JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Shelter Worker
Program Title: Warmland Shelter
Date: March 2023
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley
Branch (CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch
division agreement with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of the
Canadian Mental Health Association.
As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to
resources people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community
integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.
CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and
Assessment Centre, Adult Outreach programs, Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter, a Youth Centre, Youth
Connect, Bounce Back personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other
counselling/therapeutic programs for children, youth, and families.
CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of good mental health
and in support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.
CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism
Statement as attached.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The purpose of this position is to provide a high standard of shelter care. Warmland House Shelter is a safe,
supportive environment that helps clients help themselves in their transition to stable housing, where all
individuals treat themselves, their neighbours and their surroundings with respect.
Warmland House consists of:
- A 30-bed emergency shelter for those who are without housing and would benefit from assistance in
meeting their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and hygiene.
- 24 minimal barrier transitional housing studio apartments, designed to accommodate individuals who
can live independently, yet benefit from support and assistance in stabilizing their lifestyle and develop
the life skills to break the cycle of homelessness, successfully making the transition to “housing ready”.
- A day-use common area: shower and laundry facilities: lockers and a small storage area; there is also a
commercial kitchen and dining area that serves up to 50 people, and a community garden with raised
beds and a large greenhouse.
