Emergency Shelter Worker

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: Emergency Shelter Job Category: Hourly

Reports To: Coordinator, Emergency Shelter Position Type: Part Time

Direct Reports: N/A Schedule: Afternoon: 5PM – 10PM

Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main Building

Position Summary

Reporting to the Coordinator, or acting Coordinator, the role of an ESW is to ensure the safety of all clients in the building. This is through both structured procedures and general interaction with the clients. Every client of the DI should be actively working toward the goal of housing; and an ESW should assist the clients in achieving this goal. You will assist in assessing the needs of each individual client and collaborate with other ESW's, Case Management, Diversion, Supportive Housing and the Medical team. All interactions with clients will be done in a trauma informed manner and a client centered approach. The ESW role is a rotating role. Meaning, all ESWs must be able to work in all areas of the facility at anytime during a shift.

Time Commitment

16 to 24 hours per rotation. 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

• ESW's will conduct themselves in a professional manner with dealing with clients, members of the community, volunteers, emergency services and staff of the DI
• All interactions with clients will be trauma informed
• All interactions with clients will be client centered and driven
• Engage clients in conversations regarding housing and achieve the goal of obtaining housing
• Assist clients with their individual housing plan
• Maintain a presence in the building and clearly communicate the guidelines of the centre to clients, members of the community, volunteers, emergency services and staff of the DI
• Perform duties as outlined in the procedure manuals or assigned by the Coordinator
• Some, but not all may include
• Cleaning duties
• Laundry duties
• General wellness checks
• Specific location checks
• Assist in on job training with new ESW's.
• Actively participate in all required training
• Provide frontline support, training and coaching to assist the Emergency Shelter Workers in performing their duties effectively.
• Communicate issues such as health and safety, staffing, client, and public concerns with Coordinator.
• To be engaged and present on the floor to assist clients, volunteers' and staff who need assistance and to help provide a safe environment for all.
• Provide input on existing or future programs at the DI.
• Communicate with the medical team regarding clients' health and distribution of medicine.
• Assist with mealtime to ensure the process runs smoothly.
• Delegate various duties to staff and volunteers
• Perform other related duties as required.

Administrative

• Complete and maintain logs and progression details on the DI data base.
• Assist clients with completing the Program Assessment Questionnaire
• Review previous logs and progression details.
• Maintain and record data as required for the position.
• Some, but not all may include;
• Completion of client sign-in logs to specific areas
• Communicate absenteeism within the guidelines of the DI sick policy.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Completion of (or working towards) a college or university program in any of the following: human services, community support, social service work, psychology, sociology, addictions or health-related discipline is considered an asset
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Previous work experience in a social service environment is a definite asset
• A combination of education/practical experience may be considered
• Knowledge of community resources for homelessness, health, mental health and substance use
• Understanding of the needs of marginalized adults and homelessness issues
• Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response
• Strong customer service orientation would be ideal
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• Proficient use of computers, Microsoft Office and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery; proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016
• 2-way radio communication
• Strong strategically-focused analytical skills, good common sense; and capacity to provide leadership
• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve projects, programs and processes
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Accountability
• Excellent Analytical Skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent professional boundaries
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Demonstrate essential desktop troubleshooting skills
• Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency

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)

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.

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