Encampment Coordinator (Temporary Full-Time)

City of Thunder BayThunder Bay, ON
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
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