About Us
At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission – to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time – goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.
We are more than an emergency shelter.
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports.
All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open.
Department:
Health & Recovery Services:
Recovery Oriented System of Care
Job Category:
Salary
Reports To:
Team Lead,
Recovery Oriented System of Care
Position Type:
Permanent
Direct Reports:
N/A
Schedule:
0700-1900 hours (4 on/4 off)
1.05 FTE
Indirect Reports:
N/A
Location:
Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Recovery Care Worker works in the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients in various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social support(s) to clients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms while the Recovery Transition program provides temporary housing and supports to individuals who are no longer in an acute withdrawal phase and are working towards stabilization and other recovery-oriented goals.
The Recovery Care Worker will work with a multidisciplinary team to support client intakes, discharge planning, completing assessments, treatment planning, case management, goal setting and facilitating group recovery-oriented programming. Employing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach, the Recovery Care Worker will provide a range of interventions and services that work with clients towards building Recovery & Social Capital, while achieving their recovery goals.
Time Commitment
48 hours per rotation with 4 days on and 4 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arise. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Support with client triage, intake, assessments, and discharge processes
Take a lead role in the Intake process when clients are admitted to either the Withdrawal Management or Recovery Transition programs, including but not limited to thorough searches for contraband, assistance with hygiene tasks, orientation to programs and review of client expectations upon admission
Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention
Maintain an active presence on the unit, monitor common areas and support with wellness checks
Provide support with daily tasks like light cleaning, laundry, and meal services
Connect and refer clients to recovery-oriented and/or community services and programs
Support with systems navigation (e.g. health benefits, income supports)
Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions
Support group recreation activities and programming on related recovery topics, when required
Support with health promotion and education
Participate in data collection and program evaluation
Participate in team meetings, rounds, case conferences and ongoing professional development
Respond to crisis and emergency situations
Complete assessments, case notes, client logs and other documentation in a professional and timely manner in the DI database (Guestbook), Electronic Medical Record (Telus CHR), and My Recovery Plan (MRP)
Required Competencies and Qualifications
Completion of Diploma or Degree in any of the following: Human services, Community Support, Social Service Work, Addiction Studies, or a Health-Related discipline. Proof of completion required.
Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
1-2 years of relevant work experience an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field and/or the homeless serving system of care.
Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or greater years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.
Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations is an asset, which may include emergency response.
Resourcefulness and knowledge of community resources and social support systems.
Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills, including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time.
Well developed interpersonal, conflict resolution, and negotiating skills.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously.
Must be accepting of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids.
This position may include driving clients within the city limits, within regular working hours. The successful candidate must hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a clean Driver’s Abstract
A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.
Working Conditions
The individuals we serve are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing and may also be facing substance use disorders and/or mental or physical health challenges. Many have a history of significant trauma. These experiences can influence their interactions with both staff and one another. By recognizing these behaviors as responses to past experiences, we are able to engage with our guests in a manner that is empathetic and respectful.
This role may involve high-stress situations that require resilience, compassion, and composure. At the DI we are deeply committed to the well-being of our staff, implementing policies and providing resources that support both physical and psychological safety, as well as mental health. We address the immediate challenges faced by our team to provide the highest level of support as well as the cumulative impacts of this vital work. By prioritizing staff well-being, we empower our team to provide the highest level of support to those in need, fostering a culture of care and understanding throughout our organization.
While the work is demanding and requires a strong commitment, those who are drawn to this field often find it to be one of the most impactful and rewarding careers they can pursue. It’s about making a difference – one person at a time.
Although the DI is a smoke-free work environment, there may be occasional exposure to secondhand smoke from designated smoking areas nearby.
Why the DI?
The DI aims to be an "Employer of Choice" and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of those who rely on our services. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every work we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who share this commitment.
Our Culture
Our values form the cornerstone of our culture:
RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others
COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities
KINDNESS: We accept each person’s uniqueness with compassion and empathy
WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing
ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments.
What we Offer
Staff at the DI enjoy competitive compensation packages, including employer-paid benefits depending on role and employment type.
Some of the employer-paid group benefits include:
Vacation days
Sick days
Wellness days
Extended Health & Dental coverage
Employer Matching RRSP Program
Homewood EFAP
Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Employees will be enrolled in Long-Term Disability and Critical Illness insurance, paid for by the employee. This is mandatory and may not be opted out of.
Benefits are based on employment type and usually available on the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, People & Culture will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.
Vulnerable Sector Check
A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is require prior to resumption at the DI.
Alberta Living Wage Employer
The DI is an Alberta Living Wage Employer. This means we are committed to paying our employees a living wage that allows them to meet their basic needs and participate in their communities. A living wage is different from minimum wage in that minimum wage is mandatory and the same throughout the province while a living wage reflects what people need to cover the actual costs of living in their communities. Payment of a living wage is a voluntary commitment from employers to go beyond the minimum. Visit https://livingwagealberta.ca/living-wage/ to learn more about the living wage.
The DI is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to and support equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to People@thedi.ca.
