Volunteer Engagement

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 Coordinator, Community Engagement, the Specialist, Volunteer Engagement is responsible for full cycle volunteer management. This role will be responsible for supporting volunteers (individual, corporate & groups) for the Calgary Drop-In Centre Emergency Shelter and Donation Centre, providing administrative support, and supporting other Strategy, Impact and Engagement (SI&E) projects as required. The Specialist, Volunteer Engagement, with oversight from the SI&E leadership team, ensures “Best practices” in volunteer management is achieved.

Time Commitment

Not less than 40 hours per rotation; with 5 days on (Tuesday to Saturday) and 2 days off (Sunday and Monday). Regular business hours for this role are 11:00am to 7:00pm. These hours may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruit and schedule volunteers based on the needs of the agency, match volunteer skills with available opportunities and coordinate volunteer work schedules as needed.
• Supervise and coach volunteers, monitor volunteer performance
• Represent the agency to community organizations to meet program and organizational objectives, including promoting interest, participation, and support for the program.
• Conduct volunteer orientation sessions and briefings.
• Assist in the planning of annual donor/volunteer recognition event
• Be the first point of contact for Shelter volunteers
• Responsible for ensuring volunteers are informed and follow policies including having follow up conversations as required
• Participate, as required with the Engagement team in fund-raising activities such as third- party events
• Participate in meetings as required for teams, special projects and agency initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and activities
• Provide administrative support to the SI&E team when required
• Promptly respond to volunteer inquiries

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or diploma in volunteer management or a related field is preferred
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• 1 years’ experience in community engagement and/or volunteer management is preferred
• Proven skills and experience managing relationships
• Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with multiple priorities at the same time
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016
• Ability to work with databases such as Raiser’s Edge and Galaxy Digital
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• Must demonstrate initiative and ability to work in a team environment
• 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

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)