Calgary Drop In & Rehab Centre

I started working at the DI after applying for a job that was posted on their website. Interview and on boarding process went well. The training was done by the AR lady and not by the Controller like was expected. 

Expectations were high and so was the workload. I was told constantly that the workload would die down but it never did. I would cut my lunches short, come in early, and stay late, but that wasn't enough to keep up with the workload. 

I ended up going on some antidepressants due to the stress of the job and eventually found an opportunity that fit my skill-set better. 

I wouldn't recommend working here. Unless things really changed over the last few years, I would avoid the place if you value your sanity. 

Pay was below market rate and their "scale" at the time allowed for pretty much no growth or desire to grow from staff. 


My duties and work conditions as an Adult Care Worker (ACW) include: Long periods standing, outside all weather conditions, client engagement and log writing, regular and various hands-on cleaning tasks; Simple care and attention to people who are lonely, tired, hungry, frustrated, or just need someone to talk to; Facilitate and supervise activities ranging from structured to unstructured programs which are intended to build up and/or maintain an individual’s life and social skill level; Provide referrals including but not limited to food and sleep programs, detox, counsellors, medical assistance, literacy programs, and work related resources to clients.

The Drop-In Centre is a great place to get front-line experience in homelessness and addictions. Management is responsive and supportive, there is staff support, and overall a positive staff culture.

Benefits are decent, however pay is not enough to support yourself, and after several years, most of that time on night shift - and after becoming a team lead, I didn't receive any pay increase at all. My pay never increased the entire time was employed at the DI. It was still a staggering $19.00/hr. Thats not much more than minimum wage.

Its not a easy job, client harassment, violence, drug overdoses, the pay isn't enough assurance to keep staff in the long run. High staff turn over and burn out is common.

I scheduled new/existing volunteer groups into different areas of the centre. I managed any cancellations or to register new volunteers coming into our system.  Throughout the day I  had to assure that all volunteers were signed into their designated areas such as kitchen, clothing room, or the common area. I worked primarily in the clothing department. I gained a lot of experience working with the public, and learned very good time management skills. I enjoyed my time working with the public, and being able to help my community at the same time.

You want a job with supportive friendly coworkers, managers that have your back and are clear and open communicators. DO NOT WORK HERE. Staff will stab you in the back, they will push you to a point where you are ready to explode. You are constantly bothered by staff and have to say no to their hundred requests a day. The staff and management are more worried about themselves then the clients they are supposed to be helping. Most toxic work place I've ever worked at. Do your self a favor and work anywhere else.

There are advantages and drawbacks to working in an organization that is still trying to identify itself and it's mission statement.
The pluses are that the room for advancement is there in several directions. 
The minuses are that you have to shift your identity within the corporate climate as it changes with the organization's growth.

What is the best part of working at the company?
great company, great team. get to serve larger Calgary  community

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
having to et all client needs met

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
great, we work together as a team, cooperative and supportive

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
9-5, helping clients and students all day

It’s a good place to work as the salary is quite competitive. The job is however tedious and you need to be able to withstand all sorts of odours and also ready to do menial jobs such as cleaning the toilets. There’s also an exposure to potentially dangerous individuals. But all that being said, if you are on the night crew and fortunate to work with the Omega team, you would find the job not so tedious

Great people, okay wages, good job security.

If you are a feeler and sensitive, you won't last very long here. It will drain you, chew you out and spit you out.

If you are heartless and cold, you may last long here: but please don't apply. These people deserve better.

The place & the staff are very friendly & welcoming. The place is well located, proximity to LRT station and the downtown. Further more, the organisation allows for autonomy in its operations which gives the staff the latitude to showcase themselves within the policy guidelines of the organization.

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