Diversion Worker Contract

About Us

At the Calgary DropIn 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 lowbarrier traumainformed housingfocused and recoveryoriented aimed at supporting Calgarys most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open.

Department:

Diversion

Job Category:

Salary

Reports To:

Diversion Coordinator

Position Type:

Full Time Contract

Direct Reports:

N/A

Schedule:

40 hour per week 5 on/2 off

Indirect Reports:

N/A

Location:

Main Building

Position Summary

Reporting to the Diversion Coordinator the role of the Diversion Worker is to actively engage new clients to assess risk and needs to assist them in exiting emergency shelter as quickly as possible. This individual will provide appropriate assessments program information and services within The DI and make appropriate referrals when clients needs cannot be met. Knowledgeable collaborate empathetic and client centered describe the characteristics of this individual.

Diversion Workers may carry a case load of new clients experiencing homelessness that may require diversion services. The Diversion Worker will follow the activities outlined in the Theory of Change to achieve their ultimate outcome of helping clients achieve independence.

Diversion Workers coordinate services for clients who need permanent housing health care financial help or job training. Diversion Workers will elicit compassion for people in difficult circumstances; actively and constructively listen; apply creative solutions to clients problems; manage time effectively; resolve conflicts through effective negotiation as well as other means and is comfortable and able to use technology and engage with community partners in order to build social capital for people who find themselves temporarily in needs of services.

Time Commitment

This is a contract position. 40 hours per rotation with 5 days on and 2 days off. 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

• Conducts oneself in a professional manner when dealing with members of the community clients volunteers and other staff. Cooperates in dealing with emergency services and other staff (i.e. CPS The DOAP team CTS EMS).
• Works collaboratively with community partners to shorten the length of time people spend in emergency shelter.
• Completes VISPDAT and housing plan with new clients and develops a case plan to help them leave the emergency shelter as quickly as possible into independence.
• Has a teamoriented mindset to ensure that seamless service is provided as needed with the recognition that the overall goal will only be achieved through collaboration and collective input by internal and external partners
• May carry a case load of clients that will review case planning to help achieve independent housing.
• Engages clients with conversation and address questions or concerns and provides clients with the appropriate advice.
• Acts respectfully and offers help to staff and clients while following building policy and procedure as outlined in the PPM and by building supervisors.
• Communicates effectively with other shifts and rotations to address any issues or concerns of the day.
• Attends training sessions as scheduled by Manager
• Completes and maintains log recordkeeping in the DI database documents interactions with clients and maintains statistical data. This includes properly using biometrics to keep an accurate number of clients seen on a daily basis.
• Provides related reports as required.
• Reviews email logs and communications and takes appropriate course of action.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Manager.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Displays compassion as a primary trait
• Experience in the Human Services field is preferred
• Completion of a postsecondary program (bachelors degree or diploma) in human services community support worker social service worker or healthrelated discipline is 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 or similar role may replace formal education requirements
• Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously
• Energetic and selfdirected with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time
• Strong strategically focused analytical skills good common sense; and capacity to provide leadership
• Welldeveloped interpersonal conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Strong problemsolving skills and the ability to improve projects programs and processes
• Excellent communications skills both verbal and written
• Proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016
• Demonstrate essential desktop troubleshooting skills
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• A clean valid drivers license would be a definiteasset
• Must be acceptable of industry risks including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• 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 highstress situations that require resilience compassion and composure. At the DI we are deeply committed to the wellbeing 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 wellbeing 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. Its about making a difference one person at a time.

Although the DI is a smokefree 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 persons 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 ourcommitments.

What we Offer

Staff at the DI enjoy competitive compensation packages including employerpaid benefits depending on role and employment type.

Some of the employerpaid 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)