Recovery Engagement Worker

Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI)•Calgary, AB

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Recovery‑Oriented System of Care (ROSC) includes both the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transitions programs, providing a continuum of support for individuals at various stages of withdrawal, stabilization, and recovery. Reporting to the Supervisor, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Recovery Engagement Worker (REW) works within the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients in various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social supports to guests experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms while the Recovery Transition program provides temporary housing and supports to individuals who are no longer in an acute withdrawal phase and are working towards stabilization and other recovery-oriented goals. The Recovery Engagement Worker (REW) is a core member of the ROSC multidisciplinary team. REWs support guests in their recovery journey through compassionate engagement, structured programming, consistent presence, and trauma‑informed relational practice. This role balances day‑to‑day operational responsibilities with therapeutic, recovery‑oriented support. REWs help guests build recovery capital and social capital, connect them with appropriate services, assist with assessments and goal setting, support safety and stabilization, and foster a calm, recovery‑positive environment. REWs may bring lived experience, formal education, relevant work experience, or a combination thereof. At least one pathway is required (lived experience or appropriate credentials), though both are an asset.

Requirements

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.
A certificate, diploma, degree, or equivalent formal training in Human Services, Addictions, Social Work, Health, Community Support, Psychology, or other related fields.
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (dated within 6 months).
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.
Strong organizational skills and capacity to manage multiple priorities.
Comfort with light cleaning duties and standard shelter‑industry health considerations.
Basic computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Build trusting, respectful, trauma‑informed relationships with guests.
Provide empathetic support to guests experiencing emotional distress, withdrawal (non‑clinical), or behavioural escalation.
Assist guests in identifying strengths, setting goals, and developing personalized recovery and wellness plans.
Support guests in building both recovery capital (skills, resources, coping strategies) and social capital (healthy relationships, positive community connections).
Facilitate or co‑facilitate recovery‑oriented groups, life‑skills activities, and recreational programming that supports stabilization and wellness.
Promote harm reduction, health education, and trauma‑informed strategies.
Conduct guest intake, triage, orientation, and expectation reviews.
Complete assessments and evaluations using standardized tools, including but not limited to: My Recovery Plan (MRP) intake and discharge assessments, Suicide risk assessments, Additional structured tools as implemented by the program.
Assist with stabilization processes such as hygiene support, contraband checks, and safety assessments.
Participate in case conferences, multidisciplinary rounds, and coordinated planning.
Support transitions by facilitating referrals, warm hand‑offs, and care coordination with treatment and community partners.
Coordinate or assist with planning transportation for guests attending community appointments or program‑sanctioned outings.
Accompany guests into the community, using public transit or other approved means of travel (REWs do not drive guests).
Support safe, respectful participation during outings and community‑based activities.
Maintain a visible, active presence on the unit; support regular wellness and safety checks for guests.
Assist with daily operations including light cleaning, laundry, meal services, room checks, and unit organization.
Support crisis response using established safety and de‑escalation protocols.
Contribute to a calm, respectful, culturally humble, recovery‑oriented environment.
Complete accurate, timely documentation in Guestbook, My Recovery Plan, and other systems as required.
Communicate respectfully and professionally with guests, colleagues, leadership, and community partners.
Participate in data collection and program evaluation activities.
Model emotional resilience, professionalism, compassion, and healthy boundaries.
Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for the diverse experiences of guests and colleagues.
Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Participate in meetings, training, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development.
Uphold DI’s core values: Respect, Community, Kindness, Wellness, and Accountability.