Position: Project Lead (Transitioning to Shelter Manager)

Reports to: Executive Director

Hours of Work: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; On-Site Position. Occasional evenings and weekends required. OnCall Rotation.

In partnership with our diverse community, Bethesda House provides inclusive, secure emergency shelter, outreach services, survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education, and other supports to women and their children, empowering them to overcome the fear and oppression resulting from all forms of gender-based violence and abuse.

Position Overview

Bethesda House is expanding its services to include a new site to offer emergency shelter beds for children and youth who have experienced human trafficking. The Project Lead will oversee the planning, launch, and stabilization of this new initiative in collaboration with partner organizations.

The Project Lead role is designed as a time-limited project leadership position that will transition into the permanent role of Shelter Manager once the program is fully operational. The Project Lead will be responsible for program development, partnership coordination, policy and procedure development, staff onboarding, and ensuring trauma-informed, survivor-centered care throughout all phases of implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation

Lead the planning, development, and launch of emergency shelter beds for children and youth who have experienced human trafficking
Coordinate all start-up activities, including timelines, deliverables, and readiness milestones
Develop program policies, procedures, and protocols aligned with trauma-informed, survivor-centered, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive practices. This will include policies to align with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, licensing requirements, and organizational standards
Support the development of intake, risk assessment, safety planning, and case coordination processes

Partnership & Stakeholder Collaboration

Serve as the primary liaison between Bethesda House and partner organizations
Facilitate regular partner meetings to ensure alignment, shared accountability, and effective communication
Coordinate with child protection services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and community agencies as required
Represent Bethesda House in community and sector tables related to human trafficking and child/youth services

Staff Leadership & Capacity Building

Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of shelter staff and relief staff
Provide day-to-day guidance and leadership during the implementation phase
Model trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and inclusive practice in all aspects of leadership
Contribute to staff training related to human trafficking, child and youth care, and gender-based violence

Survivor-Centered Practice & Program Quality

Ensure services prioritize safety, dignity, choice, and empowerment for children and youth
Support the integration of prevention, education, and advocacy approaches within the shelter program
Monitor service delivery to ensure ethical, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate care
Participate in continuous quality improvement and program evaluation processes

Transition to Shelter Manager Role

Upon successful implementation and stabilization of the program, this position will transition into Shelter Manager, assuming responsibility for:

Ongoing program operations and supervision
Staff scheduling, performance support, and professional development
Budget oversight and resource management, in partnership with the Executive Director
Program evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement
Long-term partnership stewardship and community engagement
Collaborate with leadership on funding opportunities, grant proposals, and program sustainability
Support the planning of Bethesda House community events, fundraising events, and other initiatives
Provide On Call support

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

Post-secondary education in Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in shelter services, child/youth programs, gender-based violence, or anti-human trafficking work
Minimum 3 years of supervisor or team leadership experience
Demonstrated experience in project leadership, program development, or program implementation
Strong understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and anti-oppressive practice
Experience working collaboratively with community partners and multidisciplinary teams

Preferred:

Experience supporting children and youth who have experienced trafficking or sexual exploitation
Knowledge of relevant legislation, child protection systems, and shelter licensing requirements
Experience in non-profit or community-based service delivery

Skills & Competencies

Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
Ability to lead with empathy, accountability, and clarity
Sound judgment in high-risk and crisis situations
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions

Ability to work flexible hours as required during program launch
Rotating 24/7 On Call Component
Exposure to secondary trauma; organizational supports and supervision provided
Ability to travel within Durham Region for community events, trainings, and outreach.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $72,000 - $82,000
Benefits may include: health/dental/vision insurance, paid leave, professional development, flexible scheduling, etc.

Commitment to Equity

Bethesda House is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience related to gender-based violence or human trafficking.

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Project Lead (Transitioning to Shelter Manager)

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