Safety Ambassador – Lived Experience

Safety Ambassador – Lived Experience Coordinated Entry Program - SORCe   Start date:  immediate   Location & Hours: Work location:  On-site  Hours:  35 hours/week; 8:30AM-4:30PM with a one-hour lunch break Working in a fast-paced crisis environment requires de-escalation skills.  This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. What We Offer:  Vacation starting at 3 weeks Extended health and dental benefits  RRSP matching and Health Spending Account Access to on-site gym at no cost Paid development days and a staff development fund A supportive, mission-driven workplace making a real community impact   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. About SORCe and Distress Centre Programs  Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) delivers the Coordinated Entry Program (CEP) providing intake, assessment, and referral services that connect participants to housing and other essential supports. CEP staff focus on system navigation and service delivery, including applications, referrals, and follow-up. What to Expect:  The Safety Ambassador reports to a Coordinated Entry Program Team Lead and helps create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for people accessing the space, maintaining a visible presence inside and around the site to promote safety and de-escalate conflict. The role builds relationships with participants, neighboring businesses, and community members to connect people to supports, encourage service access, and contribute to a positive experience in and around the space. By fostering trust, dignity, and belonging, the Safety Ambassador supports individuals toward housing stability, wellness, and personal goals. Key Outcomes  Support a safe and respectful environment inside and around the space, contributing to a positive experience for all individuals accessing services.  Build trusting relationships with participants through consistent, respectful engagement that fosters connection and comfort accessing services.  Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable accessing supports.  Support individuals to connect with appropriate programs, services, or community resources, including when SORCe may not be the right fit.  Apply a trauma-informed approach to interactions, helping to prevent and de-escalate conflict.  Collaborate with community partners, including local police, mental health teams, and nearby businesses, to support coordinated responses, shared understanding, and a positive community presence   What You’ll Do:   Creating a safe & Welcoming environment Foster a space where everyone feels safe, welcome, and respected. Maintain a calm, visible presence to support a positive and inclusive environment. Use respectful, trauma-informed approaches to respond to situations where individuals may be in distress or conflict.   Safety and Security Monitor the interior and exterior of the space to support the safety of participants, staff, and volunteers. Conduct regular safety checks, including building walkthroughs at the start and end of each shift. Identify and communicate potential risks or hazards to the leadership team in a timely manner. Document incidents in accordance with program protocols. Support general operational tasks that contribute to the safety and flow of the space. Participant Engagement & Support Build rapport with participants through respectful, person-centered interactions.  Engage individuals both inside and outside the space, encouraging connection to available services and supports.  Provide information about community resources and available programs.  Support access to basic needs items (e.g., food, clothing, hygiene) as appropriate.  Participate in team learning and reflective practices, including training related to trauma-informed care, Indigenous ways of knowing, and community-informed approaches. Conflict Prevention & De-Escalation Use trauma-informed and non-violent de-escalation techniques to respond to tension or conflict.  Act as a steady, consistent presence for participants, helping to build trust over time.  Support early intervention to reduce escalation and maintain a respectful shared space. Provide calm and supportive assistance during medical or health-related situations, responding in a trauma-informed manner and connecting with appropriate staff or emergency supports as needed.   Key Capabilities for Success Demonstrated emotional resilience and the ability to stay grounded, compassionate, and professional when supporting individuals facing complex challenges such as housing instability, mental health and addiction, and financial hardship.  Comfortable working in a fast-paced, unpredictable frontline environment, with the ability to assess situations quickly, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain personal and team safety.  Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills, with a readiness to engage respectfully with diverse communities, including newcomers and individuals experiencing crisis, while managing stress and maintaining healthy boundaries.    What You Bring:   Qualifications & Experience Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training Program is required (or a willingness to complete this training upon hire).   Direct experience with housing instability, homelessness, or navigating support systems is essential and highly valued.   Minimum two years’ experience (work or volunteer) supporting diverse and marginalized populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness.   Experience in group facilitation, or participant engagement is preferred.   Training in crisis intervention is an asset, or willingness to complete relevant training upon hire is necessary.   Knowledge of or experience with Indigenous culture, supporting Indigenous individuals, and related social services is an asset.   Knowledge of or willingness to learn participant data management systems.   Willingness to share one’s personal experiences to support others in their recovery journey Skills & Abilities Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.   Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.   Adaptable communication to suit different audiences and learning styles.   Flexibility to address unexpected changes, including technological or logistical challenges.   Proficiency or ability to learn Microsoft Office and other relevant program software.    Awareness of universal precautions and readiness to complete specialized training applicable to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, or addictions.   Experience working with a multi-disciplinary team is an asset   Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.   Familiarity with Calgary’s community resources and the SORCe collaborative is an asset. How to Apply Please submit your resume and cover letter through our Career Centre.  Distress Centre is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact   hr@distresscentre.com   – we’re happy to support you. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.