Recovery Engagement Worker

Duties and Responsibilities

Guest Engagement & Recovery Support 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. Intake, Assessments & Transition Support 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. Facilitation & Support of Transportation and Community Outings 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. Program Operations 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. Documentation & Communication 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. Professionalism & Team Collaboration 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. Required Qualifications Applicants must meet at least one of the following (both preferred): 1. Lived Experience Pathway Applicants must have: 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 2. Education/Credentials Pathway Applicants must have: A certificate, diploma, degree, or equivalent formal training in Human Services, Addictions, Social Work, Health, Community Support, Psychology, or other related fields. Desired Qualifications These are not required but strengthen an application: 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. Skills & Competencies Strong communication, rapport‑building, and de‑escalation abilities. Ability to support guests experiencing trauma, withdrawal, emotional distress, or instability. Knowledge of Calgary‑based recovery, housing, and community resources (asset). 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. Other Requirements Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (dated within 6 months). 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 high-stress situations that require resilience, compassion, and composure. At the DI we are deeply committed to the well-being 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 well-being, 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. It’s about making a difference – one person at a time. 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

Vacation days Sick days Wellness days Extended Health & Dental coverage Employer Matching RRSP Program Homewood EFAP Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) On-Site Parking 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, People & Culture will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.

Vulnerable Sector Check

A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is require prior to resumption at the DI.

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 People@thedi.ca.

Registered Nurse (Emergency)