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: Health & Recovery Services: Recovery Oriented System of Care Job Category: Salary
Reports To: Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care Position Type: Permanent 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week)
Direct Reports: N/A Shift: Day Shift (0700-1700 hours)
Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Intake 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 Intake Nurse utilizes skills and knowledge to assess and triage individuals requesting admission 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 Intake 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
40 hours per rotation with 4 days on and 3 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arises.
Hours are generally 0700-1700, either Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday, however the schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Triage incoming referrals to the Withdrawal Management Program from all sources and assess all clients that present at the time of Intake to determine eligibility and priority for admission to the program.
- Assist with the admission process by documenting assessments and collaborating with the multidisciplinary care team within the Withdrawal Management program.
- Assist with 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. Proof of completion required.
- 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. Copies 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.
- Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or more years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.
- Experience in acute care, Advance Wound Care certification, 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
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].
