Drop-In Program Supervisor

**Please note that there are two openings for this role - an Evening (5pm-12:30am) and an Overnight (11:30pm - 7am) position. Please indicate on your application which position you are applying for.

JOB SUMMARY

You will be running sex worker programming (for and by active sex workers) out of the Drop-In Centre. You will guide and facilitate all participants to services and programs they can access within WISH according to their needs. You will respond to any gaps in services across all WISH programs by diligently logging all participants services in the online file management system to ensure consistent and fair support and follow through. The Drop-In Centre Supervisor will work in equal partnership with all other programs and services (internal and external) to increase our capacity to provide participants access to opportunities to make free, healthy and positive choices.

This role is significant in its approach: stronger in-person supports for participants through program delivery and file management while connecting participants to all WISH programming and community allies. This position requires a strong understanding of all programs and services that operate at WISH, communication (verbal and written) and time management between programs. The Drop-In Centre Supervisor will work collaboratively with the WISH team: all levels of staff, volunteers and programs/services onsite.

ABOUT WISH

WISH is the largest sex worker support organization in Canada and is located on the unceded, stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. For 40 years, WISH has been a refuge and an essential point of contact for street-based sex workers in Vancouver.

Many of those who walk through our doors have experienced targeted, gender-based, and sexualized violence and are often dehumanized and stigmatized because of the work they do. They have been impacted by the criminalization of sex work and face significant discrimination due to systemic inequities.

WISH works to improve the health, safety and well-being of cis and trans women and gender diverse sex workers in Vancouver’s DTES. For more information about WISH and our programs and services, please visit our website: https://wish-vancouver.net/

JOB DUTIES / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide basic and emergency services to active sex workers who are program members, including meal service, clothing, toiletries, makeup, showers, harm reduction supplies and First Aid supplies.
• Work in a team of Program Coordinators and Facilitators (internal or external) to make collective decisions on shift
• Responsible for callouts in the event a member of the team is absent; responsible for confirming a full complement of staff for the shift.
• Build relationships with and support participants by providing individualized and group sex work-specific support and advocacy, including submitting Bad Date Reports.
• Maintain up-to-date referral materials.
• Ensure equal access to Drop-In services to all vetted participants in a non-preferential way by performing and reviewing intake interviews when necessary.
• Oversee participant case coordination using online case management software.
• Respond to critical incidents with a trauma-informed lens by implementing immediate crisis intervention techniques that align with WISH’s vision of care.
• Participate in conflict resolution between participants; mediating conflict and creating care plans with and for participants.
• Liaise with emergency services (EMT, VPD, Fire, Mental Health emergency supports) and ensuring quick and trauma-informed emergency service delivery.
• Oversee program delivery and facilitation.
• Support the Drop-In Manager with performance management.
• Facilitate programming in collaboration the Participant Engagement Team (PET) and Drop-In Management
• Collect participant feedback and program data, report on outcomes, and work with Drop-In Management and PET to address gaps through improvements in scheduling, materials, stipends, and content.
• Assist the Drop-In Manager in training new staff
• Remain up-to-date and informed on the daily happenings of the space; reading all relevant materials (logs, incident reports) daily.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings; liaising with leadership and program staff.
• Develop and promote collaborative partnerships with other service providers, agencies and community partners.
• Oversee cleanliness and functionality of the space, addressing minor issues (e.g., bathrooms, equipment resets) and reporting repair needs to the DI and Operations Managers

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Lived experience is a core requirement for this position and central to our community-led approach. Self-identified sex workers (current or former) are encouraged to apply.
• Advanced, up to date knowledge of the Downtown Eastside community, services and resources with proven ability to navigate them
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in social services/related field especially support work or any combination of education, training, experience and lived experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience with program administration, file management software, data analysis and reports.
• Knowledge and understanding of systems of oppression faced by sex workers.
• Knowledge and understanding of sex work history and law; a framework of sex work-affirming values.
• Proficiency in crisis management and de-escalation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment.
• Ability to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries while providing support
• A strong feminist analysis of violence against women and gender-diverse folks with an understanding of power and its intersection with gender, race, class, culture, ability, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and age.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a strong sense of initiative.
• A high level of confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills are essential.
• Strong attention to detail is required.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and capacity to work in and maintain composure during complex and sometimes challenging situations.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care training are both assets.
• Criminal Record Check required (Please note that charges or convictions that are not considered relevant to working or volunteering at WISH include those related to sex work, addiction or drug possession, or property-related
  offences.)