Summary

The Community Outreach Peacebuilder is a relational, community-based role that promotes safety, dignity, and peace at the MCC Thrift Shop in Lethbridge. The Peacebuilder serves as a calm, compassionate, and visible presence among volunteers, customers, and community members, particularly those experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty, mental health challenges, or crisis. Rather than functioning as a security guard, the Community Outreach Peacebuilder responds through relationship-building

Description

Job Details

Salaried Employee -Full Time at 1 FTE

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Required
    Demonstrated commitment to Christian faith, active church involvement, and a clear commitment to nonviolent, restorative approaches to conflict.
    Education and experience in chaplaincy, pastoral care, congregational ministry, social work, community outreach, or related fields, with the ability to offer spiritual and emotional support across a range of beliefs and backgrounds.
    Competence in front-line crisis response and de-escalation skills. Or Training or experience in conflict de-escalation, crisis intervention, trauma-informed practice, Mental Health First Aid, and/or Naloxone response is considered an asset.
    Experience working with individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or trauma.
    Strong relationship-building, communication, facilitation, and partnership-development skills.
    Ability to establish rapport and trust with people in crisis, volunteers, staff, and community partners.
    Strong networking, relationship- and partnership-building skills.
    A calm, approachable, and professional demeanor, with the ability to relate respectfully to people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
    Computer proficiency in Microsoft 365 (TEAMS, Word, Excel, Outlook)
    Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a wide variety of tasks independently.
    Ability to coach, mentor, or train volunteers or staff.
    Ability to maintain accurate documentation and records while handling confidential information appropriately.
    Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and Saturdays, aligned with Thrift Store activity.
    Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license.
    Clear criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check.
    Legally entitled to work in Canada.

Preferred
    Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent chaplaincy training.
    Training or education in restorative justice, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, mediation, or community development.
    Standard First Aid / CPR certification
    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or comparable de-escalation certification
    Naloxone administration training.
    Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and/or trauma-informed care training.
    Familiarity with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
    Familiarity with Lethbridge-area agencies and supports serving people who are homeless, street-involved, or struggling with addiction and mental health challenges
 

Key Responsibilities

1. Safety, Conflict Prevention, and Crisis Response
•    Be a calm, visible, and approachable presence in and around the Thrift Store during peak hours, including evenings and Saturdays.
•    Respond to disruptive situations, safety concerns, and crisis events using trauma-informed, nonviolent de-escalation practices while maintaining clear behavioral boundaries and supporting volunteer and staff safety.
•    Build trust and rapport with individuals who frequently visit the area and who may be experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or crisis.
•    Assess safety risk in real time and contact emergency services (police, EMS), outreach teams, or other appropriate supports when necessary.
•    Liaise regularly with the Thrift Store Manager and leadership team regarding emerging safety concerns, patterns, and incidents.
•    Develop, refine, and implement violence-prevention and incident-response protocols in collaboration with Thrift Store leadership.
•    Debrief and offer post-incident support to volunteers and staff involved in or affected by an occurrence.

2. Volunteer Support and Capacity Building
•    Foster a culture of empathy, dignity, hospitality, and proactive support among volunteers and staff.
•    Design and deliver training for volunteers and staff on conflict de-escalation, trauma-informed approaches, healthy boundaries, and peacebuilding practices.
•    Recruit, train, and support a volunteer welcoming team that fosters a safe, welcoming, and compassionate environment through positive relationships and appropriate referrals (volunteers are not expected to intervene in unsafe situations).
•    Provide ongoing encouragement, coaching, and emotional support to volunteers and staff.

3. Community Outreach and Partnerships
    Build relationships and referral pathways with Lethbridge-area agencies that support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and mental health challenges.
    Establish collaborative relationships with neighboring organizations, businesses, service providers, and community partners facing similar safety and outreach concerns to share learning, resources, and best practices.
    Connect community members, when appropriate, with available services and supports that may contribute to their well-being and stability.
    Participate in MCC’s anti-poverty, restorative justice, and community engagement networks for peer support, learning, and ongoing professional development.
    Represent MCC Alberta’s mission, values, and commitment to nonviolent peacemaking in interactions with community agencies, local authorities, volunteers, customers, and the broader public.
    Help identify emerging community needs and trends that may affect the Thrift Store and contribute to recommendations for future responses and partnerships.

4. Program Development, Evaluation, and Administration
    Maintain consistent, accurate documentation of incidents, follow-ups, and learning outcomes.
    Support the implementation and ongoing refinement of violence-prevention and safety policies in partnership with the Program Director and Thrift Store leadership.
    Participate in a monthly check-in meeting together with the Thrift Store Manager and the Program Director to assess progress, identify emerging concerns, share lessons learned, and adapt the program as needed.
    Contribute to ongoing program evaluation, including tracking outcomes and recommending improvements.

Other

    Maintain a high level of integrity, reflecting a Christ-like character toward colleagues, volunteers, community partners, and neighbors who are unhoused or marginalized.
    Model nonviolent peacemaking through respectful daily interactions with staff, volunteers, and the public.
    Participate in MCCA orientations, staff meetings, and Staff Annual Retreat.
    Perform other job-related duties as assigned.