Manager, Sanctuary Recovery (Permanent, Full-Time)

Are you ready to help shape a recovery journey where women discover safety, dignity, and renewed hope?

The Manager, Sanctuary Recovery is responsible for overseeing the Sanctuary stabilization and recovery programs. This includes program development, operational effectiveness and personnel issues that arise.  You will strategize with the Director, Women & Families Centre to discern and implement the vision for each program, nurturing vibrant organizational culture and spiritual health.  You will assist in designing programs that utilize best practices and foster effective outcomes, as a leading service provider for women facing barriers and struggling with substance use.

The Manager, Sanctuary Recovery will provide addiction and recovery expertise to the Sanctuary Care team, providing the best possible care to our stabilization and recovery program participants.  You will ensure that program design and implementation is consistent with UGM’s current philosophy of ministry: abstinence-based, recovery oriented, trauma informed, biblically aligned, woman-centered, relationally focused, grace-based, sensitive to Indigenous needs, and seeking in all manner to demonstrate the love of Christ.

As Manager, you will liaise with service providers and others for the purpose of fostering collaborative relationships. You will be a promoter and spokesperson for The Sanctuary’s stabilization and supportive recovery continuum of care.  As a spiritual leader, you will be a role model for your team and strive to enhance guest care and services that are consistent with Union Gospel Mission’s vision and core values. 

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position.  The starting range for this position is $79,443.00 to $86,814.00 per annum.

Who We Are (external only)

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team.  If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Director, Women & Families Centre, oversee the strategic planning and visioning process.

• Manage, inform and support staff, as a leader and spiritual role model. Monitor and evaluate; research and maintain field knowledge.  Submit reports as required.  Assist programs as time allows.


• Network and partner with outside agencies, representing UGM as appropriate. Provide tours for donors and be the primary spokesperson for stabilization and supportive recovery programs.


• Administer branch budgets, vacation entitlements, implement policies and procedures.


• Lead and facilitate team meetings, team building, staff training, Bible Studies, devotionals and special events.


• Cooperate and coordinate with inter-departmental staff and managers.


• Lead the hiring, firing, annual performance reviews, training and spiritual development of staff.


• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.


• Be part of the on-call supervisor rotating schedule.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

KSA’s

• Mature individual, committed to Union Gospel Mission’s Mission Statement, Core Values and Statement of Faith.


• A vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.


• Master’s Degree in Counselling, Social Work or other related Social Sciences from a recognized, fully accredited university or a related Bachelor’s Degree coupled with a minimum of 5 years related working experience.


• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a recognized Christian ministry preferred.


• Other combinations of lived experience and education may be considered.

• Excellent knowledge of alcohol and drug recovery and mental health disorders, with the ability to assess concurrent disorders. Addiction and recovery certification would be ideal.


• Management experience.

• Experience in developing and implementing women’s programs.


• Excellent English skills (verbal, reading and writing).


• Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).


• Strong Emotional Intelligence skills, such as interpersonal sensitivity and tact, influence, and negotiation ability with management and staff.


• Demonstrated ability to deal with highly sensitive and confidential material and situations.


• At least 20 hours of training in one or more of these subjects: counselling; crisis and conflict resolution; psychosocial intervention for substance use disorders; and trauma-informed practice.


• Completion of UGM’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and all other mandatory training, including First Aid training/certification and Naloxone training/certification.


• Willing to provide current vaccination information.


• Technical Competency—Trauma-Informed Care (Level 4): Help identify negative events that have impacted the client’s functioning, and develop interventions that emphasize safety, choice, and personal control.

Working Conditions

• Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. 

• Physical Requirements

Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking or reaching for up to 50% of the time. Employee is required to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard for up to 30% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 35lbs occasionally.

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work

This position works primarily Monday to Friday 9 to 5. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.

• Hazards

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a current Driver’s Abstract.