Community Safety Specialist

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

Job Title: Community Safety Specialist

Position Type: Bargaining Unit, Full Time, Permanent

Number of Positions: 1

Reason for Posting: New Position

Rate: $21.29 per hour

Vacation: 4 weeks to start

Benefits: Group benefits with Life Insurance, AD&D, Extended Health and Dental Care with premiums 100% paid by the employer, LTD with premiums 100% paid by employees; paid sick leave and float day

RRSP: RRSP with 6.5% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution after successful completion of probation

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Supervisor: Senior Manager, Community Safety and Outreach

Posting Date: January 28, 2026

Application Deadline: February 10, 2026

Location: 145 Queen St. East, Toronto, Ontario

Why Fred Victor?

For 130 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in helping people rebuild their lives in Toronto. Our mission is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are committed to ending homelessness, one person at a time.

The Community Services (CS) department at Fred Victor is a multi-service, multi-site structure that encompasses the 40 Oak Community HUB and community programs, Consumption and Treatment Services (Supervised Consumption Service), Employment and Training Services, Drop-Ins, Warming and Keep Cool Programs and Food Services. Additionally, it operates a social purpose enterprise with catering services and spearheads a significant Peer Training Initiative that prioritizes the involvement of individuals with lived experience.

Drawing on lived experience and training in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution, the Community Safety Specialist provides a compassionate and community-centered alternative. The role emphasizes connection, referring individuals to appropriate resources and supports. Through consistent presence and engagement, The Community Safety Specialist help prevent crises before they escalate, support individuals in distress, and contribute to a sense of safety and dignity for everyone accessing the Hub.

New onboard community safety team members will participate in a comprehensive Fred Victor training program focused on specific skills development and practical knowledge. Successful incumbents are expected to demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.

Does this sound like work you want to be a part of?

We offer a supportive and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a chance to make a difference. With over 75 programs and 25 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.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct regular patrols and outreach in and around the Queen Street East Hub to promote a safe, and inclusive environment for all tenants, staff, and community members.
• Maintain a welcoming and reassuring presence throughout the Queen Street East Hub by engaging in regular walk-throughs focused on connection, wellness, and community-building.
• Monitor all entrances and exits, including the CTS doorways, to ensure that doorways are clear and unobstructed, maintaining safe access and egress. This includes keeping the courtyard and CTS perimeter clear of any blockages or hazards.
• Actively address and discourage loitering around doorways, communal spaces, and the courtyard to ensure these areas remain clear and accessible. Apply trauma-informed and respectful approaches, but prioritize maintaining a safe, unobstructed environment free from lingering or gathering that may impede access or use of shared spaces.
• Identify safety or wellness concerns within the community and promptly connect individuals to appropriate emergency services or our safe consumption site first responders, prioritizing compassionate support and referral.
• Engage with tenants, clients and community members through consistent, respectful presence -building trust, connection, and open lines of communication.
• Support with de-escalation during moments of conflict or distress, using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches to reduce risk and prevent escalation.
• Provide informal referrals and resource navigation, connecting individuals directly to services at 145 Queen Street Hub.
• Report discarded paraphernalia, or potential overdose to CTS staff promptly, and assist them as required.
• Accurately document all patrols, incidents, client engagements, EMS calls, in accordance with established reporting procedures.
• Respond promptly and effectively to building emergencies such as fire alarms, floods, and lockdown situations by providing support to tenants and clients and strictly following established emergency procedures to ensure safety for all.
• Document engagements, incidents and service restrictions, and notable events in a clear, respectful, and strengths-based manner that upholds privacy and dignity.
• Provide exceptional customer service by treating individuals experiencing multiple barriers with dignity and respect.
• Work collaboratively within a dynamic hub environment alongside multiple teams, including housing, drop-in, CTS, food services, mental health and justice, health services staff, and external partners to promote community safety and a secure environment.
• Model respectful communication, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Participate in regular supervision, debriefing, and team meetings to reflect on practice, share insights, and strengthen collective learning.
• Support other tasks and community safety initiatives as assigned by the Senior Manager, Community Safety and Outreach.
• Other duties as required

What You Bring to the Team:

• Graduation from Fred Victor’s Employment and Training Program’s Social Services Training and Employment Program an asset.
• Demonstrated self-motivation, reliability, and professionalism.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain clear, healthy boundaries while supporting diverse clients.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-centered and empathetic approach.
• Ability to remain calm and grounded when managing crises or emotionally charged situations.

Work Environment:

• This position is primarily outdoors and involves consistent walking and engagement within a defined perimeter surrounding the Queen Street East Hub.
• All employees must be aware of and prepared for potentially hazardous situations and are trained in de-escalation.
• Staff will work in all weather conditions and are expected to maintain visibility and presence throughout the community during assigned shifts.
• A uniform is provided to all employees to ensure proper protection against various weather conditions, promoting safety and comfort while on duty.
• Safety equipment will be provided

Compensation and Benefits:

• For the Community Safety Specialist, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of $21.29
• 4 weeks of vacation to start + 1 float day
• Generous paid sick leave allowance
• A comprehensive Dental, Extended Health and LTD group benefits package includes individual and family coverage, including prescriptions, hospital accommodation, hearing care, paramedical practitioners and a wide variety of dental care. Additional insurance includes vision care and travel for emergency medical services.
• 6.5 % of your gross salary will be contributed to a group RRSP on your behalf after successful completion of probation; you will contribute 4% of your gross salary to the same RRSP
• 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 February 10, 2026 to CommunityServicesHiring@fredvictor.org with ‘Community Safety Specialist’ in the subject line.

A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring.

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.