Join Our Mission at the Calgary Drop-In Centre
At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we’re looking for passionate, community-minded people who know that kindness can change lives.
Whether you’re helping guests find housing, supporting their recovery journey, or keeping our operations running strong, your work here truly matters. Every role at the DI is about creating possibilities for others, and for yourself.
Who We Are
The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI) is a low-barrier, housing-focused organization serving some of Calgary’s most vulnerable community members.
We believe everyone deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. Every day, our team meets people where they’re at - offering basic needs, compassion, and connection while helping them move toward stable, permanent housing.
Our work is guided by the principles of housing first, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practice. But above all, we’re guided by people - their stories, their strengths, and their potential.
When you join the DI, you’re joining a team built on respect, collaboration, and heart.
The Opportunity
Position Title: Licensed Practical Nurse
Reports To: Health & Recovery Services Leadership
Employment Type: Casual
Schedule: As Relief staff, you will help support staffing coverage for vacations, sick leave, and other absences in all program areas. Relief shifts are assigned on an as-needed basis, offering flexibility while supporting the needs of the organization.
Location: 1 Dermot Baldwin Way SE, Calgary, Alberta
About the Department
Our Urban Response program is made up of two core programs: our Episodic Medical Care Clinic (EMCC), a nurse led clinic that offers a wide range of episodic health services, and Rapid Response Team (RRT), interdisciplinary team who responds to medical emergency in the agency. The department aims to provide trauma informed, person centered care within each interaction and crisis.
Our Recovery- Orientated System of Care (ROSC) is a multi-faceted department that aims to support in two primary areas; Withdrawal Management (WDM) and Recovery Transition (RT). These programs work interconnectedly, providing short term supports for guests withdrawing from substances and a transitional program for those who have completed detoxification programs. Our robust team made up of social and medical professionals work in tandem to support our guests where they are at, to end homelessness one person at a time.
What You’ll Do
Every role at the DI makes a difference. In this position, you will:
- Make a meaningful difference in clients' lives by independently delivering compassionate, high-quality nursing care within your scope of practice, using strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and initiative to support health, recovery, and overall well-being.
- Champion community wellness by delivering client-centered immunizations and treatments, supporting specialized clinics, and ensuring every individual receives care with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- Support individuals on their health and recovery journey by delivering accessible, client-centered education on disease prevention, sexual health, harm reduction, nutrition, personal care, and other essential wellness topics.
- Deliver exceptional client-centered care by applying expertise in phlebotomy and lab services, ensuring clients receive safe, efficient, and respectful support.
- Empower individuals from all backgrounds through trauma-informed care that celebrates diversity, acknowledges systemic barriers, and helps clients access the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
- Partner with clients on their journey to better health by assessing individual needs, developing personalized health strategies, and delivering proactive support, education, and follow-up that empowers clients to improve their health, and achieve their goals.
What You Bring
We know that great people come from all kinds of backgrounds. You don’t have to check every single box! If you’re passionate about helping others and share our values, we want to hear from you.
What we need from you
- Completion of an accredited two-year Practical Nursing diploma. Proof of completion required.
- Registration with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Proof of registration, in good standing with no restrictions or conditions, required.
- Valid Professional Liability Insurance. Proof of coverage required.
- Current CPR – BLS. Proof of certification required.
- Have at minimum a working understanding of Trauma Informed Care.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of addiction, homelessness, mental health and acute medical concerns, and able to maintain active learning on emerging evidence and best practices.
- Resourcefulness and knowledge of community resources and social support systems.
- Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time.
- Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills.
- Ability to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.
Nice to Have’s
- 1-2 years nursing experience is an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field, and/or the homeless servicing system of care.
- Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or more years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.
- Experience in acute care, Advance Wound Care certification, and/or mental health experience are all considered assets but not mandatory.
Working at the DI
Working at the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI) means being part of meaningful, human-centered work that can sometimes involve complex and emotionally charged situations. You may encounter individuals experiencing crisis, distress, or strong emotions, and situations that require calm, quick thinking, and compassion under pressure.
We know this work can be intense and we also know it’s deeply impactful. That’s why we prioritize staff wellbeing through training, peer and supervisory support, debriefing opportunities, and a strong culture of teamwork. Our environment calls for resilience and steadiness, but it also offers the reward of seeing real change and connection every day. Some roles may also involve occasional exposure to medical distress or bodily fluids, and safety protocols and resources are always in place to support you.
Compensation & Benefits
We believe in taking care of our people so they can take care of others. Our total rewards package includes:
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Employer-matching RRSP program
- Paid vacation, sick, and wellness days
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (Homewood EFAP)
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Benefits typically begin on the first of the month following your start date, and our P&C team will ensure you have clear information and support from day one.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Joining the DI means joining a community that believes in people and their capacity, resilience, and worth. You’ll have the chance to:
- Make a tangible difference in people’s lives every single day
- Work with a team that values respect, compassion, and authenticity
- Collaborate with dedicated professionals and community partners
- Be part of an organization that encourages growth, wellbeing, and innovation
You’ll play a key role in supporting an integrated, person-centered approach that promotes wellbeing, dignity, and connection for every individual we serve. At the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI), our team members help create safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed spaces where people can access the support they need to move toward stability and housing. In every interaction, you’ll contribute to high-quality, compassionate service that reflects the shared mission, vision, and values of the DI.
Inclusion & Accessibility
At the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI), we believe inclusion, compassion, and respect make us stronger as an organization and as a community. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact people@thedi.ca and we’ll be happy to support you.
Ready to Apply?
If this opportunity sounds like the right fit, we’d love to meet you.
Please apply with your resume and cover letter here.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about working at the DI, please visit our website here.
