Relief Family Support Worker

Are you a changemaker? Come on INN!

Who Are We?

We’re an amazing team, doing amazing things every day. Inn from the Cold is the largest organization in the Calgary region dedicated to supporting families experiencing a housing crisis.

At Inn from the Cold, we offer more than a job; we provide an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of families in need. Our values guide us — compassion, accountability, respect, inclusivity, courage, and innovation. We are driven by our vision of a thriving community where every child and family has a safe and stable place to call home.

We prioritize people, recognizing the uniqueness and worth of everyone who walks through our doors. Our commitment to reconciliation and equity is not just a statement; it's a journey we're dedicated to, actively working alongside Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities to dismantle oppressive structures. As a trauma informed organization, we create a safe and supportive environment, promoting healing and resilience.

We are a multidisciplinary team united by a shared vision, mission and values. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, and we believe that diverse perspectives drive our success. It is this diversity and the respect and value we have for each other and our community that makes us stronger.

If this sounds like a place where you would want to work, please review the position below to see if there’s a fit with your skills and experience.

 What Are We Looking For?

• Position Title Relief Family Support Worker
• Job Type Relief
• Department Programs and Services
• Reports to Shelter Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Relief Family Support Worker to join our team at Inn from the Cold. The Relief Family Support Worker (FSW) works with families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and call The Inn for support. Relief FSW staff will support in the provision of basic and emotional needs and services for families while they are staying in the shelter. Relief FSW staff will work with the Family Case Managers and Integrated Support Services Team to support the case management process and housing plan.

What You’ll Do

• Develop rapport and model positive, compassionate and healthy professional relationships and boundaries with families and colleagues.
• Consistently engage with families in a Trauma-Informed and culturally sensitive fashion.
• Provide pro-active and responsive care that supports the daily health and wellness needs of families during their stay in the emergency shelter.
• Work collaboratively with The Integrated Support Services Team to connect families to the appropriate services and supports including provision of basic needs, meal service support, and referrals to internal and community-based programs.
• Work closely and support Family Case Managers to support families’ housing focused goals and housing plan.
• Answer telephone calls from people inquiring about space at The Inn using housing focused and diversion practices; track service inquiries.
• Promote and protect the rights of family members; empower families to advocate for themselves.
• Encourage assertiveness, communication, and self-resiliency related skills with families.
• Ensure appropriate communication while using radios; ensure confidentiality of every family member’s information.

This position description reflects the general duties of the role, but is not intended to include all duties that may be inherent in the position. The Relief Family Support Worker may be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.

What You Bring to Our Mission

• Must be willing and able to work designated shifts such as: mornings, afternoons, evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.
• Relevant education in the human services field.
• Experience working in a shelter/housing environment and with housing focused work and forms.
• Adhere at all times to The Inn’s Policies, Procedures and Code of Conduct.
• Knowledge of housing first, trauma informed care and harm reduction practice. Minimum 2 years’ experience in working with vulnerable population.
• Must have current First Aid/CPR.
• Solid computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel and e-mail required.
• Suicide Intervention certificate/ASIST is an asset.
• Excellent teamwork and team building skills.
• Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in the English language.
• Knowledge of community resources and supports.
• Dependable; ability to plan and organize work effectively and ensure its completion.
• Police check and Child Intervention check is required for employment.
• Complete all required training as assigned.

What We Offer

We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable benefits and total compensation to all staff, including:

• Competitive salary, where all employees are paid a living wage at minimum
• Focus on health and wellbeing
• Commitment to your mental wellbeing with free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Supportive and flexible work environment, with ongoing training and development opportunities
• Potlucks, celebrations, employee engagement initiatives and plenty of fun
• Strong commitment to advancing reconciliation, aligning with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Recognition that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength in diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Our Commitment

Join us in a workplace where your actions contribute to breaking down barriers, fostering equity, and creating a truly inclusive and antiracist space. At Inn from the Cold, you're not just an employee but a crucial part of a community, making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The INN is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is valued and prioritized. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about our mission and can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We value unique perspectives and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of talents and skills. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, disability, age or veteran status, or any other non-merit-based or legally protected grounds.

Join Our Team

We are excited to hear from you! We invite you to join our movement to end family homelessness in our city. If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the qualifications above, please submit your resume and cover letter by visiting our website at innfromthecold.org/careers.

The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and a Child Intervention Record Check.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until a successful candidate is found.

Inn from the Cold is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact us at HR@innfromthecold.org before your interview.