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Addiction Support Worker Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

The Program Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting women experiencing poverty, addictions, violence, mental health challenges and homelessness as they transition into safe and stable housing.

... addiction issues and are experiencing mental health and homelessness in the community. We have ... Providing respectful, non-judgmental, empathetic support to clients * Conduct sweeps and engage ...

Social Worker II

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$42.14 - CA$56.02/hr

Using a person-centered approach you will develop a care plan supporting the client/family to ... The ideal candidate will have experience with mental health, addictions, trauma informed care and ...

Support community members with ongoing relapse prevention. * Maintain ongoing discussion with ... working with diverse populations, including individuals with lived experience of addiction ...

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Addiction Support Worker information

What does an addiction support worker do?

An Addiction Support Worker assists individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction by providing emotional support, guidance, and practical help. They work closely with clients to develop coping strategies, access treatment programs, and connect with community resources. Their duties may include conducting assessments, facilitating group sessions, supporting clients through recovery plans, and advocating for their needs. Addiction Support Workers often collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to promote recovery and well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Support Worker, you need a background in counseling, social work, or psychology, often supported by a relevant diploma, degree, or certification in addiction studies. Familiarity with case management systems, harm reduction models, and crisis intervention tools is typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and resilience are vital soft skills for building trust and supporting individuals through challenging situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively guiding clients toward recovery, ensuring safety, and fostering positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges addiction support workers face when supporting clients in recovery, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Support Workers often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and complex co-occurring mental health issues. Building trust and maintaining open, non-judgmental communication are vital for helping clients feel supported and understood. Effective workers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including counselors, healthcare professionals, and social workers—to develop individualized care plans and ensure clients have access to comprehensive support. Ongoing professional development and self-care are also important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

What is the difference between Addiction Support Worker vs Counsellor?

AspectAddiction Support WorkerCounsellor
Required CredentialsCertifications in addiction support, relevant trainingDegree in counselling, psychology, or social work
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, community clinics, outreach programsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, schools
Employer & IndustryHealth and social services, addiction treatment centersHealthcare, mental health services, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on addiction recovery supportFocus on mental health and emotional well-being

While both roles support individuals with mental health challenges, Addiction Support Workers primarily assist those recovering from addiction through practical support and guidance. Counsellors provide therapeutic interventions for a broader range of mental health issues. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus and required qualifications.

What cities near Calgary, AB are hiring for Addiction Support Worker jobs?

Cities near Calgary, AB with the most Addiction Support Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Support Worker job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Program Support Worker

YWCA Calgary

Calgary, AB • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Program Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting women experiencing poverty, addictions, violence, mental health challenges and homelessness as they transition into safe and stable housing. As a key member of our interdisciplinary team, this role focuses on day-to-day operational and emotional support, ensuring the smooth functioning of the program and the wellbeing of residents. Through compassionate, trauma-informed support and consistent operational care, the Program Support Worker helps create a safe and stable environment where women feel empowered to heal, rebuild and move toward long-term housing stability and overall wellbeing.

This is weekend opportunity with a Saturday & Sunday schedule, working from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Truly rewarding work; contribute to lasting, positive change for individuals and our community
  • A supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development
  • Comprehensive benefits including an employee assistance plan

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Create a welcoming, inclusive environment that respects diverse identities, cultures, and lived experiences
  • Build trusting, trauma-informed, and professional relationships with clients through consistent, compassionate presence
  • Support clients in navigating emotional distress, conflict, or crisis using grounding techniques and crisis de-escalation strategies
  • Respond to crises with calm, appropriate interventions and access emergency supports when necessary
  • Assist clients in identifying and articulating their needs, preferences, and goals in collaboration with their key Case Manager
  • Identify services and resources appropriate to the client’s service plan and support clients in accessing them, including referrals and advocacy
  • Support clients in accessing basic needs such as food, hygiene supplies, and clothing
  • Help clients feel safe and empowered during transitions such as move-ins, exits, or changes in care
  • Assist clients with activating their safety plans created with their key Case Manager
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including critical incidents, shift notes and case notes
  • Coordinate lease agreements, renewals and move-in/move-out procedures with sensitivity and efficiency
  • Adhere to sound record keeping and documentation practices, including safe storage of confidential information, timely data entry and objective case noting
  • Collect rents and actively address rent arrears by supporting clients in developing rent-repayment plans as needed
  • Support data entry and administrative tasks related to program evaluation and reporting
  • Integrate equity, diversity and inclusion principles into one’s role, work, and engagement with others, as aligned with YW Calgary’s EDI strategy and values
  • Understand YW Calgary’s Health, Safety and Wellness (HS&W) policies, practices and protocols; ensure work is performed safely and in alignment with YW’s HS&W culture

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Post-secondary education in Human Services, Social Work, or equivalent
  • 1-2 years’ experience working in a shelter setting

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

  • Training in trauma-informed care, gender-based violence, and crisis intervention preferred
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations, specifically diverse women impacted by intersectional barriers
  • Ability to respond to high pressure situations and consistent use of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches
  • Skilled at balancing priorities while maintaining a calm and supportive presence
  • Collaborative; strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills
  • Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, data systems and reporting tools

If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.
Deadline: until a successful candidate is found
Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations.
Check out our website for more information about YW Calgary: www.ywcalgary.ca

YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.

Privacy statement: Personal information is managed in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and other applicable laws and we are committed to safeguarding your personal information. During the recruitment process personal information is collected for the purpose of people practice management. Privacy inquiries can be directed to the attention of the Privacy Officer at reply@mindfulworkplace.ca.