Income Tax & Benefits Specialist

Distress Centre Calgary provides Calgary and area with 24-hour crisis support. We do this through our 24/7 crisis and 211 information and referral phone lines, daily online services, and professional counselling. All our services are free, and because we do not define crisis, anyone can contact us day or night about anything.

We support all social issues – homelessness, poverty, depression, mental illness, bullying, addiction, PTSD, domestic violence, abuse, etc.

We believe in providing a compassionate and supportive environment for our staff and volunteers.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply to apply as Distress Centre is committed to offering a diverse and safe workspace free from discrimination. All applicants are considered regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity or expression, or religion.

The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe), is a multi-agency collaborative that connects people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and/or those with complex barriers such as mental or physical vulnerabilities, or socio-economic need, to programs and services that can help to address their needs. As a backbone partner in the SORCe collaborative, Distress Centre Calgary operates the Coordinated Entry Program located at SORCe. Programming includes Engagement and Triage, CAA Housing Strategists, Financial Empowerment, ID Replacement, System Navigator & Resource Specialists, and a Communications Hub.

• Working with program participants experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, who may experience multiple barriers to stable housing.
• Support program participants with completing and filing their taxes using U-File software for multiple tax year filings, to maximize government income and benefits.
• Adhering to CVITP policy, procedures and commitment to CRA while filing Income tax.
• Documenting and creating financial empowerment intake documentation.
• Greet, build rapport and establish trust with people seeking support at the location of SORCe, particularly accessing Financial Empowerment services.
• Assess participant needs, provide information, and facilitate connections to programs within the SORCe collaborative or in the community.
• Proactively manage expectations for wait times.
• Ensure the integrity of data in the HMIS database. Create or update participant profile and visit details in the HMIS database. Ensure that all participants are informed of and consent to information sharing policies.

• Collaborate with other SORCe agency staff in the provision of wraparound supports including providing information, advocacy, and referrals to agencies both within the SORCe collaborative and in the community, including other financial empowerment programs as applicable.
• Provide support to navigate the benefits available to program participants.
• Work with the Aspire Collective and Community of Practice to contribute to the body of knowledge around providing financial empowerment programming for people who are experiencing or facing homelessness.

SORCe Frontline Service Delivery (10%)

• Develop and maintain inter-agency relationships and partnerships both within SORCe and in the community to ensure successful connections for SORCe CAA participants.
• Assist with administrative office tasks and other shared office duties, including stocking of supplies, sorting and organization of storage spaces.
• Engage participants when utilizing de-escalation strategies and assertive engagement to ensure the safety and security of all people accessing services at SORCe.

SORCe General (as needed)

• General working hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm with a one hour lunch break.
• Occasional offsite outreach work may be required.
• Working in a fast-paced environment requiring de-escalation skills and an ability to remain calm and respond to crisis.
• Universal precautions knowledge and ability to complete specialized training applicable to service delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, or addictions.
• Reports to the Distress Centre Coordinated Entry Team Lead.

• Degree or a diploma in the human service field, or related field. Appropriate education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of and/or comfortability working with homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and/or mental health is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Knowledge and experience with Indigenous culture, supporting Indigenous people, and social services for Indigenous people is an asset.
• Proficient computer skills; Basic navigation of Windows and Office 365 (SharePoint, Outlook, Teams) is required.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn participant data management systems, specific to the CRA database. U-File is an asset.
• Accounting or finance background is an asset.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Organizational and problem solving skills with a keen attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy, and excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Adaptable communication to suit the recipient.
• Flexibility and thinking on your feet to overcome complications with technology, unexpected changes, and last minute changes.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office and other program software.

• 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
• Great benefits package starting immediately, eligible at 20 hours/week
• Vacation time starting at 3 weeks prorated for part time equivalency