Receptionist

Receptionist

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

Onsite at our 999-8st SW location, our Receptionist is often the first person someone encounters when they arrive, and that moment matters. This role is about more than answering phones or managing bookings; it's about creating a space where every visitor, caller, and team member feels seen, heard, and supported.

As our Receptionist, you'll be the friendly face and calm voice that helps guide individuals through moments of uncertainty. You'll provide clear, compassionate information, maintain a welcoming environment, and ensure smooth administrative operations. Your presence plays a vital role in the experience of those we serve and our community members, helping them feel safe and cared for from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.

This is a role for someone who values connection, understands the power of kindness, and thrives in a space where empathy meets efficiency.

Key Outcomes:

• Every visitor feels seen and welcomed: Individuals arriving onsite are greeted with warmth and professionalism, helping to ease anxiety and foster trust from the very first interaction.
• Staff are supported through reliable administrative coordination: Internal teams benefit from timely, thoughtful assistance that helps the Centre run smoothly and stay focused on client care.
• Efficient Office Flow: Administrative tasks are completed with attention to detail, contributing to a well-organized, responsive workplace that supports the broader team.
• Reliable First Point of Contact: Staff and community members/partners consistently experience prompt, professional, and compassionate interactions.
• Emotional Presence: The Receptionist brings calm, empathy, and steadiness to the front desk, helping to ease tension and foster a sense of belonging.
• Boundaries of the role are clearly upheld. The Receptionist confidently redirects crisis or referral inquiries to the appropriate teams, ensuring callers receive the most appropriate help while maintaining the integrity of the role.

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.

Reception Duties:

• Promptly and courteously answers, screens and directs calls o the appropriate individual or program
• Greets and directs clients and visitors professionally and promptly
• Collects, sorts and distributes office mail on a daily basis
• Maintain records of all outgoing mail including postage cost
• Coordinates office courier services
• Checks for faxes on a daily basis
• Maintains, updates and distributes general office documents (contact lists, phone lists, reception manual)
• Completes procurement processes for office and kitchen supplies as requested by organizational leadership.
• Assists in general upkeep of office workrooms, meeting rooms and office equipment
• Opens and closes front reception area and ensures it is kept tidy and professional in appearance
• Assists with set up and preparation of meeting rooms and technology as required
• Contributes to maintaining clean and safe work environment
• Adheres to and promotes adherence to agency policy and values
• Maintain up-to-date and relevant information on SharePoint site pages.
• Manage and track Axiom V access card system, process, assign and reclaim access cards as required
• Coordinates and initiates action to resolve office & kitchen equipment maintenance issues where appropriate
• Submits invoices for approval on a weekly basis
• Liaise with vendors and contractors regarding agency and office needs

Administrative Duties:

• Provides general overflow administrative assistance as required (labels, letters, envelopes etc.)
• Assists with office management & projects
• Assists departments with administrative tasks (updating manuals, processes, procedures, etc.) as required
• Under direction, responds to external requests for DC information by distributing pamphlets and information as requested
• Manage communication between building management/vendors and Leadership regarding maintenance and facility notices, ensuring team leads and scheduling coordinator are informed of any impacts, including remote work arrangements, so they can update staff and volunteers accordingly.
• Provide administrative support for new hire and volunteer account set-up, staff & volunteer transitions, and terminations including initiating necessary user access requests.
• Maintain up-to-date and relevant information on SharePoint site pages.

What you bring to the role:

Qualifications and Requirements

• • Diploma or undergraduate degree in Office Administration/Management or related field as well.
• 1 –2 years of related experience
• Naloxone Certification, or willingness & ability to obtain
• First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness & ability to obtain

Skills/Abilities:

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent conflict resolution skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work collaboratively, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy, and excellent time management skills.
• Ability to maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with other staff and volunteers.
• Ability to engage with people both inside and outside the agency and maintain good working relationships.
• Flexibility and the ability to think on your feet to overcome complications with technology, unexpected and last-minute changes.

• Reports to the Manager who oversees Office Administration.

• General work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:45am–5:00pm.
• This position requires on-site work.

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 and inviting 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
• A great working environment with supportive colleagues
• Opportunities for learning and mentorship, including paid development days and a staff development fund
• Extended health and dental benefits from start date
• Matching Group Savings Account
• Vacation starting at 3 weeks per year
• On-site gym