Address
Form of work
SalaryThe 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 Services Job Category: Salary
Reports To: Team Lead, ROSC Position Type: Full-Time (0.65 FTE)
Direct Reports: N/A Schedule: Saturday 7am-7pm, Tuesday 4pm-10pm, Wednesday 3pm-11pm
Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to Team Lead, ROSC, the Peer Support Worker works in the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients on various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social supports to clients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms. 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 works in a multidisciplinary team and is involved in client engagement, case conferences, crisis intervention, supporting with referrals, client transports, 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
26 hours per rotation with 3 days on and 4 days off, prioritizing afternoons and evenings. 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 own experiences for client engagement and to assist clients with accessing services and supports
- 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
- Lived experience of a substance use concern
- Grade 12 diploma (equivalent experience in the human services field may be considered)
- 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) 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 clean, valid class 5 driver’s license (must be at least 25 years of age) and a willingness to transport clients with agency vehicles considered an asset but not required
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.
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)
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.
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 hr@thedi.ca
