Spruce Bough Team Lead (Term until November 2025)

Job Overview

*This position is for a term until November 2025.*

Spruce Bough continues to house some of the most vulnerable members of the Yellowknife community, offering permanent supportive housing - tenancy is not time limited, and there is no expectation of graduation. Differing from transitional housing, this program offers a long-term solution for people with complex needs who cannot live independently for a variety of reasons. Each Spruce Bough resident has a unique life history, yet there are shared experiences of chronic homelessness, complex and overlapping needs, and struggles with high housing costs in Yellowknife. All supports at Spruce Bough are provided using a person-centred approach, with a commitment to being compassionate, non-judgmental, and reducing potential harms.

Reporting to the General Manager of Spruce Bough, the Team Lead is an integral member of the day-to-day operationalization of Spruce Bough programs by assisting with program delivery and providing direct support to clients. As a team leader, the incumbent demonstrates behaviours that model and support the vision and goals of the program to ensure its success and builds the same level of support and productivity in other members of the team. The position is based in Yellowknife, NWT.

Duties

Supervising the distribution of substances in the Managed Substances Program

• Following the Manager’s instructions regarding who will distribute substances during shifts and ensuring that staff who are not authorized to distribute substances do not distribute.
• Supports the Manager in ensuring that substances are not given to clients who are intoxicated and monitoring client behaviour for indications of intoxication.
• Supports the Manager in ensuring that substances are distributed according to prescribed amounts.
• Supports the Manager in ensuring that substance recording forms are completed properly.
• Contacts the Manager and/or Executive Director for questions regarding operations of the Managed Substances program.
• Ensures no one is admitted to the MAP without Manager’s approval.

Assisting with staffing of the Spruce Bough, including:

• As necessary and in conversation with the Manager, covers shifts if a staff member is unable to attend their shift and supporting the Manager to fairly distribute the work of covering shifts in the schedule.
• Assists the Manager with the on-call phone to fairly distribute the work of having the on-call phone.
• Reports issues that require disciplinary action to the Manager.

Supporting the Manager with leadership and initiative, including:

• Takes responsibility for solving problems that may arise at the Spruce Bough when the Manager is not present.
• Where problems require the Manager’s immediate attention, ensures a Supervisor is contacted.
• Ensures important issues that are not urgent are brought to the Manager’s attention.
• Models effective leadership.
• Models a non-hierarchical approach to team leadership.

Ensuring processes at the Spruce Bough are properly followed, including:

• Supports the Manager in ensuring that CIS premises are maintained, and all maintenance procedures are followed and kept up to date.
• Supports the Manager in performing intakes and ensuring client files are managed.
• Supports the Manager in ensuring common areas and bathrooms are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
• Ensures garbage and cigarette butts are not left outside.
• Ensures the phone is answered and messages are recorded properly.
• Ensures the communications logbook (“comms book”) is updated at every shift and that staff read the book at the beginning of their shifts.
• Ensures meals are ready for clients on time.
• Supervises staff in developing programming for Spruce Bough residents. This includes daily tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and food and alcohol provision, as well as recreational activities such as the provision of books, puzzles, games, art supplies, and anything else used to provide productive and healthy entertainment.

Ensuring the safety of Spruce Bough residents and staff, including:

• Makes decisions about whether to call the RCMP, in communication with the Manager where time is available, and her input is necessary.
• Ensures clients are not left unattended outside.
• Deescalates conflict between clients including separating clients where appropriate.
• Ensures wellness checks are completed.
• Ensures security cameras are working.
• Takes the lead in ensuring we are good neighbours to the community, including monitoring behavior outside.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Updated criminal records check with vulnerable sector.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Understanding of Naloxone.
• Ability to perform CPR.
• Non-violent crisis intervention training.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Additional pay:

• Overtime pay

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Microsoft 365: 1 year (preferred)
• Social Services: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Class 5 Driving License (preferred)

Work Location: In person