CAA Housing Strategist

Start Date - Immediate

About SORCe and Distress Centre Programs

The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe) is a multi-agency collaborative that connects individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness to essential programs and services.

As the backbone agency, Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) leads service integration at SORCe while also providing direct support. DCC operates the Coordinated Entry Program, the primary intake, assessment, and referral hub for housing and other services, including System Navigation & Referrals, CAA housing strategists, financial empowerment, and Justice Navigation.

DCC ensures cohesive collaboration among all partners, strengthening system navigation and community connections. Through its leadership and direct services, DCC helps prevent homelessness, reduce barriers to housing, and enhance integration across the social services sector.

About Distress Centre Calgary

For over 50 years Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta, 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.

Job Objective

The CAA (Coordinated Access & Assessment) Housing Strategist provides frontline service delivery to connect individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with programs and services that help address barriers to stable housing. Operating as part of the Distress Centre’s CAA Program—Calgary’s primary intake for CHF-funded Housing First programs—this role supports assessments, individualized housing planning, and ongoing engagement while individuals await housing referrals. The Housing Strategist also participates in outreach at partner sites, health and justice settings, and contributes to community committees, ensuring strong collaboration across the homelessness-serving system.

Primary Duties

This is not an exhaustive list of duties, but meant to give you a sense of what you’ll be doing on a regular basis. Other related duties may be required.

CAA Housing Strategist

• Facilitate completion of standardized assessment tools in accordance with the Coordinated System CAA policies and procedures.
• Educate participants and community partners about the CHF funded supportive housing program and the triage process.
• Enter assessment data into the CHF participant database and update as required.
• Complete a detailed housing plan for all participants and continue to support individuals and families in achieving the objectives of the plan.
• Maintain contact with participants to inform about housing placement status and liaise with housing programs to facilitate warm transfers.
• Provide up to date collateral on behalf of participants for housing placements within CHF funded housing programs and provide connection upon a housing referral.
• Provide targeted outreach assessments supporting health & justice system partner sites and virtually.

Training and Mentoring

• The CAA team takes on practicum students year-round. Assist with the supervision, training and development of practicum students.

SORCe Operations & Collaborative Work

• Build rapport and trust with individuals accessing services to reduce barriers to housing and support wellness and stability.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with SORCe agencies and community organizations to ensure coordinated access and seamless referrals.
• Collaborate with all SORCe partner agencies and the Crossroads Collaborative to deliver integrated, participant-centered services.
• Use de-escalation and assertive engagement strategies to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in the HMIS database, ensuring data quality and program accountability.
• Support the team through cross-training and occasional coverage of other roles as needed.
• Assist with shared operational tasks such as stocking supplies, organizing shared spaces, and general administrative support.
• Contribute to the onboarding, supervision, and development of practicum students engaged in SORCe programming.

Hours of work and conditions

• General work hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:30pmwith a one-hour lunch break
• Offsite outreach work expected
• Working in a fast-paced environment requires de-escalation skills and an ability to respond to crisis
• Universal precautions knowledge and ability to complete specialized training applicable to service delivery
• Reports to the CEP Manager; Operations and Integration

Lines of Communication/Accountability

• Works closely with the Coordinated Entry Program Team Leads and Managers

What you bring to the role:

Qualifications/Experience

• An undergraduate degree or diploma in a human services field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis assessment, intervention, and de-escalation in high-pressure or fast-paced environments.
• Experience working with individuals with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use, and/or domestic violence.
• Knowledge and experience in delivering housing-focused services and navigating homelessness support systems.
• Strong understanding of community resources within and beyond the homeless-serving system.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments with competing priorities.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and experience supporting Indigenous individuals and communities, including navigating relevant social services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices is an asset.
• Preferred experience for this role includes: direct involvement in housing-focused services such as landlord engagement, shelter diversion, or supporting participants in securing and maintaining housing stability.

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse individuals and situations.
• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges, such as participant needs, operational changes, or technical issues.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions in crisis or high-stress scenarios.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate databases or case management systems (e.g., HMIS).
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure while supporting individuals in distress or exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Core Competencies:

Client/Service Centred Work – you make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.

Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork – you build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.

Growth Mindset/Learning – you actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.

Communication – you clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media in a way that engages the audience and helps them to understand and inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – we build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.

Change Management – you maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.

Self-Management – you take responsibility for yourself and your actions.

What Distress Centre has to offer:

• Opportunity to work for an organization that’s making a difference in our community
• A great working environment with supportive colleagues
• Opportunities for learning and mentorship, including paid development days and a staff development fund
• Competitive salary
• Benefits that include a matching RRSP
• Vacation time starting at 3 weeks