Job Description

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:

Housing Job Category: Salary

Reports To:

Coordinator, Housing Support Position Type: Contract

Direct Reports:

N/A Schedule: 5 days on/2 days off

Indirect Reports:

N/A Location: Main Building



Position Summary

Reporting to the Coordinator, Housing Support Workers work alongside shelter guests to create and support strategies to exit people's time in homelessness. Housing Support Workers coordinate services for clients to find safe and appropriate housing based on the unique needs of shelter guests. The Housing Support Worker has the ability to: elicit compassion for people in difficult circumstances; triage competing priorities; actively and constructively listen; apply creative solutions to guests' problems; use an assertive engagement approach in practice; manage time effectively; use motivational interviewing; foster trust and relationship build; resolve conflicts through effective negotiation as well as other means; and is comfortable and able to use technology proficiently. They manage their time effectively, balancing accountability to office hours in the Housing Hub, outreach, and completing documentation referrals and associated paperwork.

You are a self-starter, enthusiastic and a team player. You are a champion of harm reduction, trauma informed care, and the housing first model. You have strong interpersonal skills, strong strategically focused analytical skills and capacity to offer both community and housing resources.

Time Commitment

40 hours per rotation with 5 days on and 2 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborative Planning

Develops a comprehensive guest-driven housing plan?that meets the unique needs of shelter guests through creative engagement strategies, motivational interviewing and trauma informed care Be accountable to scheduled Housing Hub hours to support guests on a drop-in basis Foster strong relationships with shelter guests in accordance with DI Values Monitors progress towards goals in regularly scheduled sessions?with Coordinator Support clients to resolve barriers such as but not limited to; Taxes, ID (lack of), Income Support applications, Low Income Transit Passes, and Housing applications Understand and implement the Principles of Housing First Evaluates and adjusts housing plans based on persons' served goals, needs and housing

availability

Build collaborative relationships with community stakeholders Provide advocacy and collateral to housing providers through the Calgary Homeless Foundation Coordinated Access and Assessment table Support guests with a diverse set of needs with an assertive engagement approach to meet their needs Work collaboratively with Diversion and Health Services teams to establish strong continuity of care and accountability to the housing plan Provide effective outreach and attend appointments to provide advocacy for clients Attend case load review meetings with the Program Coordinator to discuss successes, opportunities, and challenges

Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintains guest files that includes logs, progress towards goals, engagement attempts and documentation of any incidents and observations Maintain Housing Plan Management Report critical incidents according to policy Collects data necessary to meet funding requirements and statistical reports Completes daily or weekly reports as per the request of the Program Coordinator and/or the Senior Manager of Housing

Community Partnerships

Must attend community meetings or committees as required by the Program Coordinator Learn and disseminate knowledge of community programs that will help guests achieve independence Assist in landlord mediation as required Embodying and promoting the values, mission, and standards of the organization.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

Completion of a post-secondary program (bachelor's degree or diploma) in human services, community support worker, social service worker, or health-related discipline is preferred Previous work experience in a social service environment or similar role may replace formal education requirement Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check - dated within the last 6 months. Copy required. Three to five years' experience working in the homeless serving sector is preferred A clean, valid class 5 driver's license (must be at least 25 years of age) and a willingness to transport clients with agency vehicles is preferred Must provide Criminal Record Check Exceptional communication skills, a strong sense of ethics, and the ability to build positive relationships with guests, stakeholders, and colleagues. Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response. Keen eye for detail and a penchant for accuracy Experience working in a shift work environment preferred Volunteer or work experience in the community with high risk and vulnerable populations. Strong customer service orientation would be ideal Resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused when dealing with a high volume of volatile and stressful situations. The ability to make sound rational decisions based on information provided and employ critical thinking where information may not be clear. Resourcefulness and knowledge of community resources and social support systems High morals, ethics, and integrity Knowledge of community resources available throughout Calgary. Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time Strong strategically focused analytical skills, good common sense; and capacity to provide leadership Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve projects, programs, and processes Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written Proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016 Demonstrate essential desktop troubleshooting skills Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids 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.