About Us
The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (“the DI”) is a low-barrier, housing-focused shelter that serves some of the city’s most vulnerable people. At the DI, we focus on providing a person’s basic needs, while doing everything possible to find them a permanent, safe home that meets their individual needs. There is no greater contribution you can make to another person’s path of recovery and wellness than an ongoing, consistent, positive relationship of respect and kindness. The DI works within the core values of housing first, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction to support staff and guests.

Department: Emergency Shelter Job Category: Salaried
Reports To: Coordinator, Emergency Shelter Position Type: Full Time
Direct Reports: None Schedule: Nights: 9PM – 7AM
Indirect Reports: None Location: Main Building

Position Summary
Reporting to the Coordinator, or acting Coordinator, the role of an ESW is to ensure the safety of all clients in the building. This is through both structured procedures and general interaction with the clients. Every client of the DI should be actively working toward the goal of housing; and an ESW should assist the clients in achieving this goal. You will assist in assessing the needs of each individual client and collaborate with other ESW’s, Case Management, Diversion, Supportive Housing and the Medical team. All interactions with clients will be done in a trauma informed manner and a client centered approach. The ESW role is a rotating role. Meaning, all ESWs must be able to work in all areas of the facility at anytime during a shift.
Time Commitment
40 hours per rotation. 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

• ESW’s will conduct themselves in a professional manner with dealing with clients, members of the community, volunteers, emergency services and staff of the DI
• All interactions with clients will be trauma informed
• All interactions with clients will be client centered and driven
• Engage clients in conversations regarding housing and achieve the goal of obtaining housing
• Assist clients with their individual housing plan
• Maintain a presence in the building and clearly communicate the guidelines of the centre to clients, members of the community, volunteers, emergency services and staff of the DI
• Perform duties as outlined in the procedure manuals or assigned by the Coordinator
• Some, but not all may include
• Cleaning duties
• Laundry duties
• General wellness checks
• Specific location checks
• Assist in on job training with new ESW’s
• Actively participate in all required training
• Provide frontline support, training and coaching to assist the Emergency Shelter Workers in performing their duties effectively
• Communicate issues such as health and safety, staffing, client and public concerns with Coordinator
• To be engaged and present on the floor to assist clients, volunteers’ and staff who need assistance and to help provide a safe environment for all
• Provide input on existing or future programs at the DI
• Communicate with the medical team regarding clients’ health and distribution of medicine
• Assist with meal time to ensure the process runs smoothly
• Delegate various duties to staff and volunteers
• Perform other related duties as required

Administrative

• Complete and maintain logs and progression details on the DI data base
• Assist clients with completing the Program Assessment Questionnaire
• Review previous logs and progression details
• Maintain and record data as required for the position
• Some, but not all may include
• Completion of client sign-in logs to specific areas
• Communicate absenteeism within the guidelines of the DI sick policy

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Accountability
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Excellent Analytical Skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, both, written and verbal
• Excellent professional boundaries
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Completion of (or working towards) a college or university program in any of the following; human services, community support, social service work, psychology, sociology, addictions or health-related discipline is considered an asset
• Previous work experience in a social service environment is a definite asset
• A combination of education/practical experience may be considered
• Knowledge of community resources for homelessness, health, mental health and substance use
• Understanding of the needs of marginalized adults and homelessness issues
• Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response
• Strong customer service orientation would be ideal
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• Proficient use of computers, Microsoft Office and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery; proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016
• 2-way radio communication
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency

Working Conditions

Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur.
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, Human Resources 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 [email protected].