Primary Care Paramedic - Days

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. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Team Lead, Urban Response, the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) works in the Dynamic Overdose Response (DOR) Program, one of two programs within the Urban Response services in the Health & Recovery Services department. This program supports clients utilizing Emergency Shelter services that are in various stages of their housing and recovery journeys. The DOR Program provides emergency response and short-term medical observation to individuals who have recently experienced a medical emergency and require additional medical support or intervention.
The Primary Care Paramedic will perform tasks related to emergency response, applying various standard assessment tools, symptom management, wound care, documentation, health promotion, referrals to internal and external resources, mental health and crisis intervention and other tasks as assigned by the Team Lead. 

Time Commitment

48 hours per rotation with 4 days on and 4 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arise. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Perform delegated independent primary care paramedic functions within the scope of practice as determined by Alberta College of Paramedics and the DI within the individual PCP competence level, as observed by the Team Lead(s) and/or other Health & Recovery Services Leadership team.
• Assist with other frontline staff duties, when time allows.
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision.
• Participates in formal and informal health teaching including preventative health concepts concerning condom usage, nutrition, basic sanitation, personal hygiene.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (SDS, OH&S, WHMIS).
• Organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete assignments within established time frames.
• Provide culturally aware support to DI clients, celebrating the diversity of clients and being aware of power dynamics of privilege and oppression that may be present.
• Ensure all required data is entered accurately into organizational databases including the DI Guestbook Database, and client Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and referrals provided in accordance with DI policy and professional paramedical standards.
• Develop and maintain collaborative and accountable working relations with internal DI colleagues to strengthen communication flow and cross-program understanding.
• Provide caring, reliable, trauma-informed care to all patients & clients accessing the DI to reduce barriers to service and increase community trust.
• Conduct appropriate assessments, initiatives and provide appropriate evaluation, follow-up, and modifications to care plans according to practice protocols; assist with the delivery of disease management and health promotion; implement strategies for improving the quality and provision of care.
• Coordinate services with other team members and community resources according to policies, procedures, and established standards.
• Perform other related tasks that are approved by the designated Team Lead, Manager, and the Directors of the DI.

Required Competencies and Qualifications 

• Completion of an accredited Primary Care Paramedic program. Proof of completion required.
• Registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics. Proof of registration, in good standing with no restrictions or conditions, required.
• Valid Professional Liability Insurance. Proof of coverage required.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Current CPR – BLS or willingness to obtain within probationary period. Proof of certification required within 90 days of employment. 
• 1-2 years of paramedic experience is an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field, and/or the homeless servicing system of care.
• 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. 
• Have at minimum a working understanding of Trauma Informed Care.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of addiction, homelessness, mental health and acute medical concerns, and able to maintain active learning on emerging evidence and best practices. 
• 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.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve projects, programs, and processes.
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written.
• Computer skills including familiarity with word processing, electronic medical records (EMRs), and Internet.
• 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)