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 Job Category: Hourly
Reports To: Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care Position Type: Casual
Direct Reports: None Schedule: As needed
Indirect Reports: None Location: Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Recovery Care Worker 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 Recovery Care Worker will work with a multidisciplinary team to support client intakes, discharge planning, completing assessments, treatment planning, case management, goal setting and facilitating group recovery-oriented programming. Employing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach, the Recovery Care Worker will provide a range of interventions and services that work with clients towards building Recovery & Social Capital, while achieving their recovery goals.
Time Commitment
Being a member of the Recovery Care Worker Pool is vital to ensure staffing schedule requirements are met to achieve successful operations of Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs.
To remain a key member of the RCW Relief Pool, you must secure a minimum of 3 shifts per month.
This includes planned and unplanned absences like shift coverage for vacation, sick-time and other absences. Relief staff are scheduled on an as needed basis and that may include day, afternoon and/or night shifts. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Support with client triage, intake, assessments, and discharge processes
- Take a lead role in the Intake process when clients are admitted to either the Withdrawal Management or Recovery Transition programs, including but not limited to thorough searches for contraband, assistance with hygiene tasks, orientation to programs and review of client expectations upon admission
- Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention
- Maintain an active presence on the unit, monitor common areas and support with wellness checks
- Provide support with daily tasks like light cleaning, laundry, and meal services
- Connect and refer clients to recovery-oriented and/or community services and programs
- Support with systems navigation (e.g. health benefits, income supports)
- Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions
- Support group recreation activities and programming on related recovery topics, when required
- Support with health promotion and education
- Participate in data collection and program evaluation
- Participate in team meetings, rounds, case conferences and ongoing professional development
- Respond to crisis and emergency situations
- Complete assessments, case notes, client logs and other documentation in a professional and timely manner in the DI database (Guestbook), Electronic Medical Record (Telus CHR), and My Recovery Plan (MRP).
Required Competencies and Qualifications
- Completion of Diploma or Degree in any of the following: Human services, Community Support, Social Service Work, Addiction Studies, or a Health-Related discipline. Proof of completion required.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
- 1-2 years of relevant work experience an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field and/or the homeless serving system of care.
- Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or greater years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.
- Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations is an asset, which may include emergency response.
- 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.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously.
- Must be accepting of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids.
- This position may include driving clients within the city limits, within regular working hours. The successful candidate must hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a clean Driver’s Abstract. Proof of both required.
- A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.
Working Conditions
Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally impactful 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 word 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 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 required prior to resumption at the DI.
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]