Reporting to the Program Manager, the Shelter Supervisor will be a key role on our team and is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Women’s Rural Resource Centre (WRRC) Emergency Shelter and for the direct supervision of the shelter team. This role ensures that women and children impacted by gender‑based violence receive compassionate, safe, responsive, and trauma informed services within a 24/7 rural shelter environment.
The Shelter Supervisor provides operational leadership, staff supervision, and on‑call coverage for shelter‑based emergencies, while working collaboratively with the Program Manager and leadership team. Shelter services are delivered on a voluntary basis, with respect for women’s rights to choice, self‑determination, dignity, and informed decision‑making, in alignment with WRRC values.
Within the day‑to‑day operation of the Emergency Shelter, the Shelter Supervisor supports and reinforces service delivery through a feminist, trauma‑informed, strength‑based, anti‑oppressive, and culturally safe framework.
This role is grounded in relationship‑based practice, recognizing that kindness, trust, consistency, and respectful engagement with women, staff, and partners are central to safety, healing, and effective shelter services.
Scope and Responsibilities
In a manner consistent with the agency’s policies and values and aligned with the agency’s vision and purposes, the Shelter Supervisor performs a range of duties including the following:
1. Shelter Operations & Supervision
a) Provide day‑to‑day operational oversight of WRRC’s Emergency Shelter, ensuring services are delivered safely, ethically, and consistently with organizational policies and MCCSS standards.
b) Supervise and support shelter direct care staff, including full‑time, part‑time, and relief staff, fostering a kind, respectful, accountable, and collaborative team culture across all shifts.
c) Coordinate shelter staffing, schedules, shift coverage, and relief staffing to support 24/7 operations and continuity of service.
d) Approve shelter staff timesheets and ensure accurate tracking of hours worked.
e) Facilitate regular shelter team huddles and meetings to support communication, case coordination, and shared accountability.
f) Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and training of shelter staff, students, and relief workers, in collaboration with the Program Manager.
g) Support consistent application of safety planning and risk assessment practices, recognizing that safety planning is an ongoing and evolving process guided by each woman’s needs and choices.
h) Ensure clear, consistent, and effective shift‑change and documentation processes are in place and followed.
i) Support the shelter team to provide meaningful shelter-based programming and opportunities for women to engage in personal reflection, skill‑building, and self‑identified goals during their stay, in alignment with WRRC’s values and service approach.
j) Ensure systems are in place to support the meal planning and grocery pick up for shelter meals.
k) Ensure systems are in place to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming shelter environment such as housekeeping and shared spaces.
2. On‑Call & Emergency Response
a) Hold primary responsibility for the shelter on‑call system, including scheduling and coordination of the on‑call team.
b) Monday through Thursday serve as the first line on‑call decision‑maker for after‑hours emergencies, critical incidents, and high‑risk situations on a need‑to‑use basis. Frontline and Direct Care Team will support with on-call coverage Friday to Sunday as well as vacation support.
c) Respond to shelter‑based emergencies, including staff shortages, safety concerns, and urgent operational issues after business hours.
d) Escalate concerns to the Program Manager when risks exceed shelter level authority or require second level managerial support.
e) Support continuity of shelter services during emergencies, disruptions, or infrastructure challenges, where necessary.
f) Participate in debriefing and reflective follow‑up following critical incidents, supporting learning, safety, and staff wellbeing.
3. Risk Management, Safety & Serious Occurrence Reporting
a) Identify, assess, and respond to risks related to client safety, staff safety, facilities, and shelter operations.
b) Apply WRRC health and safety policies at the shelter level, in alignment with Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
c) Complete Serious Occurrence Reports (SORs) for shelter‑based incidents in accordance with MCCSS requirements.
d) Apply shelter policies related to capacity management, missing persons protocols, and coordination with police and community partners, as required.
e) Ensure staff understand and follow duty‑to‑report obligations related to child safety, including appropriate documentation and coordination with service supports.
f) Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation related to incidents, risks, and corrective actions.
4. Training, Team Development
a) Lead shelter‑specific onboarding, orientation, shadowing, and training for new shelter staff.
b) Reinforce shelter procedures, documentation standards, and safety protocols through ongoing coaching and in the moment learning.
c) Use incident debriefs and reflective conversations as opportunities for learning and continuous improvement.
d) Support team cohesion and morale across shifts, recognizing the impacts of vicarious trauma and crisis‑based work.
e) Coordinate and supervise shelter‑based student placements in alignment with WRRC values, policies, and practice frameworks.
f) Support ongoing culturally specific training, learning, and team discussions, including regular reflection on culturally safe practice, Indigenous‑specific supports, and responsive service delivery for women and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
5. Collaboration & Communication
a) Work closely with the Program Manager to support service quality, staff sustainability, and effective shelter operations.
b) Communicate emerging trends, staffing pressures, risks, and service gaps to the Program Manager in a timely manner.
c) Collaborate with WRRC Direct Care Team, WRRC programs and staff to support coordinated services for women and children.
d) Support a culturally safe shelter environment, including responsiveness to the needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit women and families, as well as women from diverse communities.
e) Engage respectfully with emergency responders and community partners when required during shelter operations.
f) Work closely and meet regularly with the Lead Counsellor to support coordinated case management for shelter residents, ensuring alignment between clinical guidance and shelter operations while respecting distinct roles and reporting structures.
g) Participate in or support external tables, committees, or working groups where appropriate and aligned with shelter operations, as delegated by the Program Manager.
h) Work collaboratively with the Anti‑Human Trafficking Coordinator to support the safe and responsive accommodation of trafficking survivors in the shelter, ensuring shelter operations align with trauma‑informed, survivor‑centred, and culturally safe practices.
i) Participate in quarterly JHSC meetings to support with continued safety in shelter.
j) Provide timely operational data, documentation, and contextual information to support Program Manager reporting and compliance requirements.
Sustainability & Role Boundaries
WRRC recognizes the intensity of supervising a 24/7 Emergency Shelter. The Shelter Supervisor role is supported through structured supervision, clear escalation pathways, defined on‑call boundaries, and leadership commitment to staff wellness and sustainability.
The Shelter Supervisor is responsible for shelter operations and staff supervision and administers approved shelter level operational expenditures (e.g., groceries and basic supplies). The role is not responsible for payroll processing, program‑level budget development, organizational policy development, or funder reporting.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supervising staff in a shelter, residential, or crisis‑based setting.
- Strong understanding of violence against women, gender‑based violence, crisis intervention, and trauma‑informed practice.
- Sound judgment and ability to make timely, ethical decisions in high‑risk situations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and schedules in a 24/7 environment.
- Commitment to feminist, survivor‑centred, anti‑oppressive, and culturally safe practice.
- Clear and current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
- CPR / First Aid – Level C (or willingness to obtain).
- Valid driver’s licence.
Preferred Qualifications
- Post‑secondary education in Social Work, Women’s Studies, Human Services, or a related field.
- Two to three years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role within direct services or a related field.
- Experience completing Serious Occurrence Reports (SORs) or critical incident documentation.
- Experience supporting staff wellness in trauma‑exposed work environments.
- Experience working in rural or small‑community contexts.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities, partners, or programs is an asset.
Working Conditions
The Shelter Supervisor works on‑site within WRRC’s 24/7 Emergency Shelter, where their primary office is located. The position typically follows a standard work week; however, flexibility is required to respond to operational needs in a crisis‑responsive setting, including participation in an on‑call rotation and occasional evenings or weekends to support shelter operations. Monday to Thursday on-call shelter support for after hours crisis support.
As a rural‑based organization, the role may involve limited travel within the service area to support shelter related coordination or meetings, as required.
Physical & Emotional Requirements
This position involves routine supervisory and operational duties within a residential shelter environment. Responsibilities may include periods of sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting supplies. The Shelter Supervisor works in an environment with high emotional and psychological demands, including exposure to trauma, crisis situations, and the responsibility of supporting staff wellbeing and safety.
Direct Reports
- Full‑Time and Part‑Time Shelter Staff
- Relief Shelter Staff
- Shelter‑Based Students (when applicable)
Closing Date:April 24th, 2026, 11:59 pm
Salary:$29.00 per hour, plus a comprehensive benefits package and health spending account.
Please submit a cover letter and resume by email toexecutivedirector@wrrcsa.org,with “Shelter Supervisor” in the subject line. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
WRRC is committed to accessible employment practices. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. Please inform us of any accommodation needs when contacted regarding this opportunity.
WRRC encourages applications from women, Indigenous women, racialized women, women with disabilities, and other equity‑seeking individuals. We value lived experience alongside formal education and work experience.Bottom of Form