Security - Nights (Contract)

About Us

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.

Department: Security

Position Type: Full Time Contract

Schedule: 4 On/4 Off, 7PM – 7AM (Nights)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Security Coordinator, Safety Ambassadors are essential to the operation of the emergency shelter. Working in collaboration with all department’s safety ambassadors are required to monitor and respond to any security and safety concerns in an engaging, trauma-informed, individual-centered approach. The Safety Ambassador will conduct themselves in a professional manner and work within the core principles of the DI; low-barrier, housing-focused shelter, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, individual-centered, housing first, shelter procedures and governing legislation.

Time Commitment

48 hours per rotation. This position is the night shift from 7 pm to 7 am, with a rotational schedule of 4 days on and 4 days off depending on staffing needs.

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

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Engage clients in conversations regarding housing and achieve the goal of obtaining housing
• Collaborate and maintain relationships with community partners like, but not limited to, Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire Department
• To be engaged and present on assigned floors to assist clients, volunteers, and staff who need assistance and to help provide a safe environment for all
• Maintain a presence in the building and clearly communicate the guidelines of the centre to clients, members of the community, volunteers, emergency services and staff of the DI
• To provide assistance to guests, volunteers, donors and members of the community at the main office and direct them to the appropriate services
• Monitoring premises, guests, community members, volunteers and staff via CCTV to ensure everyone has a safe and dignified living and working environment
• Patrol of the premises assigned to.
• Preparing for shift change by relating any information to help assist the oncoming staff
• Dealing with enquiries from staff, clients, and public
• Responding to any security issues within the facility and the surrounding outside grounds
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Alberta Security License is MANDATORY
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Completion of a college or university program in any of the following; human services, police sciences, criminology or other related programs is a definite asset
• Previous work experience or background in military or law enforcement may replace formal education requirements
• Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response
• Experience in the human services field would be an asset
• Experience with CCTV, access control systems and fire response systems is an asset
• Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time
• Resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused when dealing with a high volume of volatile and stressful situations
• The ability to make sound rational decisions based on information provided and employ critical thinking where information may not be clear
• Strong strategically-focused analytical skills, good common sense; and capacity to provide leadership
• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Resourcefulness and knowledge of community resources and social support systems
• High morals, ethics and integrity
• 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 genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.

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.

• 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 require 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. Visit https://livingwagealberta.ca/living-wage/ to learn more about the living wage.
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 [emailprotected].