Peer Support Worker - ROSC (Contract)

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, 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 recreation 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 4 days on and 4 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 and or post-secondary education in human, addictions and/or mental health, or health discipline an asset.  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). Proof of completion required (if applicable). 
• 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

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)