Encampment Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the City’s Encampment Response Lead, the Encampment Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the City’s encampment outreach efforts and providing technical direction and guidance to the Encampment Navigator. This position ensures the coordination and implementation of outreach services and facilitates communication with partner organizations. The Encampment Coordinator plays a critical role in coordinating encampment cleanup and sanitation operations, ensuring compliance with City policies and legal standards, and fostering relationships with the unhoused community and local service providers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Develops and implements strategies to prevent, minimize, and resolve encampments in collaboration with supervisor, community partners and City departments, and in alignment with the City’s Human-Rights Based Community Action Plan.
2.Engages with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness using a compassionate, human centered approach, ensuring dignity, respect and trauma-informed care while connecting them to resources and support services.
3.Provides technical direction and guidance to the Encampment Navigator, ensuring effective service delivery and adherence to established protocols.
4.Coordinates and schedules encampment cleanup operations, including site identification, public notification, logistics, and oversight.
5.Investigates and responds to citizen complaints and inquiries regarding encampments, illegal dumping, and related issues.
6.Ensures compliance with legal and environmental standards during cleanup efforts, including the identification and proper handling of personal property.
7.Keeps accurate records, tracks key metrics, and prepares reports to inform management, ensure funding compliance and improve operations.
8.Coordinates the People with Lived Experience Advisory Committee, including scheduling meetings, arranging transportation for members, tracking attendance and issuing honoraria.
9.Coordinates a Task Force of City staff and community partners for a coordinated response to encampments, including scheduling meetings, taking meeting notes, and distributing agendas and minutes.
10.Establishes and maintains relationships with service providers, government agencies, and community organizations to enhance support for unhoused individuals.
11.Monitors emerging issues related to encampments and provide recommendations to City management.
12.Supports the safe handling and disposal of drug-related equipment, including sharps, found at encampments and within portable toilets, following established safety protocols.
13.Coordinates training and professional development for the Encampment Navigator.
14.Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience:
•High school diploma and post-secondary courses in sociology community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or a related discipline or
•Grade 10 education and three years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, poverty, and/or substance use challenges.
•Considerable experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or substance use challenges.
•Experience liaising with government, private, and community-based housing providers.
•Experience with crisis management and de-escalation techniques.
•Proficiency in community outreach, advocacy, and public education.
•Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the causes of homelessness and the needs of unhoused individuals.
•Strong knowledge of human rights-based approaches to encampments and related legal and environmental standards.
•Indigenous lived experience (culture and practices) or a commitment to support truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is preferred
•Strong knowledge and understanding of barriers to accessing safe, affordable and appropriate housing, informed by lived experience and or direct community involvement.

Skills/Abilities:
•Ability to develop and implement effective strategies and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.
•Ability to engage respectfully with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
•Strong leadership skills, including the ability to direct, motivate, and recognize staff; proven abilities to build consensus, to inspire confidence and to lead
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on empathy and professionalism
•Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
•Self-starter with proven organizational skills
•Must be at a basic skill level in keyboarding, word processing, and spreadsheet software
•Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
•Independent judgment when dealing with confidential or sensitive issues
•Strong problem-solving skills
•Must possess and maintain a valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s License, or equivalent
•Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
•Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather and variable site conditions
•Must be physically able to stand up to one hour at a time, walk over various ground conditions, ranging from asphalt/concrete to dirt trail with obstacles (e.g. roots, rocks), lift/carry 20lbs on an occasional basis (floor to waist lift is most common), and sit up to 15-30 minutes consecutively to drive between encampment sites.
•Must be able to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends as required
•Must have or obtain within three months of employment, First Aid, CPR
•Must have a working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it applies to this work.
•Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
•May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)
•Must undergo a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).

Please Note:
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. In support of reconciliation and to help advance opportunities for Indigenous communities, we encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous and bring lived experience that informs their work and perspectives.

Police Records Check:
The Corporation handles Police Record Checks (PRCs) carefully and keeps all information confidential. The process checks for criminal charges, court orders, convictions, and professional misconduct, and only reviews information that is directly related to the job. Having a record doesn’t automatically disqualify a candidate. Individual consideration is given with each situation, against established job-related criteria, to make fair decisions.