Wardlaw Frontline Overnight Worker

Position Title: Frontline Worker – Overnight Awake

Reports To: Program Director

Type: On-site

Shift: 11:30pm – 9:30am

Summary

The Overnight Frontline Worker is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, clean and supportive environment for all tenants living at Wardlaw Residences. This is an overnight awake shift where staff are paired and responsible for supervising and engaging with tenants. You will be required to address tenants’ needs in a timely manner, conduct and document hourly facility/safety checks, support conflict resolution, crisis de‑escalation and ensure policies, procedures and house rules are followed in an effort to maintain a safe environment for staff and tenants. There will also be administrative duties such as answering the telephone, completing reports and updating logs, maintaining facility cleanliness, following safety procedures, participating in thorough shift change meetings etc. This role requires a professional, respectful and trauma‑informed approach that recognizes tenant dignity, independence and individual needs. You are expected to be a positive role model and develop productive and professional relationships with tenants. Must be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate patience and sound judgement and remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

Company Description

Wardlaw Residences, commonly referred to as “Wardlaw,” is a new mixed‑tenant supportive housing residence comprising of 51 units, 15 of which are barrier‑free, across four storeys. Wardlaw was created as a “made‑in‑Rexdale” solution to the housing crisis in the Rexdale community.

Approximately half of Wardlaw’s tenants are seniors. The remaining residents include youth aged 18 to 24, adults, and newcomers of various ages. All tenants have experienced homelessness and have typically transitioned from shelters or unsheltered living situations before moving into Wardlaw. Many residents, particularly seniors and those with complex support needs, may consider Wardlaw their permanent home. For others, Wardlaw provides stable, long‑term housing until they are ready to transition to the next stage of their lives.

Programming will provide individualized supports that promote housing stability, independence, dignity and meaningful community connection. Supports include case management, housing stabilization. resident engagement, life‑skills development, community programming and connections to health, social, employment and other community services tailored to each resident’s unique needs, goals and circumstances.

Our goal is simple: to provide safe housing, meaningful support and opportunities for every resident to thrive with dignity, choice, connection and independence.

Key Responsibilities

Tenant Relationships

• Conduct all interactions with tenants in manner that imparts dignity, respect and understanding.
• Always exercise trauma‑informed care and anti‑oppressive practices when interacting with tenants, visitors and colleagues.
• Develop positive, productive, professional relationships with the tenants.
• Be a positive role model for the tenants in all related activities.
• Ensure all tenants’ complaints are listened to and taken seriously.

Tenant Supervision and Engagement

• Provide all tenants with appropriate support through check‑ins, supervision and follow up.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the facility, promoting a safe, welcoming and respectful environment.
• Respond to tenant questions, concerns and requests for assistance in a timely manner. Refer to case manager as needed.
• Encourage positive interactions, respectful communication and consideration for others.
• Observe tenant interactions and identify emerging concerns, changes in behaviour or situations requiring additional support.

Safety and Crisis Management

• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, safety protocols, and operational guidelines.
• Conduct and document hourly facility and safety checks in accordance with procedures.
• Monitor common areas and other designated spaces to identify potential safety hazards, unauthorized access, maintenance concerns, policy violations, or situations requiring intervention.
• Respond calmly and promptly to tenant conflicts, disputes and other safety concerns.
• Recognize the signs of a crisis and apply appropriate de‑escalation techniques.
• Request supervisory assistance or emergency services when required.
• Ensure all Health and Safety and IPAC policies and procedure are followed and any concerns are forwarded to management or a member of the JHSC.
• Follow organizational procedures for fire safety, emergency evacuation, missing or unaccounted‑for tenants or other emergency situations.
• Adhere to strict confidentiality policy for staff and tenants.
• Recognize when to call for supervisor and/or on‑call support and follow correct procedure.
• Report hazards, security concerns, and operational issues to the appropriate supervisor and complete required documentation.
• Communicate relevant safety information to incoming staff during shift changes.
• Report and document incidents, interventions, and follow‑up requirements accurately and promptly.
• Maintain professional boundaries and avoid becoming involved in tenant disputes.

Administration and House Management

• Assist in the upkeep of the facility through chores and general maintenance.
• Answer telephone courteously. Redirect and/or respond to requests/questions from callers or take accurate and detailed messages.
• Maintain factual, relevant, up‑to‑date logs, tenant files and documents as required in routine.
• Fully engage in shift‑change and communicate any duties still to be completed.
• Support tenants in attending meetings, workshops and activities.
• Attend all team meetings to best of ability.

Cleaning, Housekeeping and Facility Maintenance

a) Complete assigned overnight cleaning and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, sanitary, replenished and orderly environment.

Staff Development and Evaluation

• Actively participate in shift change, staff meetings and case conference where appropriate.
• Keenly participate in agency training opportunities and performance evaluations.
• Assist in the training of new full‑time and relief staff.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Degree or diploma in Social Work or Child & Youth Care or equivalent in a related field

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with seniors, newcomers and youth experiencing housing instability, complex social needs, mental health challenges and/or substance use
• Proven working knowledge and implementation of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction and anti‑oppressive practice.

• Understanding of the unique barriers faced by tenants requiring supportive housing.
• Trained and able to manage, intervene and de‑escalate high crisis and/or unpredictable situations in calm manner and exercising sound judgement.

• Strong capabilities in building rapport and maintaining professional boundaries.

• Ability to provide client‑centred, evidence‑based, outcome‑oriented care

• Effective problem‑solving, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to complete clear, accurate and objective documentation.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management software

• Detail orientated, accurate and timely client record keeping and reports

• Current CPR/First Aid, CPI/NVCI, and Vulnerable Sector Check required

• Demonstrates creativity, flexibility and understanding when working with tenants to balance their needs with the needs of the shelter
• Must be able to remain awake for entirety of shift.

Working Conditions

• Supportive housing setting
• On‑site, in‑person
• Awake shift
• Shift partner

• Work physically close to others

• Possible conflict and rude or challenging behaviour from clients

• Long periods of time sitting

• 4 flights of stairs, 1 elevator

• Hourly facility checks and general facility upkeep

• Interact with tenants, staff, visitors under all circumstances including traumatic events.

• IPAC policies and procedures in place for congregate setting as directed by Toronto Public Health, Practice Health Check etc.

• Fast‑paced, emotionally demanding environment; self‑care and boundaries required

• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. at a time