Public Spaces Coordinator

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits.

Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

It’s a place that works for you.

About The Role

Reporting to the Public Spaces Supervisor the Public Spaces Coordinator is responsible to assist with the administration of homelessness and outreach programs specific to the City of St. Catharines.Working closely with the Niagara Regional Police, City By-Law division and other stakeholders to assist in the development, implementation and oversight of systems and projects that contribute to the reduction and prevention of homelessness in the City of St. Catharines through an integrated and coordinated homeless management information system.Responsibilities include developing and maintaining partnerships for program and service delivery, and providing liaisons between system partners, relevant sectors, and community services.

What You'll Be Doing

• Liaise and attend weekly community outreach meetings to discuss new encampments and outreach.
• Assist in the monitoring and identification of homeless encampments and co-ordinate outreach and cleanup efforts.
• Post notice of encampment cleanup as required.
• Liaise with municipal stakeholders including Niagara Regional Police, Niagara Region, Niagara Assertive Street Outreach as well as interdepartmental teams including Mayor, council and office of the CAO.
• Ability to speak with the public and staff and articulate municipal procedures and timelines for required work.
• Maintain accurate and organized records.
• Ability to track, create and report on encampment efforts.
• Provide verbal assistance and advice, in the field and on the telephone to contractors, consultants and homeowners regarding compliance with the City’s encampment process and By-laws.
• Ability to write reports to council.
• Assist in the coordination of the community partners, staff and volunteers in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of homelessness enumeration in the city.
• Maintain confidentiality of information, written or verbal, according to city policy and legal requirements.
• Liaise with Niagara Region staff to assess shelter space prior to encampment cleanup.
• Ability to research homeless initiatives in other cities and provinces to provide up to date information and suggestions for homeless initiatives in the city.
• Provide functional leadership as required to accomplish the goals of the department.
• Complete paperwork and reports as required, i.e., statistic sheets, time sheets and incident and or accident reports.
• Provide excellent customer service; respond to needs of all customers and staff as required.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required.

What's Required

• Completion of a two-year college diploma in social services field.Candidates with non-traditional pathways and commensurate life/work experience will be considered.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience coordinating similar programs.
• Experience working with survivors of trauma, stigma, poverty, and homelessness an asset
• Valid Standard First Aid/CPR C Certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) would be an asset.
• Must possess excellent communication skills in dealing with a diverse client group, and excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills to respond to requests in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills including the ability to work both independently and as part of team, and work methodically and prioritize workload to meet multiple demands and deadlines effectively with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated professional and ethical responsibility to protect privacy, use confidential information appropriately, treat sensitive situations with appropriate degree of tact and discretion.
• Must successfully complete any required training associated with this position
• Able to work outside in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wet).
• Availability to work flexible hours (e.g., working shifts for a 7 day, 24-hour operation, overtime).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and capable of working in a team environment, with the ability to also work independently.
• Previous counselling and or intervention skills/training an asset.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a strong sense of public service and cooperation, and well-developed abilities to deal with the public and citizen' groups.
• Ability to proficiently use the various computer software e.g., Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Work Management Software, Amanda.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s licence, Class “G”, with a clean driving record.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture and a culture of continuous improvement.

Job Details

Pay Rate: $72,054 - $80,972

Hours: 35 per week

Schedule: Variable

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: In Person

Employee Group: CUPE Local 157

Position Type: Temporary, Full-time

Duration: Less than 60 working days

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.

Other Requirements

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver’s Licence

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It For You

Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.
• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.
• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.
• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
• Balance & Benefits: Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.