About Hogan's Alley Society
Hogan's Alley Society (HAS) is a Black-led non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, economic, and cultural well-being of people of African descent in Metro Vancouver. Our work centers on three strategic pillars: culturally informed housing, nonprofit housing development, and community engagement. We lead in developing Afrocentric, affordable housing, particularly through our Hogan's Alley Block initiative, a catalyst for enrichment and belonging grounded in one of Canada's few Black-led Community Land Trusts, to ensure long-term affordability, and prevent further displacement.
About Nora Hendrix Place (NHP)
Nora Hendrix Place is a 52-unit temporary modular social housing facility located in the heart of Hogan's Alley Block. It is specifically designed to accommodate Black and Indigenous individuals at risk of homelessness. These units serve as temporary housing until residents can secure a more permanent housing solution. Each unit is self-contained, featuring a private bathroom and kitchen facilities. Additionally, a minimum of 10% of the units are wheelchair accessible.
Since its establishment in 2019, Nora Hendrix Place has been operated in partnership with Hogan's Alley Society (HAS), with a focus on developing internal capacity as a culturally informed housing provider. Recently, HAS has assumed full operational responsibility for Nora Hendrix Place, taking over from its previous co-operator, Atira. As part of this transition, HAS is actively recruiting new staff members for Nora Hendrix Place and has introduced additional positions within the facility. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the support services offered and improving the overall wellbeing of residents.
This transition marks an important milestone for HAS as it moves towards becoming a culturally informed housing operator. It aligns with the broader vision for Hogan's Alley Block, which aims to develop an asset-based model that empowers racialized communities to actively contribute to city-building efforts and address longstanding economic, social, and political disparities.
Scope of Role
Reporting to the Building Manager, the Building Services Worker, is responsible for washing and cleaning floors and carpets, cleaning bathrooms, kitchens and room doors in common areas, cleaning stairwells, disposing of refuge, cleaning windows, dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures. The Building Services Worker is regularly exposed to and in direct contact with dust, dirt, fumes, cleaning and other chemicals, germs and human waste. The Building Services Worker maintains the cleanliness of the grounds, may be required to clean vacant rooms; and reports any damage and/or problems in the building to the Building Management team.
Primary Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness of the building and grounds
- Responsible for ordering and storing all cleaning supplies and equipment
- Report any building damage or problems to the maintenance coordinator and building manager
- Work closely with the Maintenance coordinator to ensure the state of the building contributes the positive wellbeing of residents and is in alignment with HAS values and mandate
- Communicate, coordinate and collaborate with other service providers involved in the care and support of the residents, including other HAS Housing workers/programs, mental health professionals, substance use services, workers from government ministries, community outreach workers and health care providers
- Actively participate in building a skilled, cohesive, collaborative staff team, including demonstrating commitment to organization and building policies; resolving conflict and negativity as they arise; assisting in orientating, training and mentoring to all staff, including relief/casual staff
- Administer basic first aid and/or CPR
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the management team
Skills/Knowledge/Experience
- Experience and knowledge about mental health diagnosis, medications, treatment and support resources.
- Knowledge of Indigenous communities and health resources.
- Understanding of the ongoing impact of colonialism and the residential school system.
- Have a clear understanding of Black history in Canada, and experience working with immigrants and refugees.
- Have an understanding and analysis of the impacts of anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity.
- Have knowledge of the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure of the people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver from Vancouver's historical narrative.
- Basic sound knowledge of relevant physical health issues (e.g. HIV and Hepatitis C), including diagnosis, treatment, and support resources.
- Create and construct effective relationships with the neighbourhood and the community to ensure the program is maximally integrated into the community.
- Knowledge of the housing continuum, including market, subsidized, and supported housing systems, including different program models.
- Must demonstrate clear, direct, and sensitive verbal and written communication skills.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of systems theory, strategy development, counselling, advocacy, community networking and life skills development.
- Must be able to work collaboratively with community resources and within a team setting.
Training/Education Required
- Minimum one year experience working in a related position and with people affected by trauma and who may also struggle with substance use and or mental wellness. The equivalent combination of relevant experience and applicable skill-based training may be considered.
- WHMIS certificate is required
- Lived experience is invaluable, as is living in the community in which you work. HAS strives to hire staff who reflect the people we serve.
- Must complete an acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Search report.
- Must hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate.
- A current Crisis Prevention Institute certificate or Nonviolent crisis intervention training is an asset.
- Mental Health First Aid is an asset but not required.
- Harm reduction and Naloxone training is an asset.
Personal Attributes:
- Flexible - able to adapt to an ever-changing environment and open to taking on diverse tasks whenever needed.
- A quick thinker who can make decisions without agonizing and who knows when to reach out to others for guidance and support.
- Committed to working with people struggling with substance use and comfortable working in a harm reduction environment.
- Strong consultative and relationship building skills.
- Embraces the mission, vision, values, and philosophy of Hogan's Alley Society
- Ability to de-escalate conflict and crisis situations.
- Put clients first and work to include them in all decisions that affect their lives.
- Well-developed understanding of and commitment to anti-oppression work and intersectionality.
- Committed to working with tenants who may be struggling with substance use, brain trauma and cognitive impairment, and/or mental illness.
- Understands and is comfortable working within a harm reduction environment and while you support tenants who choose abstinence, you understand abstinence is just one option for those struggling with substance use.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with programs that serve vulnerable populations.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Understanding of trauma informed care and support.
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