Senior Advisor, Learning & Development

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 Senior Manager, Learning and Development, the Senior Learning Advisor is responsible for service delivery of a variety of training programs in addition to promoting and supporting professionalism throughout the Agency. The Senior Learning Advisor plays a critical role in shaping the organization's training and development initiatives. This position is responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating training programs that align with organizational goals while fostering a culture of continuous learning. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in instructional design, facilitation, and adult education, ensuring that employees at all levels receive effective and engaging training.

Time Commitment

40 hours per week. 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

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on training strategies, facilitation techniques, and learning methodologies.
• Support the design, development, and implementation of diverse training programs.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to assess organizational training needs.
• Develop and implement standardized training procedures, offering coaching as required.
• Facilitate training sessions for new hires and existing employees to meet agency objectives.
• Assist teams in executing training processes, setting expectations, and ensuring compliance.
•  Oversee training initiatives related to health and safety regulations and best practices.
• Identify and address training-related challenges, including employee conflicts, procedural gaps, and scheduling issues.
• Manage administrative duties and occasional physical tasks related to training setup.
• Ensure staff meet required training standards by coordinating with other departments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education, Human Resources, Instructional Design, or a related field. A certification in Adult Education from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of five years in workforce training, adult education, or learning and development.
• Technical Proficiency: Must have strong experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate), reporting software, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Facilitation & Presentation Skills: Excellent ability to engage and inspire learners, ensuring training sessions are interactive and impactful.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and external partners.
• Resilience & Crisis Management: Experience working in high-stress environments, including emergency response situations, with the ability to remain calm and focused.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to assess situations, make sound decisions, and apply strategic thinking to training initiatives.
• Knowledge of Community Resources: Familiarity with social support systems and available community resources in Calgary.
• Certifications (Preferred): Instructor certifications in Standard and Emergency First Aid Level C and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
• Commitment to Ethical Standards: High level of integrity, professionalism, and alignment with the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Eager to learn new systems, adopt best practices, and improve training programs continuously.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Willingness to work in environments that may involve industry-specific risks.
• 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)