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 Job Category: Salary
Reports To: Supervisor, Urban Response Position Type: Contract
Direct Reports: None Schedule: 0800-1800 hrs 4 on/4 off
Indirect Reports: None Location: Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Supervisor, Urban Response Programs, the Medication Safety Assistant (MSA) is a key member of the multidisciplinary team responsible for supporting medication safety, accuracy, and coordination across programs.
This role is primarily administrative and focuses on medication documentation, reconciliation, and coordination with pharmacy partners and healthcare providers. The Medication Safety Assistant ensures that medication records are accurate, up to date, and communicated effectively to support safe administration by regulated clinical staff.
The MSA plays a critical role in reducing medication-related risk by maintaining structured systems, identifying discrepancies, and supporting continuity of care for guests with complex needs.
Time Commitment
40 hours per rotation with 4 days on and 4 days off. 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
Medication Coordination & Safety
- Receive, review, and process daily medication deliveries from partner pharmacy
- Ensure completeness and accuracy of medications received against corresponding documentation (e.g., MAR, pharmacy records)
- Reconcile medications and identify discrepancies; escalate concerns promptly to appropriate clinical staff
- Organize, label, and store medications safely in accordance with program procedures
- Track and manage discontinued medications and remove from inventory as required
- Monitor and document missed doses and communicate trends or concerns to the care team
Documentation & Transcription
- Accurately transcribe physician orders from EMR to Medication Administration Records (MAR) (transitioning to eMAR as applicable)
- Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation of medication changes, updates, and communications
- Ensure all medication records are consistent across systems and reflect active orders
- Support audit readiness through organized and complete documentation practices
Pharmacy & Provider Coordination
- Manage incoming prescriptions from external healthcare providers
- Coordinate with partner pharmacy to ensure prescriptions are complete and processed accurately
- Facilitate medication transfers between pharmacies as required
- Communicate effectively with pharmacy teams and healthcare providers to resolve discrepancies or clarify orders
Administrative & Program Support
- Assist with guest applications for Income Support and medical benefits, as appropriate
- Support overall clinic inventory, including tracking and ordering supplies
- Complete additional Medical Office Assistant (MOA) tasks as required to support clinic operations
- Contribute to efficient workflow and organization within the health services environment
Communication & Team Collaboration
- Communicate effectively with LPNs, physicians, pharmacy partners, and interdisciplinary team members
- Escalate medication discrepancies or concerns in a timely and professional manner
- Participate in team meetings, huddles, and process improvement initiatives
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times
Professionalism & Accountability
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Maintain organized systems and manage competing priorities effectively
- Engage in ongoing learning related to medication processes, documentation standards, and safety practices
- Uphold DI’s core values: Respect, Community, Kindness, Wellness, and Accountability
Required Qualifications
Post-secondary certificate or diploma in one of the following:
- Medical Office Assistant (preferred)
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Unit Clerk / Health Unit Clerk
Minimum 1–2 years' experience in:
- Clinical, pharmacy, or community health setting
- Medication documentation or coordination
Demonstrated knowledge of:
- Medical terminology
- Medication naming conventions (brand and generic)
- Clinical documentation standards
Desired Qualifications
These are not required but strengthen an application:
- Experience working with MAR or electronic MAR systems
- Familiarity with EMRs
- Experience in community health, shelter, or recovery-oriented environments
- Knowledge of Income Support, Alberta Human Services drug benefit programs and Non-Insured Health Benefits coverage
- Experience with medication reconciliation processes
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to identify discrepancies and follow escalation processes
- Clear, professional communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to work independently within defined scope
- Comfort working in fast-paced, high-volume environments
- Basic to intermediate computer proficiency
Other Requirements
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (dated within 6 months).
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)
- On-Site Parking
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].
