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Addictions 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.

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.

Outreach Worker

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$24.95/hr

... 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 ...

PBSH Caseworker

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$54K/yr

Strong understanding of addiction, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and the housing-first ... Benefits of working at Alpha House * Meaningful work supporting vulnerable populations * Medical ...

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 ...

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Addictions Support Worker information

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an addictions support worker?

To thrive as an Addictions Support Worker, you need a background in social work, counseling, or psychology, often supported by a relevant diploma or certificate. Familiarity with case management systems, harm reduction strategies, and crisis intervention tools is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and resilience are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients through challenging situations. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively assisting individuals in recovery and promoting positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Addictions Support Worker vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddictions Support WorkerSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires a diploma or certification in addiction supportTypically requires a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, plus certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, rehab centers, hospitalsPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare providers, government agenciesHealthcare facilities, private practices, treatment centers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support individuals with addiction issues, Addictions Support Workers typically focus on providing practical assistance and emotional support in community settings, often with less formal education requirements. Substance Abuse Counselors usually have advanced degrees and offer therapeutic interventions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are common challenges faced by addictions support workers when helping clients maintain long-term recovery?

Addictions Support Workers often encounter challenges such as client relapse, fluctuating motivation levels, and co-occurring mental health issues. Building trust takes time, as clients may be hesitant to share personal struggles or may lack a strong support system outside of professional services. Additionally, coordinating care with other professionals and navigating limited community resources can require persistence and creative problem-solving. Despite these challenges, the role is highly rewarding as you witness clients make progress and achieve personal milestones.

What is an addictions support worker?

Addictions Support Workers are professionals who assist individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. They provide emotional support, practical guidance, and resources to help clients manage their recovery and improve their quality of life. Their duties often include facilitating group sessions, connecting clients with community services, and helping develop coping strategies. Addictions Support Workers typically work in rehabilitation centers, community organizations, or healthcare settings, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to support clients' recovery journeys.
What are popular job titles related to Addictions Support Worker jobs in Calgary, AB? For Addictions Support Worker jobs in Calgary, AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Addictions Support Worker jobs in Calgary, AB look for? The top searched job categories for Addictions Support Worker jobs in Calgary, AB are:
Infographic showing various Addictions Support Worker job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Program Support Worker

YWCA Calgary

Calgary, AB

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


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.