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.
Department: Health & Recovery Services: Recovery Oriented System of Care Job Category: Salary
Reports To: Supervisor, Recovery Oriented System of Care Position Type: Permanent 1.05 FTE
Direct Reports: None Schedule: Day shift (0700-1900) 4 on/4 off rotation
Indirect Reports: None Location: Main Building
Position Summary
The Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) includes both the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transitions programs, providing a continuum of support for individuals at various stages of withdrawal, stabilization, and recovery.
Reporting to the Supervisor, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Recovery Engagement Worker (REW) works within the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients in various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social supports to guests 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 Recovery Engagement Worker (REW) is a core member of the ROSC multidisciplinary team. REWs support guests in their recovery journey through compassionate engagement, structured programming, consistent presence, and trauma informed relational practice.
This role balances day to day operational responsibilities with therapeutic, recovery oriented support. REWs help guests build recovery capital and social capital, connect them with appropriate services, assist with assessments and goal setting, support safety and stabilization, and foster a calm, recovery positive environment.
REWs may bring lived experience, formal education, relevant work experience, or a combination thereof. At least one pathway is required (lived experience or appropriate credentials), though both are an asset.
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
Guest Engagement & Recovery Support
- Build trusting, respectful, trauma informed relationships with guests.
- Provide empathetic support to guests experiencing emotional distress, withdrawal (non clinical), or behavioural escalation.
- Assist guests in identifying strengths, setting goals, and developing personalized recovery and wellness plans.
- Support guests in building both recovery capital (skills, resources, coping strategies) and social capital (healthy relationships, positive community connections).
- Facilitate or co facilitate recovery oriented groups, life skills activities, and recreational programming that supports stabilization and wellness.
- Promote harm reduction, health education, and trauma informed strategies.
Intake, Assessments & Transition Support
- Conduct guest intake, triage, orientation, and expectation reviews.
- Complete assessments and evaluations using standardized tools, including but not limited to:
- My Recovery Plan (MRP) intake and discharge assessments
- Suicide risk assessments
- Additional structured tools as implemented by the program
- Assist with stabilization processes such as hygiene support, contraband checks, and safety assessments.
- Participate in case conferences, multidisciplinary rounds, and coordinated planning.
- Support transitions by facilitating referrals, warm hand offs, and care coordination with treatment and community partners.
Facilitation & Support of Transportation and Community Outings
- Coordinate or assist with planning transportation for guests attending community appointments or program sanctioned outings.
- Accompany guests into the community, using public transit or other approved means of travel (REWs do not drive guests).
- Support safe, respectful participation during outings and community based activities.
Program Operations
- Maintain a visible, active presence on the unit; support regular wellness and safety checks for guests.
- Assist with daily operations including light cleaning, laundry, meal services, room checks, and unit organization.
- Support crisis response using established safety and de escalation protocols.
- Contribute to a calm, respectful, culturally humble, recovery oriented environment.
Documentation & Communication
- Complete accurate, timely documentation in Guestbook, My Recovery Plan, and other systems as required.
- Communicate respectfully and professionally with guests, colleagues, leadership, and community partners.
- Participate in data collection and program evaluation activities.
Professionalism & Team Collaboration
- Model emotional resilience, professionalism, compassion, and healthy boundaries.
- Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for the diverse experiences of guests and colleagues.
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Participate in meetings, training, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development.
- Uphold DI’s core values: Respect, Community, Kindness, Wellness, and Accountability.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet at least one of the following (both preferred):
1. Lived Experience Pathway
Applicants must have:
- Lived experience with substance use and recovery, with a minimum of 2 years of sobriety/recovery, AND/OR lived experience with homelessness.
- The ability to use lived experience in a professional, grounded, and ethical manner.
OR
2. Education/Credentials Pathway
Applicants must have:
- A certificate, diploma, degree, or equivalent formal training in Human Services, Addictions, Social Work, Health, Community Support, Psychology, or other related fields.
Desired Qualifications
These are not required but strengthen an application:
- Relevant work experience in recovery, shelter, mental health, addictions, or homelessness serving environments.
- Additional training or certifications in trauma informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, suicide risk assessment, or related approaches.
- Experience facilitating groups, workshops, recreational programming, or community based supports.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication, rapport building, and de escalation abilities.
- Ability to support guests experiencing trauma, withdrawal, emotional distress, or instability.
- Knowledge of Calgary based recovery, housing, and community resources (asset).
- High emotional resilience, calmness under pressure, and self awareness.
- Strong organizational skills and capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Comfort with light cleaning duties and standard shelter industry health considerations.
- Basic computer literacy.
Other Requirements
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (dated within 6 months).
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)
- On-Site Parking
Employees will be enrolled in Long-Term Disability and Critical Illness insurance, paid for by the employee. This is mandatory and may not be opted out of.
Benefits are based on employment type and usually available on the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, People & Culture will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.
Vulnerable Sector Check
A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is require prior to resumption at the DI.
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
[email protected].
