Public Spaces Coordinator

City of St. Catharines•St. Catharines, ON

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Public Spaces Supervisor, the Public Spaces Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the administration of homelessness and outreach programs specific to the City of St. Catharines. This role works closely with the Niagara Regional Police, City By-Law division, and other stakeholders to assist in the development, implementation, and oversight of systems and projects that contribute to the reduction and prevention of homelessness in the City of St. Catharines through an integrated and coordinated homeless management information system. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining partnerships for program and service delivery, and providing liaisons between system partners, relevant sectors, and community services.

Requirements

Completion of a two-year college diploma in social services field. Candidates with non-traditional pathways and commensurate life/work experience will be considered.
Minimum 3 years’ experience coordinating similar programs.
Must possess excellent communication skills in dealing with a diverse client group, and excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills to respond to requests in a professional manner.
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills including the ability to work both independently and as part of team, and work methodically and prioritize workload to meet multiple demands and deadlines effectively with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated professional and ethical responsibility to protect privacy, use confidential information appropriately, treat sensitive situations with appropriate degree of tact and discretion.
Must successfully complete any required training associated with this position
Able to work outside in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wet).
Availability to work flexible hours (e.g., working shifts for a 7 day, 24-hour operation, overtime).
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and capable of working in a team environment, with the ability to also work independently.
Exceptional customer service skills with a strong sense of public service and cooperation, and well-developed abilities to deal with the public and citizen' groups.
Ability to proficiently use the various computer software e.g., Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Work Management Software, Amanda.
Valid Ontario Driver’s licence, Class “G”, with a clean driving record.
Demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture and a culture of continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with survivors of trauma, stigma, poverty, and homelessness an asset
Valid Standard First Aid/CPR C Certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) would be an asset.
Previous counselling and or intervention skills/training an asset.

Responsibilities

Liaise and attend weekly community outreach meetings to discuss new encampments and outreach.
Assist in the monitoring and identification of homeless encampments and co-ordinate outreach and cleanup efforts.
Post notice of encampment cleanup as required.
Liaise with municipal stakeholders including Niagara Regional Police, Niagara Region, Niagara Assertive Street Outreach as well as interdepartmental teams including Mayor, council and office of the CAO.
Ability to speak with the public and staff and articulate municipal procedures and timelines for required work.
Maintain accurate and organized records.
Ability to track, create and report on encampment efforts.
Provide verbal assistance and advice, in the field and on the telephone to contractors, consultants and homeowners regarding compliance with the City’s encampment process and By-laws.
Ability to write reports to council.
Assist in the coordination of the community partners, staff and volunteers in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of homelessness enumeration in the city.
Maintain confidentiality of information, written or verbal, according to city policy and legal requirements.
Liaise with Niagara Region staff to assess shelter space prior to encampment cleanup.
Ability to research homeless initiatives in other cities and provinces to provide up to date information and suggestions for homeless initiatives in the city.
Provide functional leadership as required to accomplish the goals of the department.
Complete paperwork and reports as required, i.e., statistic sheets, time sheets and incident and or accident reports.
Provide excellent customer service; respond to needs of all customers and staff as required.
Perform other similar and related duties as required.