Shelter Support and Harm Reduction Worker

About us. As a grassroots, peer-informed nonprofit, we provide low-barrier, life-saving services to community members who are unhoused, street-involved, or precariously housed. Our work is grounded in harm reduction, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and the wisdom of lived and living experience.

The Eddy is a 24/7 year-round shelter serving up to 25 guests. As an interim shelter, we function as an important bridge while a permanent supportive housing shelter is developed in our community. Over the next 18 months we are committed to creating a warm, welcoming and dignified space for guests, while fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace for staff.

About the role. As a Shelter Support and Harm Reduction Worker, you will provide compassionate, practical support to shelter guests, with a focus on safety, connection and dignity. You’ll help manage the day-to-day operations of the shelter, respond to crisis and overdose situations, and support a calm, respectful environment for guests, staff and visitors.

What you'd be doing.

• Welcome and check in guests in a respectful, nonjudgmental manner
• Build trusting relationships and provide day-to-day support
• Support guests in accessing meals, hygiene services, harm reduction supplies, and other basic needs
• Monitor the shelter space and surrounding outdoor areas to help maintain a safe, respectful and welcoming environment
• Respond to overdoses and other emergencies using naloxone and trauma-informed de-escalation techniques (training provided)
• Assist with meal service, cleaning, laundry, and the upkeep of shared spaces
• Maintain accurate and confidential shift notes, incident reports and supply records
• Work collaboratively with outreach teams, healthcare providers and community partners to support guest wellbeing
• Uphold shelter policies in a compassionate, culturally safe and strengths-based manner
• Participate in staff meetings, debriefs, training and ongoing learning

What we are looking for.

• A nonjudgmental, compassionate approach to supporting people who use substances or are experiencing homelessness
• The ability to remain calm during emergencies and high-stress situations, including overdose response
• Commitment to harm reduction, cultural safety and trauma-informed practice
• Reliable, accountable, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including overnights, weekends and holidays

Helpful, not required.

Training can be provided for any of these.

• Naloxone, First Aid, or Non-violent Crisis Intervention training
• Food Safe, or experience with meal prep in community settings
• Peer support, outreach, or frontline shelter experience
• Knowledge of local Indigenous communities and cultural safety practices
• Experience supporting people with mental health challenges, de-escalation, or sensory regulation

Who we'd like to hear from. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, especially Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived or living experience of substance use, homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic marginalization. We recognize that many people build strong skills through lived experience, community work, caregiving and informal roles. If you’re excited about this work but aren’t sure you meet every qualification, we’d still love to hear from you.

Type: Full-time, part-time and casual/on-call

Hours: Variable shifts, including evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays

Wage: $30.00 / hour, plus benefits for eligible employees

Location: Smithers, BC