Residence Attendant

Requisition ID: 42662 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Residence Attendant (RA) is responsible for providing tenant services, custodial, and clerical/administrative work in a residence that provides non-market housing for those individuals who may possess multiple barriers or complexities arising from lived experiences relating to trauma, addictions, disabilities, mental health support needs, and poverty. The position engages with tenants to ensure a safe, compassionate and respectful environment for all. The RA also safeguards the building on assigned shifts, monitors the entrance area, performs routine janitorial duties, responds to and supports tenants’ needs within defined limits. Other duties include limited clerical/administrative work. Within established procedures and guidelines, the RA also exercises sound judgement in enforcing City of Vancouver (COV) and/or residence specific policies, procedures and rules as well as supporting responsive actions when responding to emergencies. Critical incidents and policy decisions or required follow up are referred to the Residence Manager (RM). The work of the incumbent is reviewed in terms of the contribution to smooth operational outcomes of the facility and tenant well-being, and in terms of conformance with policies, procedures and directions from the RM.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Makes rounds of all floors, public spaces (including bathrooms) and outside areas of the building at regular intervals, watches for fire hazards and any other risks to tenants and property; and investigates, documents and reports on maintenance problems.
• Monitors tenant and visitor behaviour and activities in common areas to ensure that they are in keeping with COV and/or residence policies, procedures, regulations, agreements, rules and/or codes of conduct, and responds to any contraventions following established procedures.
• Engages with and builds professional, compassionate and respectful working relationships with tenants and guests; completes daily wellness checks of tenants to ensure their safety and well-being; listens to tenants’ concerns, and provides support within defined limits to tenants in need; provides information to tenants about agencies and services in the area; reports concerns regarding tenant issues or behaviours to the RM; and under the direction of the RM, may refer tenants to outside agencies regarding tenant health, support needs, and other concerns.
• Responds to emergencies and incidents with tenants and guests/visitors; as appropriate and in keeping with any relevant COV policies and procedures, seeks to de-escalate situations, administers First Aid, and summons first responders as necessary; requests assistance and responds to requests for assistance in emergencies from Residence Attendants at other portfolio locations; and prepares written incident reports, logging details, and effectively communicates or escalates critical incidents through established protocols.
• Identifies issues of concern and provides verbal and/or written activity reports to the RM and makes entries in the residence logbook in keeping with established procedures.
• As required, monitors the front desk/entrance area to ensure that visitors sign in and out; answers the telephone; relays messages and responds to enquiries; calls taxis for tenants and visitors as required.
• Assists the RM to safeguard the property that tenants leave behind when a room is vacated; and moving furniture and assisting to clean vacated rooms.
• Assists with administrative/clerical functions such as maintaining records, collecting monthly rents, issuing official receipts and distributing mail.
• Performs basic janitorial tasks such as replacing light bulbs, dry-mopping common areas and hallways, cleaning common areas and washrooms as needed, wet mopping spills as required and removing garbage from buildings within common areas when janitorial staff is not on duty; assists in the maintenance of health and sanitary conditions of the building as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the RM or designate.

Qualifications

• Grade 11, plus considerable related experience in non-profit housing with an emphasis on working with people who experience issues with mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or poverty, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• WorkSafeBC Level 1 First Aid Certificate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge/understanding of mental health and addiction complexities, including harm reduction principles and practices such as informing tenants or guest of safe use and overdose prevention sites, facilities offering drug testing, or needle exchange options, etc.
• Working knowledge of the purpose and principles of Non-Market housing, operating within a social housing context.
• Ability to follow and make decisions based on the policies, rules and regulations related to Non-Market Housing Operations and the COV.
• Working knowledge of the health and safety precautions related to the position.
• Ability to understand the needs of and to show compassion and respect for tenants, and to develop professional relationships with tenants, other staff and the public.
• Ability to monitor the general well-being of tenants and to provide practical advice and assistance.
• Ability to ensure that policies and procedures, rules and regulations are followed by exercising firmness, tact and diplomacy, and ability to effectively de-escalate conflicts.
• Ability to take effective measures in emergency situations or scenarios which require immediate attention in accordance with relevant COV policies and procedures, and ability to contact appropriate authorities as required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Skills and ability to clearly and factually report incidents and work activities - orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn assigned administrative/clerical tasks and to perform them in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to perform basic First Aid procedures when required. 
• Skills to carry-out minor maintenance and cleaning tasks.
• Some working knowledge of common administrative/clerical methods and procedures.
• Some working knowledge of community supports and resources appropriate for the needs of tenants.
• Some working knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act.

Record Checks 

• A clear police record check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual 

Position Start Date: January, 2025

Number of Positions Avaliable: multiple 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-014: $28.10 to $32.92 per hour

Application Close: November 25th, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.