About Calgary Alternative Support Services (CASS)

Calgary Alternative Support Services Inc., (CASS) was founded in 1988 to address the segregation, isolation and limited opportunities available to people with disabilities. CASS enlists and develops human services professionals to support people to discover and contribute their unique strengths and talents. Our work is about making community connections. Whether it’s finding a place to live, getting a job, or connecting with opportunities for participation and learning, CASS serves people and helps to make the community accessible to everyone.

Through the opportunities and connections that CASS facilitates, citizen advocacy for diversity and inclusion is inspired. This is how CASS and the people we support strengthen community.

Job Details

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of marginalized populations?

The field of human services provides meaningful work. What you do has a purpose, and you know it directly impacts and contributes to an individual’s well-being while supporting the development of more inclusive communities which benefit everyone.

Calgary Alternative Support Services (CASS) recognizes that the people we employ are our single greatest asset. We endeavour to recruit and mentor human service professionals with talent and commitment for disability advocacy and community engagement. 

We have one (1) temporary part-time position.

One (1) year Maternity Leave Contract with an anticipated end date of December 2026.

Working days will be on Thursdays and Fridays from 0830 to 1630, totaling 15 hours per week. 

This posting closes on October 08, 2025. 

Program Summary

Creative Community Living Activities (CCLA) is a community-based therapeutic long term day program for adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. CCLA provides a variety of groups that give participants the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities in a supportive, compassionate and safe environment. In our atmosphere of inclusivity and understanding, everyone is accepted and validated for who they are.

Job Summary

The Program Facilitator is an essential role to the service Calgary Alternative Support Services Inc. (CASS) provides to clients. The Program Facilitator is responsible for developing and facilitating programming for clients of Creative Community Living Activities (CCLA) which includes but is not limited to therapeutic group development, skill development, client advocacy, individual one-on-one support, crisis intervention, ongoing assessment, and peer support.

This role provides clients the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities, develop friendships and community which results in overall improved wellness and quality of life.

This role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well within a team environment. The ability to work independently is also requisite.

Key Responsibilities

Group/Program

• Create, manage and facilitate groups for clients of CCLA. Groups include psychoeducational and psycho-social groups
• Create a supportive, compassionate and safe environment emphasizing inclusivity and understanding, where all clients are accepted and validated for who they are
• Create appropriate program activities (eg: craft projects, educational subjects for discussion, planned outings, stimulating group communication)
• Monitor and ensure appropriate participation of all clients to the expectations of the program
• Ensure that program stats are recorded daily (eg: individual attendance, group totals, supportive phone calls, family consultations, professional consultations, resource review etc.)
• Ensure the daily log is updated with all pertinent information with regard to individual clients, group dynamics and program activities
• Perform client intakes and discharges to ensure groups are maintaining capacity
• Liaise with community agencies/workers and provide site tours when requested
• Create and maintain charts for clients
• Complete other administrative tasks as required
• Purchase supplies as required and maintain physical space by cleaning, sorting and organizing craft supplies

Client

• Provide crisis intervention when necessary
• Provide one-on-one counselling to individual clients when requested
• Connect and collaborate with members of the client’s supportive network to ensure consistency of care
• Advocate and intervene on behalf of the client when required; take an active interest in listening to client’s issues and be eager to assist where possible
• Model and teach supportive interpersonal interactions giving clients the opportunity to learn and practice these skills
• Support and assist clients during groups to ensure successful completion of projects, successful learning, and successful group communications
• Encourage positive peer interaction and support

Agency

• Understand and adhere to CASS Policies & Procedures and program specific expectations as defined in program Operations Manuals
• Responsible for checking email communications at the beginning of every shift
• Complete client and agency specific paperwork in a timely fashion. This includes, but it is not limited to, the submission of:
• Monthly Timesheets
• Monthly Expenses
• Client Incident Reports
• Maintain valid certification in all core training/employment requirements, and any additional training as assigned based on program needs / agency requirements
• Prepare and submit annual and semi-annual reports to Alberta Health Services
• Maintain a waitlist for clients referred to the program

Culture

• Model and demonstrate CASS values in all interactions with clients, staff and community members
• Demonstrate respect and collaboration with all internal and external stakeholders of the CASS organization
• Demonstrate an ability and willingness to give and receive honest, balanced feedback

Mandatory Education & Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years’ experience within the Human Services industry
• Post-secondary degree or diploma within human services an asset
• Strong understanding of mental illness

Key Knowledge and Skill Sets

• Excellent understanding of mental illness
• Strong group facilitation skills
• Ability to create an upbeat, positive atmosphere
• Ability to provide one on one support
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Suitable computer literacy and typing skills
• Ability to adapt communication styles
• Strong organizational skills
• Work well in a team environment
• Work well independently
• Strong creative skills to facilitate diversified learning within a variety of themes

Other Required Skills

• A current Basic First Aid/Emergency First Aid certification that includes CPR/AED
• A current Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sectors Search that is satisfactory to CASS. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with CASS
• A vehicle and valid driver's license are considered assets

Referral Program 

If you have been referred by an existing CASS staff member, please indicate who referred you in your cover letter so that they can be rewarded through our referral program!

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

No phone calls please.