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: Hourly
Reports To: Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care Position Type: Casual
Direct Reports: N/A Schedule: As needed
Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Peer Support Worker works in the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients in various stages of their recovery journey. 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 Peer Support Worker will work with a multidisciplinary team and be responsible for client intake into the program(s), client engagement, while also contributing to case conferences, crisis intervention, supporting referrals, client transportation, client recreeation activities, and facilitating peer-based individual and group activities. The Peer Support Worker has lived experience and is able to translate their lived experience into skills and an ability to support others on a similar journey.
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. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Utilize your own experiences for client engagement and to assist clients with accessing services and support.
- Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions.
- Provide individual and group peer support for clients experiencing mental health concerns, addictions and/or homelessness.
- Support clients in reaching goals as outlined in their care plans.
- Facilitate peer-based groups, outing and recreation activities.
- Provide program orientations to new clients and assist with intake procedure, as required.
- Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention.
- Support client intakes to the program.
- Support with client transports to appointments or discharge destinations.
- Work together with clients to ensure completion of daily tasks and chores.
- Monitor common area spaces and support with wellness checks.
- Complete documentation in a professional and timely manner including maintaining relevant logs and entries in the DI database.
- Participate in team meetings, multidisciplinary rounds, case conferences and ongoing professional development.
- Complete light cleaning and organizing duties within the program.
Required Competencies and Qualifications
- Personal experience with a substance use disorder and/or homelessness is required. Two or more years of personal recovery required.
- 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. A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean Driver’s Abstract considered an asset. Proof of each required (if applicable).
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
- Grade 12 diploma an asset (equivalent experience in the human services field may be considered). Proof of completion required (if applicable).
- Completion of a recognized Peer Support program an asset (e.g. Canadian Mental Health Association’s School of Peer Support course).
- Two years related experience (volunteer or paid) an asset, preferably in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness.
- Previous experience in a peer support role in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness an asset.
- Ability to utilize own lived experience to support other individuals’ recovery journeys.
- 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.
- 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 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]