Peer Support Worker - Urban Response (Part-Time)

PEER SUPPORT WORKER

About Us

The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (“the DI”) is a low-barrier, housing-focused shelter that serves some of the city’s most vulnerable people. At the DI, we focus on providing a person’s basic needs, while doing everything possible to find them a permanent, safe home that meets their individual needs. There is no greater contribution you can make to another person’s path of recovery and wellness than an ongoing, consistent, positive relationship of respect and kindness. The DI works within the core values of housing first, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction to support staff and guests.

Position Summary

Reporting to Health Services Leadership, the Peer Support Worker works in the Urban Response program. The Urban Response program works with individuals at high risk for drug poisoning and who require increased staff monitoring. A separate high observation area within the program provides space for individuals in an active state of sedation, monitored by health professionals. The Peer Support Worker works in a multidisciplinary team to provide client-centred, wraparound supports. The Peer Support Worker is involved in client monitoring, client engagement, crisis intervention and making connections to other systems, internally and externally. 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

16 hours per rotation with 2 days on and 5 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

• Support with overdose response as directed
• Assist colleagues in other Urban Response programs as well as Emergency Shelter programs as required
• Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions
• Assist with special events and support external service providers within the Health Services department
• Utilize own experiences for client engagement and to assist clients with accessing services an supports
• Light cleaning and tidying
• Share knowledge of internal and external supports and services with clients and collagues,
• Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention
• Complete documentation in a professional and timely manner including maintaining relevant logs and entries in the DI database
• Provide resources and referrals for ongoing client care
• Monitor common area, sleeping areas, washrooms and support with wellness checks
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences and ongoing professional development
• Other duties as assigned by Team Lead, or other members of Leadership team
• Support with client transports to appointments or accompany individuals into the community as assigned by Team Lead
• Support clients in reaching goals as required, in collaboration with broader Care Team

Required Competencies And Qualifications

• Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• Grade 12 diploma (equivalent experience in the human services field may be considered)
• Ability to utilize own lived experience to support other individuals’ recovery journeys
• Knowledge of community resources available throughout Calgary
• Ability to maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries
• Two years related experience (volunteer or paid) 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
• Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously
• Lived experience of a substance use concern
• Completion of a recognized Peer Support program an asset (e.g. Canadian Mental Health Association’s School of Peer Support course)
• Excellent de-escalation and crisis intervention skills
• Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response
• Comfortable working with clients who are actively under the influence of alcohol or other substances

Working Conditions

Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur.

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 word 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:

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Sick days
• Wellness days
• Vacation days
• Employer Matching RRSP Program
• Homewood EFAP
• Extended Health & Dental coverage

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 the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, Human Resources will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.

Alberta Living Wage Employer

The DI is an Alberta Living Wage Employer. This means we are committed to paying our employees a living wage that allows them to meet their basic needs and participate in their communities. A living wage is different from minimum wage in that minimum wage is mandatory and the same throughout the province while a living wage reflects what people need to cover the actual costs of living in their communities. Payment of a living wage is a voluntary commitment from employers to go beyond the minimum. Visit to learn more about the living wage.

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]

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