Community Worker (part time)

Position Summary

The Community Worker serves as the first point of contact for residents, guests, and service providers at Vatcher Hall, a supportive housing residence for youth ages 16–24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness which is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This role is critical in maintaining a safe, structured, and welcoming environment that promotes stability, independence, and overall well-being.

The part time Community Worker position follows an evening shift which includes weekends and holidays.
The Community Worker will apply a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and youth-centered approach while collaborating closely with case managers and the broader support team to assist residents in achieving their individualized goals.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support & Engagement

• Monitor and control building access in accordance with visitor and safety policies
• Greet and interact with residents in a respectful, supportive, and professional manner
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and community-oriented environment
• Provide information, guidance, and referrals to on-site and external services
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with residents while upholding professional boundaries
• Administer life skills programming and encourage a sense of community within the building
• Support conflict de-escalation using trauma-informed practices
• Offer basic problem-solving support and connect residents to appropriate resources
• Maintain awareness of resident well-being and communicate concerns promptly to case managers

Front Desk Operations

• Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and direct calls appropriately
• Maintain accurate records, including visitor logs, incident reports, and shift notes
• Manage mail and package distribution for residents
• Monitor and respond to security systems (e.g., cameras, alarms, access control) in accordance with policy
• Maintain organized and accurate documentation
• Support shift-to-shift communication and reporting
• Complete monthly fire safety and panic button checks, reporting any deficiencies

Safety & Security

• Conduct regular walkthroughs of the building and surrounding areas to ensure safety and cleanliness
• Respond to emergencies and incidents following established protocols
• Contact emergency services when required and collaborate with staff and external responders
• Complete detailed, timely incident reports following critical events
• Maintain situational awareness and proactively address potential safety concerns

Coordination with Case Managers & Support Team

• Communicate regularly with case managers regarding resident concerns, behavioral changes, and incidents
• Document and share observations to support case planning and service delivery
• Reinforce program expectations and support implementation of resident service plans
• Follow established communication protocols during crises
• Participate in shift handovers to ensure continuity of care
• Attend team meetings and training sessions as required

Qualifications

Required:

• Community College diploma in a related field
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, or a related field
• Experience working with youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (email, data entry, reporting systems)
• Training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and/or de-escalation techniques
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification
• Knowledge of youth development, harm reduction, and positive youth development models

Core Competencies

• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
• Empathy balanced with strong professional boundaries
• Effective conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
• Reliability, consistency, and accountability
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and marginalized communities

Administrative & Team Collaboration

• Maintain organized and timely documentation and reports
• Communicate effectively with incoming/outgoing shifts and multidisciplinary team members
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as required
• Support program staff with administrative or operational tasks as needed
• Experience working with youth ages 16–24, particularly those experiencing homelessness, foster care involvement, or housing instability
• Training or experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and conflict de-escalation
• Knowledge of youth development, harm reduction, and/or positive youth development models
• CPR/First Aid certification

Core Competencies

• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
• Empathy balanced with strong professional boundaries
• Strong crisis response and de-escalation skills
• Reliability, consistency, and accountability
• Teamwork and effective communication
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and youth from marginalized backgrounds
• Exposure to challenging behaviors, crisis situations, and high-need populations