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:

Health & Recovery Services: Recovery Oriented System of Care Job Category: Salary

Reports To:

Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care Position Type: Permanent 0.75 FTE (30 hours/week)

Direct Reports:

N/A Shift: Day Shift; 10-hour shifts (0600-1600 hours)

Indirect Reports:

N/A Location: Main building



Position Summary

Reporting to the Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Licensed Practical Nurse 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 Licensed Practical Nurse utilizes skills and knowledge to assess and care for individuals newly admitted to the Withdrawal Management program within the Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC). This position will also take an active role in the initiation of discharge planning, system navigation and referral support, and bed management within both the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transitions programs. The Licensed Practical Nurse is an integral part of the integrated ROSC team and will aid with direct day-to-day client care, as well as nursing care, within the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transitions program.

Time Commitment

30 hours per rotation with 3 days on and 4 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arises.

Hours are generally 0600-1600, either Sunday to Tuesday or Thursday to Saturday, however the schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Assess incoming new patients to the Withdrawal Management Program upon arrival and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including Recovery Care Workers, Peer Support Workers, Registered Social Workers, and Physicians, to determine a recovery-oriented and client-specific treatment plan. Assist with the admission process by documenting assessments and collaborating with the multidisciplinary care team within the Withdrawal Management program. Assist with other Licensed Practical Nurse and Recovery Care Worker duties, when time allows (including, but not limited to, housekeeping duties, direct client care, medication administration, client assessments, case management and discharge planning, client programming activities, and administrative tasks). Discuss treatment goals and desired outcomes with clients after the acute withdrawal phase has ended so that a discharge plan can be initiated. If clients express interest in continuing their recovery journey, work with them to apply for treatment centres or other appropriate discharge destinations. Coordinate services with other team members both within the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs, and the Emergency Shelter, as well as community partners according to policies, procedures, and established standards. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, client rounds and ongoing professional development. Participate in formal and informal health teaching including preventative health concepts concerning Hepatitis A, B, C and HIV, condom usage, nutrition, STBBI's, basic sanitation, personal hygiene, post-op, and pre-natal care. Ensure all required data is entered accurately into organizational databases including the DI Guestbook Database, and client Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and referrals provided in accordance to DI policy and professional nursing standards. Conduct assessments, initiatives, and implement health management strategies; provide appropriate evaluation, follow-up, and modifications to care plans according to practice protocols; assist with the delivery of disease management and health promotion; implement strategies for improving the quality and provision of care. Perform other related tasks that are approved by the designated Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, Manager, Health & Recovery Services, and the Directors of the DI.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

Completion of an accredited two-year Practical Nursing diploma. Registration with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Proof of registration, in good standing with no restrictions or conditions, required. Valid Professional Liability Insurance. Proof of coverage required. Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check - dated within the last 6 months. Copy required. Current CPR - BLS. Proof of certification required. 1-2 years nursing experience is an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field, and/or the homeless servicing system of care. Experience in detox/withdrawal management, acute care, inpatient settings, and/or mental health experience are all considered assets but not mandatory. Have at minimum a working understanding of Trauma Informed Care. Strong knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of addiction, homelessness, mental health and acute medical concerns, and able to maintain active learning on emerging evidence and best practices. 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. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve projects, programs, and processes. Excellent communications skills, both oral and written. Computer skills including familiarity with word processing, database, and Internet. 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.