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The City of Thunder Bay provides exceptional quality of life to those who live, work, and play in Thunder Bay – a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.
The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!
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Job Description:
Connect people to support, resources and hope.
At the City of Thunder Bay, Our City Runs on People Like You. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs – where your support, compassion, and coordination skills help make a meaningful difference in people's lives within the community.
Here, you’ll make a meaningful difference through collaboration, outreach, and coordinated community action to provide human-centred responses to homelessness and encampments. You will be part of a work environment that supports respectful interactions, meaningful opportunities to grow, and a culture that promotes well-being.
Thunder Bay offers more than a fulfilling career. With its natural beauty, affordability, and strong sense of community, it’s a city where you can grow personally and professionally.
Where You’ll Make a Difference Every Day
As an Encampment Coordinator, you’ll help coordinate community response efforts, outreach initiatives, and support services related to encampments and vulnerable populations within the community.
You’ll work closely with community agencies, municipal departments, emergency services, housing providers, and social services organizations to support coordinated, respectful, and human-rights based approaches to encampment response and community support.
Whether you live in Thunder Bay, you’re looking to return, or excited to make the City your new home, join a team where your skills, expertise, and presence is recognized, and make a real impact to our community.
How You’ll Support the Team
In this role, you’ll be responsible for coordinating the City’s encampment outreach efforts and providing technical direction and guidance. You will also have the following accountabilities:
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Develop and implement 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.
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Engage with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness using a compassionate, human centred approach, ensuring dignity, respect and trauma-informed care while connecting them to resources and support services.
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Provide technical direction and guidance to the Encampment Navigator, ensuring effective service delivery and adherence to established protocols.
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Coordinate and schedule encampment cleanup operations, including site identification, public notification, logistics, and oversight.
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Investigate and respond to citizen complaints and inquiries regarding encampments, illegal dumping, and related issues.
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Ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards during cleanup efforts, including the identification and proper handling of personal property.
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Keep accurate records, track key metrics, and prepare reports to inform management, ensure funding compliance and improve operations.
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Coordinate the People with Lived Experience Advisory Committee, including scheduling meetings, arranging transportation for members, tracking attendance and issuing honoraria.
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Coordinate 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.
- Establish and maintain relationships with service providers, government agencies, and community organizations to enhance support for unhoused individuals.
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Monitor emerging issues related to encampments and provide recommendations to City management.
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Support the safe handling and disposal of drug-related equipment, including sharps, found at encampments and within portable toilets, following established safety protocols.
For a detailed job description, click here
What You Can Count On With Us
We’re proud to offer a workplace where your well-being, growth, and sense of purpose come first. As the Encampment Coordinator, you’ll enjoy:
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A competitive salary that reflects your expertise
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A matching pension plan to help you build long-term financial security
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Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage, plus life insurance for peace of mind
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Generous paid vacation and holidays
- Access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall health
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Leadership development and tuition reimbursement programs, so you can continue to grow your skills and career
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A culture of recognition and appreciation, with staff events and programs that celebrate your contributions
What You’ll Bring to the Team
Here’s what will help you succeed as an Encampment Coordinator:
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High school diploma and post-secondary courses in sociology community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or a related discipline; or
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Grade 10 education and three years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, poverty, and/or substance use challenges.
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Considerable experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or substance use challenges.
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Experience liaising with government, private, and community-based housing providers.
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Experience with crisis management and de-escalation techniques.
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Proficiency in community outreach, advocacy, and public education.
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Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the causes of homelessness and the needs of unhoused individuals.
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Strong knowledge of human rights-based approaches to encampments and related legal and environmental standards.
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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.
Lead With Us - Apply Today
Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Join us at the City of Thunder Bay, where you’ll support a dedicated team, and make a lasting difference every day.
General Information:
As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:
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Photos
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Any certificates that have photo identification
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Driver’s licences
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Police records checks
Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.
ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.
PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866
