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: Urban Response Program Job Category: Contract 1 Year Salary
Reports To: Supervisor, Urban Response Position Type: 1.0 FTE
Direct Reports: None Schedule: Days 0700-1500/0800-1600
Indirect Reports: None Location: Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Supervisor of Urban Response programs, alongside other Health & Recovery Services Leadership, the Mental Health & Addictions System Navigator (MH&A SN) works collaboratively with all Health & Recovery Services programs to support clients with their mental health and/or addictions needs while in Emergency Shelter.
The Mental Health & Addictions System Navigator will work with a multidisciplinary team to support client intakes, discharge planning, completing assessments, treatment planning, case management, goal setting, connection to community, and building social and/or recovery capital. Employing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach, the MH&A SN will provide a range of interventions and services that work with clients towards achieving their goals.
Time Commitment
40 hours per rotation with 5 days on and 2 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arises (ie: Weekend coverage, evening shift) Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Support with client triage, intake and assessments and discharge processes.
- Work with clients towards individualized goal-setting and co-creating and updating care plans, while assisting clients in building social and/or recovery capital.
- Work with clients in monitoring progress, adapting goals as needed and ultimately achieving their recovery goals.
- Connect and refer clients to recovery-oriented and/or community services and programs.
- Support with systems navigation (e.g. health benefits, income support).
- Work with clients towards a sustainable discharge plan.
- Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions.
- Use Motivational Interviewing skills to help clients understand and move through the Stages of Change.
- 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), and Electronic Medical Record (Telus CHR)
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for continuity of care and improve patient/client outcomes.
Required Competencies and Qualifications
- A Diploma or bachelor’s degree in a related field (for example, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work, Addictions Counselling, Human Services, etc.) preferred. Proof of completion required (if applicable).
- Two years related experience and asset, preferably in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness.
- A combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
- Recovery Coaching Certificate an asset
- This position may include driving clients to and from appointments in the community and/or attending appointments within the city limits within regular working hours. The successful candidate must hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and provide a Driver’s Abstract. Proof of each required.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
- 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.
- Comfortable working with clients who are actively under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
- Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
- Excellent de-escalation and crisis intervention skills.
- Ability to maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries.
- Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response.
- Knowledge of community resources available throughout Calgary.
- Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time.
- Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously.
- Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids.
- High resilience in a stressful working environment.
- Must demonstrate compassion with healthy boundaries as they work with vulnerable cases that has physical and mental health complexity.
- 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.
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].
