The locations haven’t been set yet, but the City of Burnaby is already looking for a “Warming Centre Leader.”
The city posted a job on Monday that will run the planned new centres for the homeless to stay during cold snaps. City council has unanimously passed a motion directing staff to move forward with a plan to establish a warming centre in each of the city’s four quadrants and a temporary emergency shelter as soon as possible.
The posting reads: “We are actively recruiting for Warming Centre Leaders who will play a vital role in our community during the winter months. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of something special for individuals in need of a warm place to sleep. Warming Centre Leaders may work 8 or 12 hour shifts and are responsible for full operation of our facilities from opening to closing and everything in between. This work includes following safety-focused protocols and procedures as well as providing support, supervision and assistance to homeless clients who may be facing multiple barriers. As clients may also bring their pets, the ideal candidate will also love animals! All clients will be registered by the Leaders and have the opportunity to store their belongings in safe place. The cleanliness of the facility as well as providing snacks with warm beverages will also be required.
“The ideal candidate will have coursework in crisis intervention but at a minimum Grade 12 education. First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) Level C, are requirements. Work teams will be established for each warming centre and all will require exceptional communication and teamwork skills as well as the ability to effectively problem solve while creating a safe place. All centre hours will be from 8pm to 8am, 7 days per week.
“With the current change in temperature, we will be reviewing applications as they come in and beginning the interview process immediately, so apply today! If you are looking for a position that will provide special meaning for you over the winter season, then this may be the job for you!”
The urgency is obvious. I’ve been annoyed the past few days scraping my windshield, but then I realized that is nothing compared with having to live on the streets in sub-zero temperatures.
Yes, it’s about time the city started doing this and people who are homeless are still suffering until this gets set up, but it’s a start.
The job ad can be found here.
