Addiction Support Worker (Assist Shift Supervisor)

Calgary Homeless Foundation; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking an Addiction Support Worker for its Shelter program. This full-time role involves direct client interaction, crisis management, and fostering a safe environment for individuals battling addiction. Applicants should have a background in Human Services and a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, paired with crisis management skills. Opportunities for leadership training are also available.

Benefits

Medical Benefits after six months

Personal Development and training opportunities

Meaningful work supporting vulnerable populations

Qualifications

• Experience with vulnerable populations.
• Understanding of addictions and mental health issues.
• Ability to manage crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Complete admissions and discharges for clients.
• Monitor clients' safety and well-being.
• Assist clients with personal care needs.

Skills

Crisis management

Problem solving

Rapport-building

Communication

Compassion

Empathy

Teamwork

Education

Minimum two-year program related to Human Services

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Type: Term Assignment until September 1, 2025 - Full-Time (3 days on and 3 days off, 7am-7pm)

Pay: $54,634 per annum

About the Role

As an Addiction Support Worker, you are front-line, working as part of a team, interacting directly with our clients in our shelter, the majority of which are homeless and under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. The primary responsibility is to ensure that client's needs are assessed and met appropriately, while clients are visiting our shelter.

As an Assist, you will be given the opportunity to train in a Shift Supervisor capacity to develop your leadership skills and gain further experience.

• Completes admissions and discharges of individuals, including those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Monitors clients' safety and well-being, ensuring their withdrawal symptoms are being monitored appropriately, and getting support when needed
• Provide one on one support to clients who need extra care and attention, including assisting with showering
• Monitor the outside of the building, conducting rounds and picking and/or sweeping up garbage around the building; and if necessary, with the help of a team member, assist clients that are sleeping in proximity to the building inside or find a safe place for them
• Monitor the line-ups, assessing high intox clients and bring them into shelter first, physically assisting them if needed
• Attends to crisis situations (i.e. seizures, disagreements, overdoses) both inside and outside focusing on defusing situations before they escalate
• Interacts with other addiction agencies and community members, community services including police and EMS
• Completing daily and nightly chores, including cleaning and laundry
• Following established protocols, required to ensure bodily fluids are properly cleaned up and area is disinfected.
• Provides clients with information regarding treatment options, and makes referrals as required
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (MSDS, OH&S, WHMIS etc.), which includes assisting in maintaining cleanliness of the building both inside and
• Support other programs in the agency as needed, by working a shift in PSH, Outreach or Detox/Stabilization

About You

We are looking for an experienced Addiction Support Worker to join our Shelter program. The ideal candidate would have the following:

• A minimum two-year program related to Human Services, from a Public Post Secondary Educational Institution, or in progress towards one
• Front line experience working with vulnerable populations and a desire to work with people socially disadvantaged.
• Role modelling Alpha House’s value’s and be a positive ambassador when interacting with the public, partners and businesses
  
• An understanding of addictions including: withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma informed-care, crisis management and crisis counseling, and impact of mental health issues.
• Must be tolerant, non-judgmental with a high degree of compassion and empathy towards the homeless and those struggling with addictions and or mental health
• Proven crisis management, problem solving skills, rapport-building and advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate showing respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintain confidentiality of clients
• A well-developed sense of diplomacy, including conflict resolution, de-escalation and people management skills
• Team player with strong written and oral English communication skills
• Have ethically responsible practices with staff and clients alike including a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care Act
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook
  

Position Requirements

• Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID
  
• Class 5 (Non GDL) driver license
  
• Be able to physically assist clients from prone to sitting or standing, and vice versa
  
• Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that does not contain any results material to the position

About Alpha House:

Alpha House is dedicated to providing safe, caring, and respectful environments for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve, offering comprehensive support and resources to help individuals on their journey to recovery and stability.

Benefits of working at Alpha House

• Meaningful work supporting vulnerable populations
• Medical Benefits after six months of continuous work
• Personal Development and training opportunities

If this role sounds like something you are interested in, we urge you to apply.