As we serve vulnerable youth, all employees working for Covenant House Vancouver must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required prior to your start date.
About Covenant House Vancouver
Since 1997, Covenant House Vancouver has provided relentless support for youth experiencing, or at-risk of experiencing, homelessness. We provide support to young people age 16 to 24 who have experienced a wide range of early life and ongoing, complex trauma; including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect. Our purpose is to serve all youth, with absolute respect and unconditional love, to help youth experiencing homelessness, and provide a safe and supportive environment for all youth in need.
Working at Covenant House will be one of the most meaningful things that you’ll do in your life. However, you will be confronted with significant issues in this work and frankly, this work is not for everyone. In the course of doing your work, particularly for those doing frontline work, you will be exposed to the trauma of others. The youth we serve may also experience overdose, physical harm perpetuated by self or others and even death. Because we provide a relational model of care, the harms our youth experience can impact us in varying degrees.
While we provide training for youth workers on avoiding what we call vicarious trauma (namely, the trauma you can experience or take on by hearing other’s traumatic stories), and a generous allowance for counselling, it is still difficult work that can and does take its toll on many employees. Self-awareness and self-care are key. Some candidates and employees decide during the recruiting and probationary periods that this work isn’t for them, and that is totally fair.
We will provide more information on vicarious trauma during recruiting and on-boarding, to help you decide if Covenant House is the place for you.
The Impact the Shift Engineer in the Facilities department can make:
Reporting to the Facilities Supervisor, the Shift Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and upkeep of Covenant House equipment and property. You will respond to urgent issues such as leaks or structural damage, minimizing disruptions and keeping our buildings safe for the Youth we serve.
How you will contribute:
Respond promptly to agency repair requests and address maintenance issues efficiently. Communicate effectively with internal customers to troubleshoot and resolve maintenance concerns. Conduct preventive maintenance on tools. kitchen and mechanical room equipment, including cleaning, lubrication and inspections Inspect and maintain tools, equipment, and machines, ensuring they are in proper working condition. Carry necessary tools and communication devices (e.g., radios). Identify and operate all shut-off valves for equipment and utility systems in the building. Manage maintenance inventory by tracking supplies and requisitioning necessary parts. Document and communicate daily activities and maintenance issues to other shifts following approved communication protocols. Perform general repair work, including surface preparation, painting, drywall and wood trim repair, tiling, floor work and replacing light bulbs and A/C filters. Test, troubleshoot, and repair various equipment, plumbing, and electrical components (e.g., plunging toilets, unclogging drains, replacing lamps, switches, and outlets). Program TVs and perform general housekeeping and engineering-related inventory tasks. Adhere to Lockout/Tagout system before performing any maintenance work to ensure safety. Maintain and repair landscaping, including sprinkler systems and outdoor areas. Utilize computer systems to manage air handler schedules and make temperature adjustments when needed. Monitor and maintain life safety systems, including assisting in fire alarm testing to ensure compliance and safety. Maintain accurate inventory records for parts and equipment, anticipating needs and submitting purchase requests as required. Collaborate with operational departments to ensure smooth facility management and efficient workflow. Perform other duties as assigned or directed to support the overall maintenance and functionality of the facility.
Who are we looking for?
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Minimum 2 years of experience in maintenance including mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, drywall repairs, painting, furniture repairs, general facility upkeep. Basic knowledge or ability to learn in the following areas: air conditioning and refrigeration, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, pneumatic/electronic systems and controls, carpentry and finish skills, kitchen equipment maintenance, vehicle maintenance, energy conservation, and/or general building systems. Facilities maintenance experience an asset Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel when required. Basic computer Skills for work orders, inventory management and communication
Physical requirements:
Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and move objects up to 50 pounds independently; heavier lifting or movement tasks require assistance. Ability to navigate stairs, service ramps, and ladders as part of daily tasks. Ability to perform physical movements such as reaching overhead and below the knees, bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping. Ability to drive for extended periods when required for work-related travel. Comfortable working at heights for maintenance and repairs. Ability to work in confined spaces as needed for inspections, repairs, and system maintenance.
Competencies:
Ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborating with colleagues to achieve common goals Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to exceed internal and external customer expectations through timely, effective and service oriented communication A commitment to continually increase your knowledge of our products and services in order to offer exceptional experiences to our youth A willingness to learn, develop and achieve new skills for personal and professional development Ability to maintain professional boundaries with the Youth
Additional Position Information:
The schedule is as follows: M-F 8am-5pmThe successful candidate can expect a starting hourly rate of between $18.54 and $23.17 depending on factors such as internal equity, experience, competencies, and education. Once hired, the hourly rates are reviewed annually following the annual performance review and successful employees have the opportunity for their hourly rate to increase, over time, up to the maximum of the pay band, currently $27.80.
In 2024, we were recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Covenant House Vancouver is a secular organization that welcomes and serves young people from all backgrounds. While the international federation to which we belong was founded in the 1970s by members of the Catholic Church, we are not aligned with any specific faith traditions.
CHV is committed to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:
- Persons from groups marginalized due to race, ancestry, colour, religion/spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
- Persons with visible (physical) and/or invisible (mental) disabilities;
- Persons who identify as women;
- Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; and
- Indigenous persons.
We recognize that many of these identities intersect and that therefore, diversity, equity, and inclusion can be complex. We value the contributions that each person brings and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all at Covenant House Vancouver.
We love what we do and try to make a difference every day. Covenant House Vancouver offers a competitive salary with a great benefits package and excellent opportunity for training and career advancement. If you are looking to join a place where we have a purpose and aim to achieve positive outcomes, please join us by applying.