Coordinated Entry

**_Coordinated Entry Program - Casual Staff_**

**_ Contract to March 31, 2025_**

**About SORCe**

The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre, or SORCe, is multi-agency collaborative that connects people experiencing or at risk homelessness and/or those with complex barriers such as mental or physical vulnerabilities, or socio-economic need, to programs and services that can help to address their needs. As a partner in the SORCe collaborative, Distress Centre Calgary operates the CAA Housing Strategist program, 211 Information & Referrals program, and Financial Empowerment program at SORCe. In addition, Distress Centre Calgary coordinates the SORCe Client Engagement Specialist role.

**About Distress Centre Calgary**
- For over 50 years Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta, providing 24-hour crisis support, information, and resources at no cost. Distress Centre does not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.**_
What to expect in the role:_**

**Job overview**
- We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Frontline Casual Staff members to join our team, providing critical support to individuals at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. As a frontline casual staff member, you will play a pivotal role in offering initial engagement, triage to services, system navigation, resource referral, lobby management, and the provision of basic needs. Your assertive engagement and trauma-informed approach will contribute to the well-being and stability of those accessing services, providing a safe space for them to access essential services and resources.**Primary Duties**
- This is not an exhaustive list of duties, but meant to give you a sense of what you’ll be doing on a regular basis. Other related duties may be required.Intake, Engagement, Triage and Lobby Management (50%)- Facilitate the flow of program participants through engagement & triage staff in accordance with policies. Monitor the lobby, optimizing flow, identify potential risks, and implement safety and security procedures as necessary.
- Conduct initial assessments to identify immediate needs and level of urgency, determining appropriate interventions.
- Skillfully de-escalate participant behavior when required; offer crisis support to individuals entering the space in distressed states, and, if possible, address triggering needs safely.
- Rapidly respond to opioid poisoning incidents within the centre and nearby areas, adhering to policy and procedures.
- System Navigation and Resource Specialist (50%)- Warmly greet, establish rapport, and foster trust with people seeking support, both at the participant window and within the lobby.
- Proactively manage expectations for wait times.
- Maintain HMIS database integrity by creating/updating participant profiles, recording visit details, and ensuring participant awareness of and consent to SORCe’s data sharing policy.
- Utilize extensive knowledge of resources at SORCe and in the community to assist participants in addressing their distinct needs.
- SORCe General (as needed)- Collaborate and coordinate with all agencies at SORCe, as well as the Crossroads Collaborative, in the effective delivery of collaborative programs and services.

**Hours of work and conditions**
- A minimum of 4 shifts (28 hours) per month is required and general work hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:30pm with a one-hour lunch break.
- Working in a fast-paced environment requiring de-escalation skills and an ability to respond to crisis.

**Lines of communication/Accountability**
- Reports to the Team Lead at SORCe
- Works closely with other members of the SORCe team

**_ What you bring to the role:_**

**Qualifications/Experience**
- Undergraduate degree or a diploma in the human service field. Commensurate education and experience may be considered.
- In depth understanding and demonstrated experience in crisis assessment and intervention.
- Demonstrated experience working with highly complex individuals and the ability to maintain composure under pressure.
- Demonstrated experience working in an unpredictable and typically fast paced environment with competing priorities.
- Knowledge of and/or experience working with homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and/or mental health.
- Knowledge of community resources both within and outside of the homelessness system of care.
- Demonstrated experience working effectively in a team environment and independently.
- Experience working with individuals and families in crisis or experiencing homelessness would be an asset.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Knowledge of and/or ability to learn participant data management systems.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the delivery of homelessness support services.Knowledge and experience with Indigenous culture, supporting Indigenous people, and social services for Indigenous people is an asset
- Valid Alberta driver’s license with acc