Job Description

Coordinated Entry Program - System Navigator & Resource Specialist

Journey Church Day Space

Start Date - Immediate

For over 50 years Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta, providing 24-hour crisis support, information, and resources at no cost. Distress Centre does not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.

About Journey Church Day Space and Distress Centre Programs:



The Journey Church Day Space in Royal Oak is a partnership-based initiative that provides individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with a safe, welcoming environment to meet immediate needs. The Day Space offers access to food, rest, hygiene, technology, and community connection, while also serving as an access point to broader system supports.



Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) delivers the Coordinated Entry Program (CEP) at the Day Space, providing intake, assessment, and referral services that connect participants to housing and other essential supports. CEP staff focus on system navigation and service delivery--including applications, referrals, and follow-up--while partner staff at the Day Space focus on basic needs and safe space supports. Together, this collaborative model ensures participants receive both immediate relief and pathways toward housing, wellness, and recovery.

Job Objective


The

System Navigator & Resource Specialist

is the first point of contact for individuals accessing the Coordinated Entry Program at the

Journey Church Day Space

.

This role actively engages participants, builds rapport, assesses needs, and provides immediate support with basic needs, information, and referrals.



Rooted in a trauma-informed and person-centred approach, the position is part of a

partnership delivery model

that balances two complementary areas of focus. Site partner staff from Journey Church primarily support

Day Space services

, ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming, and responsive to immediate needs such as food, rest, hygiene, technology, and community connection. The Coordinated Entry System Navigation team focuses on

service delivery

, including system navigation, referrals, applications, and follow-through toward wellness, recovery, and housing goals. Together, these roles work in collaboration to provide a seamless and supportive participant experience.


With strong knowledge of local resources and the ability to navigate complex systems, the System Navigator reduces barriers and supports individuals and families in moving toward housing, wellness, and overall stability.

Primary Duties

This is not an exhaustive list of duties, but meant to give you a sense of what you'll be doing on a regular basis. Other related duties may be required.



Participant Engagement and Community Space SupportWarmly greet and engage individuals accessing the Day Space, including frequent visitors who may not yet be connected to supports. Foster a safe, welcoming environment by monitoring activity, addressing risks, and applying safety procedures as needed. Support respectful use of the space by managing expectations around wait times and service availability. Provide crisis support and de-escalation using trauma-informed approaches and Distress Centre crisis intervention practices. Respond effectively to drug poisoning incidents in or near the space by following established protocols and leading or assisting in overdose response. Contribute to the upkeep of the space by helping maintain cleanliness, organization, and access to basic needs supplies.


System Navigator & Resource SpecialistAssess participant needs through conversation and informal screening, providing timely information and connections to services. Assist with referrals, applications, and navigation of housing, income support, health, and other community resources to support wellness. Build rapport with frequent visitors, encouraging engagement and connection to supports over time. Document participant interactions and updates in the HMIS database, ensuring informed consent and adherence to data-sharing policies. Provide individualized support and advocacy to reduce barriers and help participants achieve stability and wellness goals. Coordinate care for participants engaging with multiple services in the space to ensure a cohesive experience. Apply strong knowledge of community resources to guide participants in accessing the most appropriate supports.


General Shared ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with site staff, DCC staff, and volunteers at the Day Space in Tuscany to ensure a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants. Participate in community engagement activities and events that enhance participant experience and strengthen positive community connections. Contribute to a team-oriented approach by sharing tasks, promoting open communication, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. Attend team meetings, training, and collaborative planning sessions to support continuous learning and service improvement.

Hours of work and conditions

Full-time, 8-hour shifts (Monday - Friday, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM) at the Journey Church Day Space. Fast-paced environment requiring de-escalation and crisis response skills. Training in universal precautions and specialized service delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addictions. Collaborative work with site staff, volunteers, and external partners.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are representative but not all inclusive. Other related duties as required.

What you bring to the role:

Qualifications/Experience

An undergraduate degree or diploma in a human services field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Demonstrated experience in crisis assessment, intervention, and de-escalation in high-pressure or fast-paced environments. Experience working with individuals with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use, and/or domestic violence. Knowledge and experience in delivering housing-focused services and navigating homelessness support systems. Experience working both independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments with competing priorities. Strong understanding of community resources within and beyond the homeless-serving system. Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and experience supporting Indigenous individuals and communities, including navigating relevant social services. Familiarity with trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices is an asset.

Skills/Abilities:

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to diverse individuals and situations. Effective organizational and problem-solving skills; strong attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to manage time and priorities effectively. Flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges, including technology issues, participant needs, or operational changes. Ability to quickly assess situations and make informed decisions in crisis or high-stress scenarios. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate databases or case management software (e.g., HMIS). Ability to maintain professionalism and composure while supporting individuals in distress or exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Core Competencies:

Person Centred Work

- you make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.

Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork

- you build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.

Growth Mindset/Learning

- you actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.

Communication

- you clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media in a way that engages the audience and helps them to understand and inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

- we build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.

Change Management

- you maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.

Self-Management

- you take responsibility for yourself and your actions.

What Distress Centre has to offer:

Opportunity to work for an organization that's making a difference in our community A great working environment with supportive colleagues Opportunities for learning and mentorship, including paid development days and a staff development fund Competitive salary Benefits that include a matching RRSP * Vacation time starting at 3 weeks