Job Summary
Herizon House is a 30 bed shelter for women and children leaving abusive relationships. We offer crisis intervention counselling, emergency shelter, a transitional housing program, outreach programs and child & family programs. The Shelter Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a 24/7 emergency shelter for women experiencing violence. This role provides direct supervision to shelter staff, ensures high-quality, trauma-informed service delivery, and maintains a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for residents and their children.
The Shelter Supervisor plays a key leadership role in crisis response, staff support, and operational coordination within the shelter. We are located in Durham Region.
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: Monday to Friday with flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required.
Reports to: Program Manager
Key Responsibilities
1. Staff Supervision & Leadership
- Supervise, support, and coach shelter counsellors and frontline staff
- Conduct regular supervision meetings, performance reviews, and evaluations
- Develop staff schedules to ensure 24/7 coverage
- Act as on-call support for staff during shifts and after hours/weekends/holidays
- Support staff through crisis situations and critical incidents
- Promote a positive, collaborative, and trauma-informed team environment
2. Shelter Operations
- Oversee daily shelter operations, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and functionality
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels for all shifts
- Monitor program delivery
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation and file management
- Coordinate with Facilities to maintain a safe and secure environment
3. Crisis Intervention & Resident Support
- Provide guidance and support to staff on crisis intervention and safety planning
- Respond to high-risk or complex situations as needed
- Ensure residents receive respectful, culturally appropriate, and survivor-centered care
- Support conflict resolution among residents when necessary
4. Program Quality & Compliance
- Ensure services align with trauma-informed and survivor-centered practices
- Monitor program delivery for consistency, quality, and adherence to policies
- Support implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices
- Ensure compliance with funder requirements, standards, and confidentiality protocols
5. Collaboration & Communication
- Maintain regular communication with the Program Manager regarding operations and issues
- Collaborate with all programs (ie. Children’s program, Outreach, Transitional support) and external partners as needed
- Participate and lead in case management and team meetings
- Contribute to program planning and continuous improvement initiatives
6. Health, Safety & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols for staff and residents
- Respond to and document incidents, including critical incidents
- Support emergency preparedness and response procedures
- Promote and inclusive workplace that supports team members
Qualifications/Education
- Degree or diploma in Social Work, or a related field
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- Education in the area of Violence Against Women/ Gender Based Violence
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in the violence against women sector or related field
- Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and risk assessment
- Supervisory or leadership experience
- Experience working in a residential or shelter setting
- Experience in a unionized workplace is an asset
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of gender-based violence and its impacts
- Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care
- Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to manage crises calmly and effectively
- Strong organizational and decision-making abilities
- Cultural competency, feminist perspective and anti-oppressive practice lens
Other Requirements
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
- Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle is an asset
Working Conditions
- Fast-paced, high-stress environment requiring crisis response
- Exposure to demanding situations
- 24 hour shared on-call responsibilities are required
Core Competencies
- Crisis management and decision-making
- Emotional intelligence and resilience
- Ethical practice and confidentiality
- Collaboration and adaptability
- Leadership and team development
Commitment to Equity
Herizon House is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience and from equity-deserving communities. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We will provide accommodation to applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants who require accommodation should contact us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank all applicants but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $60,000.00-$65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
