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

The Program Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting women experiencing poverty, addictions ... Privacy inquiries can be directed to the attention of the Privacy Officer at reply@mindfulworkplace ...

The Program Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting women experiencing poverty, addictions ... Privacy inquiries can be directed to the attention of the Privacy Officer at reply@mindfulworkplace ...

Recovery Coach

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$24.95/hr

The Recovery Support Worker is responsible for the development and implementation of a case plan ... At least two years of direct case work experience, preferably with individuals experiencing ...

The Dietary Worker provides patient support via phone and software systems and serves as a liaison ... directing calls from patients as it relates to their meal or other nutritional needs • Uses ...

Dietary Worker

Calgary, AB

CA$16.27 - CA$18.27/hr

The Dietary Worker provides patient support via phone and software systems and serves as a liaison ... directing calls from patients as it relates to their meal or other nutritional needs • Uses ...

This role delivers play-based programming that supports children's social, emotional and physical ... Privacy inquiries can be directed to the attention of the Privacy Officer at reply@mindfulworkplace ...

Oversee and direct contractors and ensures work is completed in a professional manner. * Identify ... Previous field service or support in the rental vehicle, electric bikes, commercial fleet vehicle ...

Sort material in the shear machine area based on size and ensure it is directed to the correct ... Support metal fabrication and rebar handling tasks, including bending, cutting, and inspection of ...

Lead, direct, support, and enforce Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) on the project. * Manage and ... Build working relationships with project team to lead and direct assigned HSE programs to implement ...

Service Network Support Manager

Calgary, AB · Hybrid

CA$100K - CA$130K/yr

While this role has no direct reports, it carries high impact. You will analyze performance ... Hybrid working mode; * Unique work environment; * Annual performance bonuses. Who are you?

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Direct Support Worker information

What are Direct Support Workers?

Direct Support Workers are professionals who assist individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, or developmental challenges in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, household chores, medication management, and community activities to promote independence and quality of life. Direct Support Workers often work in homes, group settings, or community organizations and play a vital role in supporting clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Support Workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Support Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral or medical needs and adapting to varying routines. Effective communication, patience, and ongoing training are essential in navigating these situations. Building strong, trusting relationships with clients and collaborating closely with families and healthcare professionals can also help manage difficulties. Many organizations provide regular supervision and access to support networks, which can be valuable resources for addressing workplace challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Worker vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support WorkerPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, especially First Aid and CPR, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needs in community or residential settingsProvides personal care services in clients' homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private households, healthcare facilities

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Workers typically work with people with disabilities or mental health needs in community settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care in home or healthcare environments. The certifications and work environments overlap, but the focus and client needs differ slightly.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Direct Support Worker typically earns less than $4,000 per week; high-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include specialized sales, real estate brokers, certain skilled trades like commercial pilots or construction managers, and entrepreneurship. These positions often require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Worker, you need a foundational understanding of person-centered care, basic health and safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, assistive technology, and first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate compassionately make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to effectively support individuals with disabilities, ensure their well-being, and foster independence in daily living.

What is the main role of a direct support worker?

A direct support worker provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community engagement. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities and may require training in first aid, communication, and behavior management.

How much does a DSP make?

A Direct Support Worker (DSP) in Connecticut typically earns between $14 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $29,000 to $37,000. Many DSPs work part-time or full-time, often requiring CPR and first aid certifications.

Is a degree needed to be a DSP?

A degree is not typically required to become a Direct Support Worker (DSP), but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, patience, and experience with caregiving or support work are often more important, and some positions may require certification or training programs.

What Is a Direct Support Worker?

As a direct support worker, you provide care and training for people with developmental disabilities. You offer community support by using your skills and experience to help individuals become more active and social. Some direct support workers provide live-in, 24-hour support for clients, while others provide care on a regular, but less constant, basis. A career as a direct support worker requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically a bachelor’s degree in health, counseling, or a related field.

Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Calgary, AB as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Program Support Worker

YWCA Calgary

Calgary, AB • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 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.