holidays
• Access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall health
• Leadership development and tuition reimbursement programs, so you can continue to grow your skills and career
• A culture of recognition and appreciation, with staff events and programs that celebrate your contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED