CEP - Housing & Systems Navigator

Distress Centre Calgary • Calgary, AB

11h • CA$50,000 - CA$55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) delivers the Coordinated Entry Program (CEP) at Journey Church Day Space, providing intake, assessment, and referral services that connect participants to housing and other essential supports. CEP staff focus on system navigation and coordinated service delivery, including applications, referrals, and follow-up. Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) delivers the Coordinated Entry Program (CEP) within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary service environment. CEP provides housing assessment, system navigation, and coordinated referrals, connecting individuals and families to housing, income, health, justice, and community supports. Staff work collaboratively across programs and partner agencies to respond to complex needs, facilitate warm transfers, and support continuity of care beyond initial intake.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in the human services field. Equivalent education and experience, including lived experience, will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals and families in crisis with highly complex needs.
• Knowledge of and experience delivering homelessness support services, including crisis assessment and intervention, along with strong awareness of community resources within and beyond the homelessness system of care.
• Ability to maintain composure and work effectively in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and prioritization skills; able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with participant data management systems, or ability to learn quickly, and knowledge of homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.
• Valid Alberta driver’s license with access to a vehicle for occasional outreach, and $2M liability insurance coverage.
• Ability to make decisions within defined authority, escalate appropriately, and balance operational needs with people-centered leadership.
• Ability to provide feedback and address performance concerns in a respectful, constructive manner, with clear and adaptable verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage change, unexpected issues, and shifting priorities with appropriate support.
• Proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, demonstrating strong interpersonal and cultural awareness skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and protocols, with experience integrating them into program delivery are considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Engage individuals and families through welcoming, trauma-informed conversations to understand immediate needs, goals, and priorities.
• Conduct informal screening and needs assessments to identify appropriate housing, income, health, justice, and community support pathways as well as accurately record participant interactions, referrals, and outcomes in HMIS and other systems, following confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Support participants with applications, referrals, and required documentation.
• Coordinate navigation supports for participants engaging with multiple services, promoting continuity and a cohesive service experience.
• Build and maintain rapport with participants to encourage continued engagement, follow-through, and connection to longer-term supports as appropriate.
• Collaborate with partner agencies to support integrated service delivery and effective warm transfers.
• Facilitate completion of standardized Coordinated Access Assessments in accordance with Coordinated Entry, CAA, and CHF policies and procedures.
• Educate participants and community partners about Coordinated Entry processes, CHF-funded supportive housing programs, and system pathways to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with participants to identify housing-related goals and maintain communication regarding housing referrals and opportunities, while actively participating in Coordinated Entry meetings, case conferencing, and system-level discussions to support coordinated triage and placement.
• Liaise with housing providers and system partners to support warm referrals, information-sharing, and successful transitions into housing.
• Work collaboratively with community organizations to support with eligibility screening, Housing assessment, and system navigation.
• Provide crisis support and de-escalation in collaboration with on-site partners.
• Respond to drug poisoning incidents in or near the space by following established overdose response and emergency protocols.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming space, including supporting access to basic needs supplies.
• Participate in team meetings, cross training, and planning sessions to support with coordination and continuous service delivery.
• Actively contribute to a strong, respectful partnership between Distress Centre Calgary and Journey Church by communicating openly and supporting aligned approaches to participant care and space operations.
• Engage in community to strengthen collaboration, trust, and positive relationships within the space and surrounding area.

Benefits

• Vacation starting at 3 weeks
• RRSP matching and Health Spending Account
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Access to on-site gym at no cost
• Paid development days and a staff development fund
• A supportive, mission-driven workplace where you can grow, take on new challenges, and collaborate with colleagues that value integrity, hard work, and making a meaningful community impact

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree