Circle Keeper

 Circle Keeper

Coordinated Entry Program

FTE Contract – November 1, July 15, 2026

About SORCe and Distress Centre Programs 

The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe) is a multi-agency collaborative that connects individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or facing complex barriers, to essential programs and services. As a backbone partner in SORCe, Distress Centre Calgary operates the Coordinated Entry Program, which includes various services such as engagement and triage, System Navigation & Referrals, CAA housing strategists, financial empowerment, Justice Navigation, and more. This program serves as the primary intake and assessment point for CHF supporting housing programs, providing information, referrals, system navigation, and community connections. Its objective is to create a meaningful, person-centered impact across the homeless-serving system of care and broader social services sector, aiming to prevent homelessness and reduce barriers to sustainable housing. 

What to expect in the role: 

Job overview  

The Circle Keeper plays a critical role in providing low-barrier, culturally appropriate services within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment. Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, this role supports healing, wellness, land-based learning, and the development and delivery of culturally informed programs. Integrating traditional teachings, practices, protocols, and ceremonies, the Circle Keeper ensures services honor the diverse ancestry of the individuals and families we serve. This role is central to fostering housing stability, supporting successful tenancies, and enhancing staff and program capacity through trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches. 

Duties  

Frontline Service Delivery (60%) 

• Facilitate Needs and Services Questionnaires (NSQs) and housing plans for Indigenous individuals and families alongside trained Housing Strategists.
• Conduct outreach and manage referrals to Indigenous family shelters, ensuring culturally appropriate support and services.
• Support Diversion, Financial Empowerment, and System Navigation services, fostering culturally sensitive exploration of housing needs and solutions.
• Integrate traditional knowledge and ways of knowing into daily program operations, providing leadership and mentorship for participants and staff.
• Design, coordinate, and lead community-building activities to foster engagement and connection among program participants.
• Provide compassionate support during times of crisis, ensuring cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
• Complete data and documentation to reflect cultural goal plans and services provided.

Staff and Program Support & Leadership (40%)

• Build and maintain relationships with local Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and ceremonial communities to support program activities and cultural engagement.
• Understand and enact protocols and ceremonial requests in collaboration with Elders.
• Assist Elders with events and participant engagement, including gathering and preparing resources for ceremonies.
• Support staff in serious incident debriefings, promoting holistic healing and equipping staff to better support participants.
• Facilitate ongoing staff training and knowledge-building, incorporating traditional ways of knowing and providing mentorship, coaching, and facilitation to enhance team capacity.
• Lead by example in integrating cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and person-centered approaches across all aspects of program delivery.
• Collaborate with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) team to support and advance inclusive initiatives across the organization.

*All program staff at SORCe share responsibility for portions of the participant flow 

• Training and Mentoring (as needed) 
• The Distress Centre takes on practicum students year-round. Where required, assist with the supervision, training, and development of practicum students. 

SORCe General (as needed) 

• Collaborate and coordinate with all agencies at SORCe and the Crossroads Collaborative to effectively deliver collaborative programs and services.   

* The duties and responsibilities outlined above are representative but not all-inclusive—other related duties as required.    

 Qualifications and Requirements   

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in the human services field. Equivalent education and experience, including lived experience, will be considered.
• Familiarity with local Indigenous languages and cultural protocols.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals and families in crisis or experiencing homelessness, particularly those with highly complex needs.
• Knowledge of and experience delivering homelessness support services, including crisis assessment and intervention.
• Knowledge of community resources within and beyond the homelessness system of care.
• Deep understanding of and connection to Indigenous cultures, traditions, and protocols, with experience integrating these into program delivery.
• Knowledge of social services and supports for Indigenous people, with lived experience or ties to Indigenous communities considered a strong asset.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and work effectively in fast-paced, unpredictable environments with competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in both team environments and independently.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Familiarity with participant data management systems or ability to learn quickly.
• Knowledge of homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.
• Valid Alberta driver's license with access to a vehicle for occasional outreach, and $2M liability insurance coverage.

Skills/Abilities:    

• Preference will be given to candidates who identify as Indigenous and bring lived experience or deep ties to Indigenous communities.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize and solve problems effectively, balancing attention to detail, accuracy, and priorities while respecting relational and community-centered approaches to time and responsibilities. 
• Adaptable communication to suit the recipient.
• Flexibility and thinking on your feet to overcome complications with technology, unexpected changes, and last minute changes.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office and other program software.

Working Conditions    

• General work hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break.
• Weekly offsite outreach work expected.
• Working in a fast-paced environment requires de-escalation skills and an ability to respond to crisis. 
• Universal precautions knowledge and ability to complete specialized training applicable to service delivery.
• Reports to the Distress Centre Director of Programs, SORCe.      

Core Competencies:  

Client/Service Centred Work: you make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.  

Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork: you build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.  

Growth Mindset/Learning: you actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.  

Communication: you clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media in a way that engages the audience and helps them to understand, invite dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: we build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.  

Change Management: you maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.  

Self-Management: you take responsibility for yourself and your actions. 

What Distress Centre has to offer: 

• Opportunity to work for an organization that's making a difference in our community  
• An excellent working environment with supportive colleagues  
• Opportunities for learning, mentorship and growth   
• Paid development days and a staff development fund   
• Great benefits package starting immediately  
• Vacation time starting at 3 weeks