Employment Type: Full-time, Long Term Contract
Department: Shelter and Respite Services
Union: Included (CUPE Local 2497)
Salary: $26.51/hr (Level 2)
File #: 26-SRS-16 (1 OPEN)
Posting Date: October 1, 2026
Posting Close: October 15, 2026
Reason for vacancy: New Hire
The Shelter Worker is required to work Monday - Friday from 7:00 am- 3:00 pm. The location will be 81 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Supervisor, Shelter and Respite Services, the Shelter Worker responds to the needs of clients of the Agency’s shelters and works with them on an individual basis to assist them in improving their overall quality of life.
Responsibilities
- Work in an effective, efficient and client focused manner to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
- Work collaboratively with shelter and housing team, other Dixon Hall staff and departments and volunteers.
- Respond to the needs of residents using the facility.
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility and the care of the residents
- Provide a safe and trustworthy environment and encourage residents’ input.
- Complete intakes and discharges
- Establish empathetic rapport with residents.
- Adhere to Dixon Hall’s mission, vision, policies and practices, Toronto Shelter Standards, Municipal fire safety, Board of Health guidelines and Hostel guidelines in the operation of the program.
- Participate in the planning and delivery of programs and activities to address the health, employment, housing and social and recreational needs of the residents.
- Work as a resource for residents, particularly around housing issues, support and advocacy.
- Develop positive relationships with community groups, neighbours and resources in the larger community.
- Implement the shelter policies, procedures and residency agreements in a spirit of fairness and respect.
- Participate in on-going team building, ensuring peer accountability, strong communications and support.
- Attend and actively participate in department and agency meetings and training, workshops, etc. as required.
- Use intervention and mediation skills to defuse potential conflicts.
- Ensure all relevant information is communicated to the Manager and co-workers.
- Perform light housekeeping and maintenance tasks to ensure a clean work environment.
- Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as assigned within the purview of the job description.
- Ensure all record keeping is up to date; review all incidents and log reports on each shift.
- Participate in Client Intake Process in the Shelter(s).
- Maintain appropriate information for funder reports as necessary.
- Maintain client files.
- Provide letters for clients.
Qualifications
- Community Worker or Social Services Worker Diploma.
- Minimum 2 years relevant experience providing support to homeless and/or marginally housed, and mental health, addiction, or abuse issues.
- Valid certificates in Standard First Aid and CPR, Hostel Standards, CPI, Case Management, Anti-racism/Anti-oppression, Documentation (Note Taking) Skills, WHMIS.
- Crisis Management and prevention skills.
- Demonstrable awareness and knowledge of issues impacting homeless individuals.
- Understanding and appreciation for issues of inclusion and diversity.
- Demonstrable commitment to principles of anti-racism, anti-sexism and to challenging other forms of oppression.
- Strong written and verbal English language skills; fluency in other languages will be considered an asset.
- Effective communication skills; computer literacy.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- SMIS knowledge will be considered an asset.
- Ability to take responsibility for and work through difficult personal reactions.
- Related training and/or experience working with disadvantaged, homeless or marginally housed.
- Knowledge of issues affecting this population and knowledge of emergency and social services.
- Ability to handle emergency situations; conflict resolution and harm reduction skills required.
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork approach
- Must be qualified to work in Canada legally for the employer.
- Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a “Clear” or satisfactory result that meets the operational requirements of the agency.
Dixon Hall may use Artificial Intelligence-assisted tools during the recruitment process to support efficiency and consistency. Final hiring decisions are made by the Human Resources team. Dixon Hall is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team at peopleandculture@dixonhall.org of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.
To achieve their goal of inclusivity and diversity, Dixon Hall actively seeks exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds and with lived experiences. Individuals who self-identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who have experienced homelessness, are strongly encouraged to apply.
