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.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, the People & Culture Advisor (P & C Advisor) will be an integral part of the Agency in driving cultural change. The Advisor is responsible for the delivery of People and Culture services to both leaders and staff. This position will provide continual improvement and integrated P & C solutions in line with the DI’s strategy and values.

The People & Culture Advisor is adept at establishing strong partnerships and acting as a consultant to all levels of staff and leadership by assessing and anticipating People & Culture needs and recommending value-added solutions. They provide coaching and advisory services to both leaders and staff. The successful candidate will be an innovative People and Culture professional with a strong understanding of the importance of strategic/collaborative people practices and partnerships.

Time Commitment

This is a full-time position comprised of normal business weekday hours, however there will be requirements to be available and flexible from time to time outside normal business hours as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Culture & Employee Experience

• Contribute directly to the development of the DI’s people leaders by coaching them to excel in their people leader responsibilities

• Guide people leaders and employees on P & C policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with expected practices and behaviours for cultural alignment

• Champion a positive employee experience across the DI, through the People & Culture service delivery model, role modelling the DI values
• Reinforcethe development of a coaching culture as a way of inspiring our people and creating the best employee experience in the sector
• Facilitate learning opportunities for the People and Culture team and other stakeholders on a broad range of topics designed to enhance culture as required
• Provides mentoring, coaching and guidance to junior P & C team members

People & Culture Operations & Compliance

• In collaboration with the Director, People & Culture, provide oversight, planning, and management in the delivery of an effective People & Culture strategy to meet the current and future business needs of the organization
• Provides support & leadership on all annual P & C cycles, identifying process improvement areas that add value to the employee experience in alignment with the DI’s culture and values
• In collaboration with the Director, People & Culture, evaluates People & Culture policies and procedures, and makes recommendations to support leading edge practices and complies with federal and provincial employment laws
• Be point of contact for employee relations matters including but not limited to, coaching leaders on resolving employee relations issues, disciplinary action, performance management process, resolving conflicts
• Conducts employee investigations related to policy violations ensuring compliance with policies and upholding a positive organizational culture
• Conducts periodic audits of P & C activities to ensure compliance and best practices
• Reports on P & C metrics and trends to the Director, People & Culture, providing data insights and recommendations to evolve and modernize P & C practices
• Drive change and innovative solutions by modeling the essence of employee-focused service that creates the best employee experience in the sector
• Collaborate with the Learning & Development Team to create a talent development framework (onboarding, buddy program, performance management, succession planning, talent reviews etc.) and implement across the DI
• Partner with leaders of assigned internal clients to get in front of their business issues, thinking critically to help leaders understand risks and opportunities to get the best results with their people, through their people
• Build trust with leaders in order to influence transformative change to achieve business results
• Work collaboratively with other service delivery groups and departments including but not limited to Payroll, Learning & Development, IT, Finance, Communications, etc.
• Assist with projects or duties as assigned or identified based on the Agency’s needs

Required Competencies and Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A diploma or degree in human resources, psychology or related field is required; a combination of education and/or work experience will be considered
• CPHR candidate, designation or relevant designation is required
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in People & Culture/Human Resources
• Proven ability to inspire and mentor junior team members, articulate a vision and influence stakeholders
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder who understands that service excellence is delivered by employees who are both engaged and empowered
• A demonstrated desire for continuous development and a growth mindset
• Ability to be flexible, take initiative, exercise good judgement and apply discretion while demonstrating a high level of confidentiality in all matters
• Able to use critical thinking to interpret situations and make recommendations based on sound knowledge to produce effective results
• Is a role model for professional conduct, pursuing excellence, seeking opportunities for continuous improvement, and producing creative and/or unique work solutions
• Organized and efficient with the ability to plan work, cope with conflicting work pressures, establish appropriate priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to self-direct and work with minimal supervision, manage time and multiple tasks to accomplish a variety of assignments with conflicting priorities with competing demands
• Experience working in a 24/7 operation would be an asset
• Ability to use metrics and data to inform leaders about human capital trends and areas of opportunity
• Ability to exercise effective judgment and sensitivity to changing needs and business
• Resilience, stress tolerance, and ability to remain composed when dealing with emotionally charged or stressful situations

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.
Some of the employer-paid group benefits include:

• Vacation days
• Sick days
• Wellness days
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Employer Matching RRSP Program
• Homewood EFAP
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)