Community Resource Specialist-Financial Advocacy Specialist

Staff Category-Full Time temporary until theendSeptember 2026**,with thepossibilityof an extension or conversion into 211 Community Resource Specialist.**

Location & Hours

**Work location:**On-site at 999 8th Street SW with some opportunities to work remote during Community Resource Specialist shifts.

**Hours:**During Financial Advocacy shifts, work hours are generally 9am-5pm. During Community Resource specialist shifts, work hours are assigned with start times between 7am-10am.

What We Offer

• Vacation starting at3 weeks
• RRSP matching and Health Spending Account
• Extended health and dental benefits
• 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 employees are valued, experience a sense of belonging, and are confident in being their 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.

What to Expect

The Community Resource / Financial Advocacy Specialist provides direct services to individuals facing financial crises through multiple access points—phone, text, chat, email, and in-person. This role is a hybrid role working 50% as a Community Resource Specialist (CRS) and 50% working as a Financial Advocacy Specialist

The Community Resource Specialist (CRS) offers frontline support to people contacting 211, using a person centered, culturally humble, and trauma informed approach to understand their situations and connect them with appropriate resources. They provide clear information, referrals, and advocacy when needed, including contacting agencies on a service user’s behalf. The CRS also collaborates with Specialized Community Navigation staff to conduct needs assessments, support navigation through complex systems, and ensure a smooth, coordinated user experience.

The Financial Advocacy Specialist supports individuals seeking emergency financial assistance and helps them build financial literacy skills such as budgeting, goal setting, debt reduction, and resource navigation. The role focuses on empowering participants to regain stability and strengthen long term financial resilience. This role is a contract role until September 30, 2026, with the possibility of an extension or conversion into 211 Community Resource Specialist.

We provide clear expectations, supportive supervision, and reasonable flexibility to help employees succeed in their work.

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.

Financial Advocacy Specialist (50%)

• Act as the primary contact for referrals from 211 and agency partners related to financial advocacy and assistance.

• Work directly with participants to:

• Assess financial instability and develop personalized financial empowerment plans.

• Provide short-term financial coaching (1–3 sessions) on budgeting, debt reduction, money management, and financial literacy.

• Connect participants to relevant resources and advocate within complex systems (e.g., government benefits, income support).

• Conduct participant follow-ups to ensure high-level service quality and connection to appropriate support.

• Respond to calls, emails, texts, and online chats from individuals accessing Crisis and Navigation programs as they relate to financial advocacy.

• Support participants in accessing financial assistance programs, including eligibility screening, application and documentation assessment, and fund distribution.

• Complete financial assistance reporting, including participant data tracking, fund distribution budget tracking, documentation review and related administration.

• Stay current on financial empowerment tools, resources, and best practices and make recommendations for implementation and on-going program improvement

Community Resource Specialist (50%)

• Assess the needs of individuals contacting 211 and partner lines through phone, text, online chat and email using a person-centered approach
• Assists a wide range of individuals contacting the 211 Line by providing information on diverse topics (non-emergency, social, health and government services), to assist them with their information needs.
• Provide accurate information, referrals, and advocacy support using our Community Resource Database
• Offer follow-up support to assess the effectiveness of referrals
• Support database accuracy by reporting errors or submitting update requests

What You Bring

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or degree in aHuman Services-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• 3+ years previous work experience in the social service sector with specific experience in case management, systems navigation, financial empowerment, and/working with vulnerable populations.

• Certification or willingness to obtain within the probationary period:

• Naloxone Administration Training

• Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

• First Aid and CPR certification

• Proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, demonstrating strong interpersonal and cultural awareness skills

• Knowledge in financial counselling, financial coaching, and/or financial literacy is an asset

• Experience supporting diverse and vulnerable populations, with knowledge of community resources, referral pathways, and trauma-informed practices

• Knowledge of the 211 Human Services Indexing System (HSIS) is an asset

• Strong and attuned attention to detail related to documentation, reporting, and participant interactions to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to manage change, unexpected issues, or shifting and competing priorities independently
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft excel and being adept at using internet search engines.
• Clear and respectful verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to tailor communication based on the audience or context
• Ability to prepare and deliver information in ways that support different learning preferences
• Ability to maintain focus and clear communication during calls and texting interactions.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter throughADP.

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