Encampment Response Worker

Job Brief

Our CSD team is currently seeking a temporary Encampment Response Worker

Community and Social Development Department (CSD)

(12-month term, 75 hours biweekly)

T he City of Lethbridge is actively committed to ensuring all individuals, families, and communities have opportunities for healthy development and social wellbeing. Recognizing the growing need for dedicated resourcing to assist in the implementation of a coordinated encampment response, our CSD team is currently seeking a temporary Encampment Response Worker to support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the corporate encampment strategy. Under the operational supervision of the Encampment Response Technician, this ground level-facing role that will utilize the established triage process to attend various locations throughout the city, engage with encampment occupants as appropriate and assist in establishing the correct level of service as per the Encampment Strategy.

Utilizing the established triage process, the Encampment Response Worker will accompany the Encampment Response Technician to various locations throughout the city, assisting in locating, and engaging with encampment occupants as appropriate and assisting in establishing the correct level of service as per the Encampment Strategy. If these responsibilities describe your career interests and focus, then this is a prime opportunity for you to join our team of professionals and play an integral role in supporting a healthy, thriving community.

Lethbridge (

The Role

Receiving operational direction from the Encampment Support Specialist in the Community Social Development Department, your work will execute several important functions in fulfilling the following five (5) goals of our encampment strategy:

• Parks and open spaces within the community are enjoyable for everyone
• Those experiencing barriers/vulnerabilities are connected to housing and social supports
• Encampments do not become entrenched
• Residents are informed on how to report encampments identified within the community
• Community and City Council remain informed
  
  

As one of our key ground level-facing colleagues, you will work closely with our Encampment Response Technician to identify where encampments are located within the community and to be present to monitor conditions and maintain networks with other stakeholder groups. You will utilize triage assessment tools to measure the risk level to the community and encampment occupants. You will utilize your superior communication skills to explain the encampment response process to the encampment occupants and to address any concerns they may have. Part of your role will be to provide 24-notice when occupants need to vacate a location and offer outreach assistance through referrals, facilitating phone calls, arranging transportation and removal of unwanted items. Your previous experience working with the unhoused population will assist you in your ability to educate encampment occupants about potential hazards and dangers found in encampments and teaching them ways to mitigate these dangers. Additionally, you will facilitate cleanup of Tier 1, or abandoned encampments and assist with the removal of debris and material that requires disposal at the Waste and Recycling Center. Other stakeholders you will engage with would be business owners regarding the city’s encampment and response process and the police when prohibited weapons or illegal drugs are located.

This is a temporary position to assist with higher volumes of encampments with an anticipated end date of October 31, 2025.

Your Professional Skillset

A High School Diploma with some course work and or other work or volunteer experience with the unhoused population.

• Strong knowledge of supports available for persons with complex social and health needs.
• A friendly and positive attitude, utilizing a client-centered approach
• Advanced interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate and create meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders and the public, to assist in delivering encampment response efforts
• Seasoned experience with successfully communicating, influencing, and applying de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge of support services (DOT, Harbor House, Lethbridge Housing Authority, etc.)
• Active listening and Cultural awareness
  
  

WAGE: $29.79 per hour (under review) HOURS OF WORK: 75 hours bi-weekly

• With the ability to work evening & weekend hours
  
  

The City of Lethbridge is committed to advancing reconciliation in our community, as well as ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce. We encourage Indigenous applicants, as well as those from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

For Further Information On This Opportunity, Please Contact

Andrew Malcolm, GM of Community Social Development at 403-308-2103 or

Closing Date: Friday, October 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume with cover letter, online at:

All candidates are thanked in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

CUPE Local 70

The City of Lethbridge (

All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.