Summary

The Program Supervisor – West Desk supervises the staff and functioning of the Centre of Hope West Desk and provides assistance to the Shelter Manager with development and overall operation of the Shelter Program.

Description

ACCOUNTABILITIES: 
1. Program Operations: 

• Assists the manager in the development and delivery of the program. 
• Ensures the functioning of the West Desk incorporates the values, standards, philosophy of The 
Salvation Army to achieve its and mission.  
• Assists in the development of annual program operational plan. 
• Assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of program goals that support the 
annual program operational plan. 
• Assists with researching and implementing best practices, as well searching out opportunities. 
• Assists in the development of program policies and guidelines. 
• Assists with the implementation of, and participates in, the provision of the case management 
system including intake, support, goal planning, referral, networking, and other direct services to 
clients.  
• Researches and implements approved program initiatives. 
• Maintains and promotes effective working relationships with government agencies and other 
community partners. 
• Assists with preparation of the annual program evaluation. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 2. Team Management: 
• Ensures the West Desk is fully staffed with qualified staff and that staff have the resources to do 
their jobs. 
• In conjunction with the manager, hires, orients, trains, supports and evaluates direct reports. 
• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Centre of Hope West Desk. 
• Ensures policies, practices and procedures are understood and followed by direct reports. 
• Completes payroll supervisory functions inclusive of approving vacation, sick time, timesheets, 
etc. for direct reports; ensures employees are paid accurately and on-time utilizing Workday and 
following all legislation, policies, and procedures. 
• Effectively utilizes, supports, evaluates and retains volunteers at the West Desk. 
• Ensures direct reports complete mandatory training and/or certifications. 

3. Financial: 
• Assists with monitoring resident occupancy fees and works with residents to ensure payment. 
• Demonstrates diligent stewardship of resources. 
• May prepare purchase requisitions, and other finance documents, in accordance with Finance 
procedures; may verify payroll register. 
• May approve and codes invoices for payment in the absence of the manager 

4. Administrative: 
• Assists the Shelter Manager with implementing the Salvation Army Accreditation Standards. 
• Prepares and submits documentation, reports, and other statistical information as required by 
management and funders. 
• Performs administrative tasks (i.e., filing, photocopying, email, phone calls, etc. that support 
program objectives. 
• Attends and/or coordinates departmental meetings. 
• Attends internal meetings, presents program issues, answers questions, and prepares reports as 
required. 
• Attends and participates in meetings/events/committees (internal and external) as required. 
• Maintains an up-to-date position manual. 

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT 
Internal: 

• Housing and Shelter Program staff, students, and volunteers 
• Centre of Hope staff i.e., Administration, Facilities, Food Services, and Spiritual & Religious Care 

External:  
• Residents and community members 
• Community agencies 

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:   
• Reports directly to: Shelter Program Manager 
• Direct reports for this position: Up to 18 front-line, plus casual/relief, support employees and 
volunteers/students. 

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:   
• Provides some input into the annual budget. 
• Assists with monitoring and supporting residents to have occupancy fees paid on time. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
• Works in a men’s residential shelter facility. 
• May have to deal with aggressive and/or disruptive residents. 
• Potential of verbal and, less likely, physical attacks. 

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and 
Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:  
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:   
• A two-year college diploma in related social services field 
• Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search 
• Current and Alberta approved Standard First Aid/ CPR Certification 

Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social 
Workers.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements   
• At least three years prior related experience in frontline casework in a social service environment 
including overseeing a team. 
• Experience working with people who are vulnerable, in crisis and/or experiencing homelessness. 
• Experience within a shelter system. 
• Administration experience including preparing reports and documentation. 

Skills and Capabilities:  
Operational/Service Management: skills to research best practices and service opportunities that 
align with accreditation processes, intended program outcomes, and resources; attention to 
detail, problem solving and analytical skills. 
• Able to assess crisis situations and make concise decisions 
Communication: excellent communication skills (verbal/written); strong sense of integrity and 
confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility; strong skills 
in MSOffice 365 (Outlook, Excel, TEAMS, Word, PPT) to prepare/present information. Models 
effective client service and crisis intervention skills. Able to work collaboratively with sector 
agencies. 
• Vision and Values, exemplifying highly ethical standards of conduct; knowledge, understanding, 
and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Demonstrated trauma informed care and de-escalation skills. 
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of 
fairness and flexibility.