Recovery Engagement Worker - Relief

Join Our Mission at the Calgary Drop-In Centre

At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we’re looking for passionate, community-minded people who know that kindness can change lives.

Whether you’re helping guests find housing, supporting their recovery journey, or keeping our operations running strong, your work here truly matters. Every role at the DI is about creating possibilities for others, and for yourself.

Who We Are

The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI) is a low-barrier, housing-focused organization serving some of Calgary’s most vulnerable community members.

We believe everyone deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. Every day, our team meets people where they’re at — offering basic needs, compassion, and connection while helping them move toward stable, permanent housing.

Our work is guided by the principles of housing first, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practice. But above all, we’re guided by people — their stories, their strengths, and their potential.

When you join the DI, you’re joining a team built on respect, collaboration, and heart.

The Opportunity

Position Title: Recovery Engagement Worker
Reports To: Health & Recovery Services Leadership
Employment Type: Casual
Schedule: As Relief staff, you will help support staffing coverage for vacations, sick leave, and other absences. Relief shifts are assigned on an as-needed basis, offering flexibility while supporting the needs of the organization.

Location: 1 Dermot Baldwin Way SE, Calgary, Alberta

About the Department

Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) is comprised of two programs: Withdrawal Management (WDM) and Recovery Transition (RT). Both programs are located within our main emergency shelter building.

WDM provides short-term support for guests withdrawing from substances. Medical supports, including nurses and physicians, monitor and manage withdrawals with a focus on safety, dignity, and community-based care. WDM supports guests to identify the next step in their recovery journeys, based on guests’ needs and goals. This may include connecting to internal DI programs or referrals to community treatment centers.

RT is a transitional program designed for guests who have completed a detoxification program – whether within ROSC or in the community – and are waiting for admission to a community treatment center. A robust team supports guests with building recovery capital, enhancing coping mechanisms, connecting with housing, and working towards recovery goals.

What You’ll Do

Every role at the DI makes a difference. In this position, you will:

• Inspire trust and connection by building respectful, trauma-informed relationships with guests, while confidently providing compassionate support and de-escalation during times of emotional distress, non-clinical withdrawal, and behavioural challenges.
• Empower guests to discover their strengths, set meaningful goals, and create personalized recovery and wellness plans while building the skills, resources, resilience, and community connections needed to support long-term recovery, independence, and overall well-being.
• Create engaging opportunities for growth by facilitating recovery-oriented groups, life skills development, and recreational programming that builds confidence, encourages connection, and fosters overall well-being.
• Guide guests through intake, triage, orientation, and assessments to identify needs, set expectations, and support successful recovery outcomes.
• Drive collaborative care planning by participating in case conferences and multidisciplinary rounds, while supporting successful guest transitions through proactive referrals, warm handoffs, and community partnerships.
• Facilitate safe and successful community engagement by arranging transportation, supporting access to essential services, and accompanying guests to appointments and program activities.
• Be a visible and trusted presence on the unit, promoting safety, wellness, and stability through meaningful guest engagement, responsive crisis support, and active participation in the daily operations that create a positive recovery environment.

What You Bring

We know that great people come from all kinds of backgrounds. You don’t have to check every single box! If you’re passionate about helping others and share our values, we want to hear from you.

What we need from you

• Applicants must meet at least one of the following (both preferred):
  • Lived experience with substance use and recovery, with a minimum of 2 years of sobriety/recovery, AND/OR lived experience with homelessness.
  • The ability to use lived experience in a professional, grounded, and ethical manner.

OR

• • A certificate, diploma, degree, or equivalent formal training in Human Services, Addictions, Social Work, Health, Community Support, Psychology, or other related fields.
• Strong communication, rapport‑building, and de‑escalation abilities.
• Ability to support guests experiencing trauma, withdrawal, emotional distress, or instability.
• High emotional resilience, calmness under pressure, and self‑awareness.
• Comfort with light cleaning duties and standard shelter‑industry health considerations.
• Basic computer literacy
• Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C (or A) certification required within 30 days of start.
• Ability to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.

Nice to Have’s

• Relevant work experience in recovery, shelter, mental health, addictions, or homelessness‑serving environments.
• Additional training or certifications in trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, suicide risk assessment, or related approaches.
• Experience facilitating groups, workshops, recreational programming, or community‑based supports.
• Knowledge of Calgary‑based recovery, housing, and community resources.

Working at the DI

Working at the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI) means being part of meaningful, human-centered work that can sometimes involve complex and emotionally charged situations. You may encounter individuals experiencing crisis, distress, or strong emotions, and situations that require calm, quick thinking, and compassion under pressure.

We know this work can be intense and we also know it’s deeply impactful. That’s why we prioritize staff wellbeing through training, peer and supervisory support, debriefing opportunities, and a strong culture of teamwork. Our environment calls for resilience and steadiness, but it also offers the reward of seeing real change and connection every day. Some roles may also involve occasional exposure to medical distress or bodily fluids, and safety protocols and resources are always in place to support you.

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in taking care of our people so they can take care of others. Our total rewards package includes:

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Employer-matching RRSP program
• Paid vacation, sick, and wellness days
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (Homewood EFAP)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Benefits typically begin on the first of the month following your start date, and our P&C team will ensure you have clear information and support from day one.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Joining the DI means joining a community that believes in people and their capacity, resilience, and worth. You’ll have the chance to:

• Make a tangible difference in people’s lives every single day
• Work with a team that values respect, compassion, and authenticity
• Collaborate with dedicated professionals and community partners
• Be part of an organization that encourages growth, wellbeing, and innovation

You’ll play a key role in supporting an integrated, person-centered approach that promotes wellbeing, dignity, and connection for every individual we serve. At the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI), our team members help create safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed spaces where people can access the support they need to move toward stability and housing. In every interaction, you’ll contribute to high-quality, compassionate service that reflects the shared mission, vision, and values of the DI.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI), we believe inclusion, compassion, and respect make us stronger as an organization and as a community. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact [email protected] and we’ll be happy to support you.

Ready to Apply?

If this opportunity sounds like the right fit, we’d love to meet you.

Please apply with your resume and cover letter here.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about working at the DI, please visit our website here.