Coordinated Entry Program - Relief Staff

Work location: On-site at SORCe/Journey Church Day Space in Tuscany

Hours of work and conditions:

• Relief staff are called in as needed and may be asked to work at either service site depending on coverage needs.
• Shifts occur primarily during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, but may occasionally include other times based on service demand.
• Work is conducted in dynamic, fast-paced environments with potential exposure to challenging behaviours or crisis situations.
• Training in universal precautions and specialized service delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addictions.
• Collaborative work with site staff, volunteers, and external partners.

What We Offer

• A supportive, mission-driven workplace where you can grow, take on new challenges, and collaborate with colleagues that value integrity, hard work, and making a meaningful community impact.
• Employee and Family Assistance program with access to a virtual health platform.

Who We Are

For over 50 years, Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta by providing 24-hour crisis support, information, and resources at no cost. Distress Centre does not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.

We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where people are valued and where employees experience a sense of belonging and are confident to be their best and most authentic selves. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and members of equity-deserving groups. We value all the ways that our community is diverse – in identity, experience and perspective.

Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) delivers the Coordinated Entry Program (CEP) at Journey Church Day Space, providing intake, assessment, and referral services that connect participants to housing and other essential supports. CEP staff focus on system navigation and coordinated service delivery, including applications, referrals, and follow-up.

About SORCe and Distress Centre Programs: Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) delivers the Coordinated Entry Program (CEP) within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary service environment. CEP provides housing assessment, system navigation, and coordinated referrals, connecting individuals and families to housing, income, health, justice, and community supports. Staff work collaboratively across programs and partner agencies to respond to complex needs, facilitate warm transfers, and support continuity of care beyond initial intake.

What to Expect

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Relief Frontline Staff to provide critical, on-call support to individuals at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. This role will focus on system navigation, CAA housing strategist work, or participant engagement and triage, depending on the shift and site need. Relief staff contribute to a safe, welcoming, and responsive service environment by engaging participants, assessing immediate needs, providing essential resource referrals, and maintaining lobby flow and safety.

This is a relief position supporting two in-person service locations:

• SORCe (Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre)
• Journey Church Day Space in Tuscany

What You’ll Do

This list highlights core responsibilities and is not exhaustive. Additional related duties may arise over time and will be discussed and supported by your supervisor.

Participant Engagement, Triage, and Lobby Support (as needed)

• Welcome individuals into the space using an assertive engagement and trauma-informed approach.
• Monitor participant flow, manage lobby activity, and implement safety protocols as required.
• Conduct brief assessments to determine urgency, provide crisis support, and de-escalate behaviours.
• Respond to critical incidents such as drug poisonings or medical distress, following site-specific protocols.

System Navigation & Resource Support (as needed)

• Serve as the first point of contact to assess needs and connect participants to appropriate services.
• Support completion of applications and referrals related to housing, income supports, ID, and other basic needs.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in the HMIS database, with participant awareness and consent.

CAA Housing Strategist (as needed)

• Administer standardized housing assessments per Coordinated Access policies.
• Educate participants and partners on CHF-funded supportive housing and triage processes.
• Record and update data in CHF’s participant database; develop and support individualized housing plans.
• Maintain contact with participants and liaise with housing programs to ensure warm hand-offs and updates on placement status.
• Provide collateral information for housing referrals and conduct targeted outreach (e.g., health or justice settings, virtual assessments).

Collaborative & Operational Support

• Work collaboratively with partner agencies across service sites (e.g., SORCe, Journey Church).

• Maintain organized, shared service environments and support operational readiness.

• Participate in cross-training, onboarding, and team coverage as needed.

• All program staff share responsibility for portions of the participant flow

• Training and Mentoring (as needed)

• The Distress Centre takes on practicum students year-round. Where required, assist with the supervision, training, and development of practicum students.

What You Bring

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or undergraduate degree in a human services field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis assessment, intervention, and de-escalation in high-pressure or unpredictable environments.
• Experience working with individuals facing complex barriers including homelessness, addiction, mental health, and/or domestic violence.
• Familiarity with housing-focused service delivery and system navigation practices.
• Strong knowledge of local community resources within and beyond the homeless-serving system.
• Knowledge and experience with Indigenous cultures, supporting Indigenous individuals and communities, and navigating social services for Indigenous peoples is an asset.
• Knowledge of homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal communication skills; able to build trust with diverse individuals.
• Highly adaptable, with strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable navigating technology and database systems (e.g., Microsoft Office, HMIS).
• Able to remain calm, professional, and responsive during crisis or challenging interactions.
• Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and universal precautions.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through ADP.

Distress Centre is an inclusive workplace. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know – we’re happy to support you. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.