Diversion Worker

About Us

The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (“the DI”) is a low-barrier, housing-focused shelter that serves some of the city’s most vulnerable people. At the DI, we focus on providing a person’s basic needs, while doing everything possible to find them a permanent, safe home that meets their individual needs. There is no greater contribution you can make to another person’s path of recovery and wellness than an ongoing, consistent, positive relationship of respect and kindness. The DI works within the core values of housing first, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction to support staff and guests.

Department: Diversion

Job Category:

Reports To:

Position Type: Full Time

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, collaborative, 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 need 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. Co-operates 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 VI-SPDAT 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 team-oriented 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 record-keeping 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 post-secondary program (bachelor’s degree or diploma) in human services, community support worker, social service worker, or health-related 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 self-directed, 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.
• 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.
• Proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016.
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices.
• A clean, valid driver’s license would be a definite asset.
• 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

Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur.

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:

• 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, Human Resources will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.

Vulnerable Sector Check

A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is required 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.

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 hr@thedi.ca.