Shelter Nova Scotia
Team Lead Drop-in- 6 Month Term Opportunity
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada .
full-time . September 22, 2026
Description
Full Time Term: Team Lead Drop-in
About the Opportunity
Shelter Nova Scotia is offering employment for a 6 month project to expand our walk- in service at The Hub, located at 101-5506 Cunard Street, to 5 days of service per week. The project will run with an emphasis on collecting data on client needs, program usage and trends for the purpose of informing the business case to expand The Hub program permanently.
This is a 6 month term opportunity
Requirements:
- Post secondary experience or degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required
- Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification
- Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check
About the Facility
The Hub supports people who are experiencing homelessness through a connection to Coordinated Access System (CAS), support with housing applications, and provides food, clothing, shower, and laundry access (laundry and shower are intended for those who sleep outside). It also serves as a space to build connection and belonging among those who are housed but experiencing isolation and loneliness. The Hub also administers a fund to disperse to people in need of non-recurring prevention and diversion funds.
Compensation: $36 an hour + 4% vacation
Hours of Work
40 hours per week, includes days, evenings, weekends.
Tentative schedule- Sun/Mon 09:00-17:00 and Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:30-20:30
Deadline to apply: Thursday October 8th 2026 at 8:00am.
Shelter Nova Scotia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community without judgement. We value people for who they are, the uniqueness they bring and the opportunities to learn from our differences. We welcome applications from members of diverse communities.
Job Description: Team Lead Drop-in
Summary
Reporting to the Hub Coordinator, with oversight from the Director of Practice and Development, the Team Lead Drop-in provides oversight and support to walk-in requests seeking access to meals, shower and laundry services, hygiene products, phone and internet. The Drop in in program provides harm-reduction support and housing services, including help with applications, diversion, and eviction prevention. The approach is harm reducing, trauma aware and anti-oppressive. This position will primarily be responsible for accurate data collection and reporting related to program outcomes.
Responsibilities
Client Service Delivery
- Capacity and willingness to become proficient in the policies, procedures, structure, mission, and mandate of Shelter Nova Scotia
- Ability to adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality, code of conduct, policies and procedures
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills
- Conduct in a calm, professional manner
- Must possess a mature, professional outlook with an ability to experience sound judgement while treating clients with dignity and respect
- Attention to details and organizational skills
Administrative Skills
- Above average interpersonal skills with energy and enthusiasm
- Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty
- Identify and advocate for individuals housed in one of our programs, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate
- Knowledge of services offered via Opportunities and Social Development and applicable legislation and policies (Income Assistance)
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with clients, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes
- Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty, homelessness and affordable housing
- Accurately and professionally document notes relating to client interactions and keep other team members up to date on client issues as appropriate
- Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required
- Maintain client privacy by sharing information only on a need-to-know basis - protect the confidential information of clients
- Address and resolve conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures
- Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely, respectful manner
- Provide services based on harm-reduction principles
Facility Operation
- Responsible for ordering supplies
- Assign tasks to Drop-In Support Workers
- Lead the collection of data, manage data input and reporting for outcome of program
- Report any concerns with Hub Coordinator and/or Director of Practice and Development, make recommendations for system improvements as identified
- Maintain the daily operations of the facility including Drop-in, building security, proper storage of deliveries, daily cleaning, etc. as required
- Follow and maintain program requirements, expectations, and cleanliness within the facility
- During designated times, prepare and provide access to meals, shower and laundry services, hygiene products, phone and internet for all walk-in clients
Action Planning
- Build trusting, non-judgmental relationships with individuals who may not otherwise access formal supports to increase engagement, safety, trust, and connection to services and supports.
- Provide solutions-focused care to clients
- Work closely with community partners and other services providers/case managers to ensure continuity of care as required (i.e., medical treatment, shelter, housing, etc).
- Respond to crisis situations, emergency needs, and unpredictable situations by applying de-escalation, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills in accordance with established protocols, practice standards, and organizational policies to support client safety and wellbeing in dynamic and high-risk environment.
- Complete referrals
- Create and facilitate life skills programming and group activities as scheduled
- Contribute to collaborative interactions with clients and practice de-escalation techniques where appropriate and safe to do so
- Remain up to date on housing, diversion, and eviction prevention, applications and processes
- Facilitate activities required to support and enable Trusteeship Participate in housing services involving support with applications, diversion, and eviction prevention services as required
- Be an active team player
- Other duties, as required
Admin
- Data entry into HIFIS on a daily-basis to support housing-focusing case management. Information that includes, but is not limited to:
o Client demographics
o Client housing history
o Goods and services referrals
o Case notes/sessions
- Prepare additional HIFIS and other progress and evaluation related reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
- Complete case notes and required paperwork accurately and timely
- Record and update appropriate information in HIFIS and/or Incident Reports as required
- Complete reports as assigned
- Follow policies and procedures
- Liaise and familiarize yourself with other existing agencies that may be of assistance to some of our clients
- Other duties, as required
Occupational Health and Safety
- Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S Act and regulations and abide by same
- Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for
- OH&S and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.
- Responsible for following safe work procedures; using personal protective and safety equipment as required
- Reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions
Other
- Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior
- Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer
- Perform other related duties as assigned
- Monitor, track and report petty cash spending monthly
Hazards
- Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids), sharps (e.g. needles), chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material)
- Exposure to second-hand smoke is possible
- Hazards associated with working in physical contact with clients with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases
Mental, Visual and Physical Demand
- Working with guest group often leads to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and guests. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve
- High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity
- Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands
Technical Competencies
- Post secondary experience or degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required
- Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification
- Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check
- Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook
- Experience with interviewing and intervention techniques is considered an asset
- Knowledge of mental health and addictions is an asset
Hours
40 Hours per week per assigned schedule