City of Kelowna - Outdoor Sheltering Enforcement Officer

Commissionaires BC is looking for Sheltering Enforcement Officers to join our team working with the City of Kelowna!

As a Sheltering Enforcement Officer (SEO) with Commissionaires BC in Kelowna, you will be responsible as part of a team for maintaining the safety and security of City of Kelowna properties, facilities, and assets. This role will work with individuals who are unhoused and the vulnerable populations. It will involve maintaining a safe and secure environment, access control, de-escalation, working collaboratively with City staff and other personnel, providing timely communication, and incident documentation. 

This position also offers ample opportunity and experience to work alongside RCMP and Bylaw, which is invaluable to anyone looking to enter these fields.

For individuals seeking Permanent Residency, this role meets the TEER 3 requirement.
Please note internal candidates will also be considered first for this position.

Shift Schedule:  Saturday and Sunday 1600-0000

Pay rate: $29/hour

Key Responsibilities:

1. Service Objectives
   • Maintain a safe and secure environment for individuals experiencing homelessness or sheltering outdoors.
   • Implement access control
   • Identify and respond to safety risks using de-escalation, observation, and early-intervention techniques.
   • Work collaboratively with City staff, social-service providers, and emergency responders.
   • Provide timely communication and incident documentation.
2. Access Control & Site Monitoring
   • Monitor entry points and ensure access is limited to individuals eligible to use the sheltering area.
   • Conduct regular, non-confrontational site patrols to ensure safety and compliance with site expectations.
   • Maintain awareness of potential risks and take proactive steps to prevent escalation.
   • Ensure sleeping areas, support spaces, and walkways remain safe and unobstructed.
   • Support orderly use of shared facilities (washrooms, warming structures if applicable) and other activities on the property, coordinated and executed by the City of Kelowna or its partners, that are implemented to support outdoor sheltering.
3. Engagement
   • Interact with shelter users and people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorders respectfully, using empathetic communication.
   • Apply trauma-informed practices, harm-reduction principles, and culturally safe approaches.
   • Use de-escalation techniques as a primary intervention strategy, minimizing force and confrontation.
4. Incident Response & Reporting
   • Respond promptly and appropriately to safety concerns, disturbances, or emergencies.
   • Contact emergency services when required and support responders on-site.
   • Document all notable incidents in a City-approved format within required timelines.
   • Provide daily activity summaries and escalate urgent matters immediately.
5. Community & Neighbourhood Interface
   • Maintain a professional presence that supports positive community relations.
   • Monitor the perimeter for safety risks, including interactions with the surrounding neighbourhood.
   • Notify City staff of recurring issues or emerging trends.
6. Coordination With City & Partner Agencies
   • Participate in coordination calls or briefings as requested.
   • Share observations related to safety, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for service improvement.
   • Support on-site service providers in managing situations requiring security presence.

Work Conditions:

• Schedule Flexibility: You may be required to support other shifts/positions as per the requirements of the site.
• Environment: Duties will involve working in various and sometimes extreme weather conditions and environments daily, partially indoors but mainly outdoors.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and patrol for extended periods (average of 16km of walking per shift). Must be capable of lifting and carrying equipment as needed.

Required Certifications:

• A valid Security License (BST)
• AST 
• Basic First Aid

Nice to haves:

• Mental Health First Aid
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
• De-escalation Courses
• Narcan Training

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training or certification in security, law enforcement, or related fields is advantageous.
• Experience: 2 years of previous experience in a related field and report writing
• Skills: Strong observational skills, excellent written and verbal communication, the ability to manage stressful situations effectively, and intermediate to advance computer skills

You're a good fit if...

• You hold a positive and can-do attitude
• You are reliable and committed
• You can think on your feet and problem solve
• You can work alone and as part of a team
• You pride yourself on offering first class customer service

Our Story 
Commissionaires BC is a Canadian, not-for-profit security/enforcement organization that has been in business since 1927. Our mandate is to give back to those who served and continue to serve in our communities and country.  Commissionaires provides security and other related services for over 200 sites and are located in over 110 communities across the province. Our client base runs from the Federal Government to local municipalities, airports, industrial sectors, and commercial/residential buildings.  Our guards are not only behind the scenes providing security and access control, but front and centre providing valued customer service to the public.