Warming Centre Support Worker

The Salvation Army; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Calgary seeks a Warming Center Support Worker to supervise activities at the Mobile Warming Station, ensuring a safe environment and supporting individuals in need. The role requires a high school diploma, specialized training in social work or addiction services, and driving experience. Responsibilities include serving meals, keeping records, and providing compassionate support to participants. This temporary position offers a full-time schedule from December to March.

Qualifications

• Must have two to three years prior related experience in a social service environment.
• Experience working with homeless individuals is essential.
• Comfortable driving larger fleet vehicles during inclement weather.

Responsibilities

• Monitor participants at the Mobile Warming Station to ensure compliance.
• Travel to various outdoor locations to support the Warming Station.
• Serve meals and manage attendance records.

Skills

Crisis management skills

Ability to work with diverse backgrounds

De-escalation skills

Trauma-Informed Care knowledge

Education

High school diploma plus specialized courses

Emergency First Aid certification

Naloxone Training

Tools

Class 5 driver’s license

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life – there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose Summary: The Warming Center Support Worker is responsible for monitoring the activities of participants using the Mobile Warming Station to ensure compliance with program rules and expectations, as well as providing a safe and clean space for all.

Accountabilities

Client/Program Support

• Work alongside Outreach Program Coordinator/Team Leads to ensure job duties are completed as needed.
• Travel to designated outdoor locations in Calgary using Salvation Army fleet vehicles and support the set up and take‑down of a temporary Mobile Warming Station structure. Driving the fleet vehicles will be a requirement.
• Welcome, record attendance and connect with participants accessing the Warming Station.
• Maintain a safe, friendly, supportive, and inviting environment.
• Work compassionately with those using the Warming Station.
• Serve and maintain supply of hot meals and refreshments to those visiting the Warming Station.
• Build meaningful and empowering rapport with clients experiencing systemic vulnerabilities and walk alongside them as they identify their immediate needs and goals.
• Effectively resolve conflicts among participants and de‑escalate situations when needed.
• Refer participants who are looking for housing and other supports to a Resource Specialist when necessary.
• Ensure participants adhere to rules and guidelines to maintain a safe environment.
• Check for contraband in the space through general observations and period check of the space.
• Maintain daily record‑keeping and reports, as required. Utilize HMIS for record‑keeping of all unique visitors of the Warming Station.
• Ensure facility both internal and external are maintained in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Regularly debrief with Team Lead on‑duty regarding program observations including best practice, continuous improvement initiatives, as well as participants personal needs and behaviour.
• Respond appropriately and effectively to emergencies.
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders such as volunteers, community partners, inter‑departmental associates.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Working Conditions

This is a temporary full‑time position (December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026). Hours of work are 37.5 hours per week and weekly schedule is Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

• Will be working in an outdoor setting where temperature and weather are subject to fluctuate.
• Works in an outdoor Mobile Warming Station structure set up as a safe, warm, and dry place for homeless adults to get temporary shelter from the cold.
• May have to deal with angry people and verbal abuse.
• Will be in contact with individuals who may present poor mental well‑being, may be in crisis, ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices.
• May experience unpleasant odours associated with participants use of alcohol and drugs, and/or lack of personal hygiene.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• High school diploma plus specialized courses in addictions, social work or working with homeless individuals.
• Current Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certification with Level A or C CPR from an Alberta approved training provider.
• Naloxone Training.
• Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
• Must have a Class 5 driver’s license and satisfactory Drivers Abstract with no restrictions. Must be comfortable driving larger fleet vehicles during inclement weather conditions. Driving is a requirement of the position. Preferred minimum 5 years of driving experience.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

Have two but less than three years prior related experience, including frontline experience in a social service environment and a solid understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness.

Skills and Capabilities

• Ability to work effectively with homeless individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards attending to the Warming Station needs.
• De‑escalation and crisis management skills.
• Skills in Trauma‑Informed Care, Mental Health First‑Aid, and Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention would be an asset.

Compensation

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.

About the company

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