Security Coordinator (Gathering Place)

Requisition ID: 43027 

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 Security Coordinator assists in leading, developing, implementing, coordinating, decommissioning, and evaluating the operations of The Gathering Place Security Team. The Security Team utilizes a relational, trauma-informed approach to their work with community members while maintaining the safety and security of the staff and patrons of the Gathering Place. The Security Coordinator is responsible for leadership of access controls, security systems, policy and procedure development, violence prevention program, and their team’s performance and development.

This position works a compressed 4-day work week, Wednesday to Saturday, 7:30 am-4:30 pm. Hours and location of work may be changed in accordance with operational requirements and the Collective Agreement.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The Security Coordinator is responsible for:

Supervising and Leading Staff

• Under the guidance of the Operations Manager, participates in recruiting, selecting, hiring, training and evaluating staff who report to this position.
• Supervises the work of security staff including guidance, coaching and feedback to support their success.
• Establishes and practices appropriate professional boundaries in the Centre – with and between staff, volunteers and the community.
• Identifies gaps and organizes staff training and development to maintain appropriate professional standards of service delivery.
• Stays up to date on best practices in security, conflict de-escalation, mental health awareness, and cultural competency.

Health and Safety

• Ensures the occupational health and safety of staff, as per the City of Vancouver OH&S Program Manual and BC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
• Ensures compliance with WCB regulations and addressing areas of concerns in a timely manner.
• Ensure that safety measures are followed to prevent accidents and assist in situations that may involve minor injuries (e.g., directing people to first aid supplies or staff).

Administration

• Monitors budget for security staffing, materials and supplies, and training. Recommends corrective action and outcomes as required to manage within budgets. 
• Maintains the incident reporting database (Resolver) including analyzing data, trends, and information to inform security operations.
• Disseminates information appropriately among stakeholders to endorse knowledge transfers occur effectively and regularly.
• Provides detailed incident reports to management, including any ongoing safety concerns or patterns of behavior that need addressing.
• Ensures all security systems, such as alarms, locks, and surveillance cameras, are functioning properly.
• Schedules security staff with support from the Operations Manager.
• Coordinates with emergency services, including Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Fire & Rescue Service, and Ambulance as needed.

Policies and Procedures

• Works collaboratively with the Operations Manager in developing, implementing, and evaluating Centre policies and procedures in order to meet goals of a safe and secure environment based on Centre and City of Vancouver values, and ensures staff understand and are appropriately trained on policies and procedures.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for adapting policies and procedure as needed, to coordinate the security operations effectively.
• Provides support and oversight to the security staff in enforcing policies.

Risk Management

• Participates in the development and implementation of plans and procedures for the security operations to ensure the safety and security of the staff, patrons and facility, in conjunction with the Operations Manager.
• Works with the Operations Manager to balance operational requirements with risk reduction strategies, working to mitigate risk.
• Intervenes and investigates violent and critical incidents. Documenting and reporting on outcomes.
• Quickly, effectively, and efficiently responds to incidents of concern, including incidents of verbal abuse and threats, aggression, and violence.
• Displays professionalism and model respectful behavior to patrons, setting the tone for a respectful and peaceful environment.
• Monitors the overall atmosphere of the Center, noting any signs of agitation, intoxication, or other behaviors that could pose risks to safety.
• Continuously monitors the facility through surveillance cameras, on-site presence, or walk-throughs to detect any potential safety hazards or disturbances.

Community Relationships

• Participates in internal and external committees or work groups for the development of programs related to community safety issues; participates in neighbourhood outreach activities; and follows up on security related complaints.
• Understands the needs of and assists patrons in a supportive manner by providing information and making referrals on the services and activities provided by the Centre and other community partners; Mediates any disputes or conflicts that may arise between patrons or between patrons and staff.
• Regularly meets with patrons and community members to discuss any service suspensions, access restrictions, appeals, and/or complaints.
• Builds relationships with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure effective collaboration when needed.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12, supplemented by courses in social sciences or related field, plus considerable related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Security and violence prevention experience in a similar environment
• Preferred education includes: Non Violent Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Overdose Response and Basic or Advanced Security training

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of security policies, techniques, principles, standards and requirements as they relate to the work performed.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of discretion and impartiality
• Considerable knowledge base of principles and techniques related to safety, security, violence prevention policies and techniques and incident debriefing
• Ability to develop policies, procedures, and supporting processes that ensure work is conducted in a physically and psychologically safe manner.
• Considerable knowledge of the attitudes, challenges, and concerns of Centre patrons and a commitment to support integration into community setting
• Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries
• Considerable knowledge of modern office management procedures.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee security operations and to develop, present, and implement security plans, policies, and protocols.
• Ability to supervise a subordinate group engaged in security, reception, and information referral.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of integral and external contacts, including representatives of other municipal departments and agencies, neighbourhood business owners and residents, and centre staff and patrons, and to effectively participate in a variety of external committees.
• Ability to enforce rules and regulations with firmness and tact while remaining sensitive to patrons’ essential needs and background.
• Ability to respond effectively in emergency and high conflict situations including anticipating problems before they occur.
• Ability to investigate critical incidents, conduct meetings with community members, and facilitate access restrictions.
• Self-awareness and commitment to values of diversity and equity and the reduction of acts of interpersonal violence

Required Licenses, Certificates and Registrations

• Basic First Aid (Occupational First Aid Level 1)

A Police Record Check clearance is required and must be maintained for this position.

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

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: August, 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $35.72 to $42.04 per hour

Application Close: June 24, 2025

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.