JOIN OUR TEAM
At Inn From The Cold, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We’re dedicated to ending homelessness in our community by making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those facing homelessness and financial hardship.
We’re always looking for passionate people to join our team—whether you’re in health, housing, community support, shelter services, or an essential role like admin, kitchen.
At Inn From The Cold, we’re committed to equality in the workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest openings—we’d love to hear from you!
When you join our team, you can expect:
Work that matters:
Every day, you’ll be making a difference in someone’s life.
A supportive vibe:
We’re all about working together in a friendly, inclusive environment.
Perks:
Competitive pay, opportunities to grow.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Community Outdoor Ambassador
Reports to: Client Services Manager
Status: Full-Time Contract (4 positions)
Contract: September 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension to March 31, 2027, subject to funding
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Team A Wednesday through Sunday, B: Friday through Tuesday.
Shifts: 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m or 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Compensation: $30 per hour
Application Deadline: August 23, 2026
Internal applicants are encouraged to apply. A secondment may be considered for qualified internal candidates.
Position Summary
The Community Outdoor Ambassador promotes a safe, welcoming and respectful environment around Inn From the Cold and the surrounding neighbourhood. Working in teams of two, Ambassadors provide visible community outreach, engage respectfully with clients, respond to neighbourhood concerns, maintain clean public spaces, and build positive relationships with local businesses, residents, schools and community partners.
This role combines outreach, relationship-building, de-escalation, neighbourhood stewardship and collaborative problem-solving. Ambassadors are expected to represent Inn From the Cold professionally and to approach all interactions with dignity, respect and a trauma-informed lens.
Key Responsibilities
Community Outreach & Client Engagement
• Patrol designated areas surrounding Inn From the Cold Newmarket locations, including sidewalks, parks, schools, commercial areas and other identified locations.
• Build positive relationships with people accessing services through respectful, trauma-informed and non-judgmental engagement.
• Encourage clients who are congregating in inappropriate locations to move along respectfully and support appropriate alternatives where possible.
• When someone is asked to leave the property, follow up to ensure they have moved off-site and are not congregating immediately around the site.
• Monitor the immediate vicinity of the drop-in centre and respectfully intervene when substance use or other activities are occurring too close to the site.
• Liaise closely with drop-by staff regarding client concerns, emerging issues and neighbourhood observations.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
• Conduct proactive outreach to local businesses, residents, schools and neighbourhood stakeholders; introduce yourself, explain the Ambassador role and provide the dedicated phone and email contact information.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with neighbours and local businesses, inviting ongoing communication and feedback.
• Promote and invite community members and local stakeholders to participate in the Community Liaison Committee (CLC).
• Serve as an Inn From the Cold representative on the CLC and attend monthly meetings to share updates, hear concerns and support collaborative solutions.
• Identify and help develop community-relations initiatives and events, such as neighbourhood clean-ups, barbecues, open houses or other activities that bring clients, neighbours and community partners together.
• Work with the Client Services Manager and other staff to identify recurring community concerns and develop practical, relationship-based resolutions.
Neighbourhood Response, Safety & Stewardship
• Respond promptly and professionally to complaints and inquiries from neighbours and businesses received in person, by phone or by email.
• Work with complainants, clients, staff and community partners to understand concerns and help develop appropriate resolutions.
• Conduct regular neighbourhood walks while wearing identifiable Inn From the Cold clothing or uniform.
• Pick up litter and safely remove discarded needles and other debris in accordance with organizational safety procedures.
• Identify and report safety hazards, maintenance concerns or emerging issues in the surrounding area.
• Maintain accurate daily activity logs, document significant interactions and complete incident or follow-up reports as required.
Qualifications & Attributes
• Post-secondary education in social services, community development, addiction & mental health, human services, or a related field is an asset; an equivalent combination of education, relevant experience and lived experience will be considered.
• 2 years+ experience in community outreach, social services, customer service, neighbourhood engagement, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with diverse groups.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use or complex social needs is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflict calmly, respectfully and safely.
• Sound judgment, initiative, problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working outdoors and walking for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Basic computer and documentation skills, HIFIS, First Aid/CPR, Naloxone, NVCI or similar training is considered an asset.
Working Conditions
• Ambassadors work in pairs, with two staff on shift at all times.
• Regular outdoor work and neighbourhood walking are core requirements of the role.
• Schedule includes weekend and evening work.
• An organizational cell phone and identifiable clothing/uniform will be provided.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@innfromthecold.ca by August 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Inn From the Cold is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and lived experiences. We are committed to equitable employment practices and to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process upon request.