The Salvation Army Community Services (Calgary)

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest non-governmental direct providers of social services in the country. We give hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada.

How long have you been in business?

The Salvation Army began its work in Calgary in 1887. A growing city with complex and evolving community needs led to the establishment of dedicated social services in 1972.

In 2005, our social services programs in Calgary were amalgamated into one unit presently known as “Community Services (Calgary)” and our goal is to offer hope through supportive services to strengthen our community.


How many locations do you have in Calgary and nationally/internationally? What locations are hiring locally in Calgary and area?

We operate three locations or ‘campuses’ in Calgary. Our oldest location is our West Campus, located in the neighbourhood of Killarney, and focuses on serving women.

Our downtown location – the Centre of Hope – is our largest location and is home to our men’s programs and administrative offices. Our newly renovated East Campus will re-open soon in Forest Lawn with a focus on serving families.

The Salvation Army serves 400 communities across Canada and in 134 countries internationally. In addition to social services, The Salvation Army operates a hospice and thrift stores in Calgary.


How many people does your organization employ? How many locally?

Community Services (Calgary) has 130 – 175 employees, depending on the season, in our Calgary locations, plus we have over 800 volunteers. Across Canada, there are over 11,000 employees working for The Salvation Army.


What type of positions do you offer? (ex. Full time, part time, seasonal, contract etc.)

Full-time, part time, temporary, seasonal, and relief/casual.


What are the benefits of working for your company? Staff discounts, incentive programs, scholarships etc.

Full time employees participate in our group insurance, as well as extended health and dental benefits program.

We have a group RRSP plan for regular and part-time employees where The Salvation Army makes contributions, without employee matching required, and makes additional contributions when employees contribute.

Our employees consistently tell us that what they most value about working at Community Services (Calgary) is that they feel valued and that their work makes a difference in the lives of people and the community.


Describe opportunities for advancement.

Employees starting in Residential Support Worker positions have opportunities to move into Team Leader, Resource Specialist and Program Coordinator positions.

All employees across our organization have opportunities for growth and advancement. New job opportunities both within our locations, and across Canada, are shared internally with employees and managers support job-related education and professional opportunities whenever possible.


List any corporate responsibility initiatives that your organization is currently involved in.

Through our services and programs, as well as through community engagement and support of partner agencies, we remain dedicated to offering hope through supportive services to strengthen our community.


What are some entry level career opportunities that your organization offers? Please attach job descriptions. Youth want to know as much detail as possible before deciding to apply.

• Resident Support Worker - Men’s Shelter and Women’s Shelter
• Community Support Worker – seasonal Warming Stations (Nov-March)
• Facilities Technician
• Custodian
• Kitchen Helper
• Receptionist
• Kettle Team Leader (annual Christmas Kettle Campaign fundraiser)

How would someone find out about opportunities at your company? How can a candidate apply?

See our website for current career opportunities and how to apply: Join Our Team - The Salvation Army Community Services Calgary.

We also post jobs on our social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) and watch for our job opportunities on Indeed.


Describe your hiring and interview process?

• Applications/resumes are screened and selected candidates are invited to an interview.

• Most positions require a single interview, and some positions will have multiple rounds of interviews.

• All candidates are required to submit references. Volunteer experience may be considered for some jobs.

• Following a successful interview, candidates are required to complete other prerequisites, such as a background check. Once all job requirements are met and reference checks are completed, the selected candidate will receive a written job offer.

• All positions require a Police Information Check, with some also needing a Vulnerable Sector Search.

What do you look for in an employee?

All employees are required to respect the mission, vision, and values of The Salvation Army. Candidates must also be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. Those with an open Temporary Work Permit, already living in the Calgary area, may be considered for some positions. Additionally, we look for a positive attitude, a team-player, and a willingness to learn.


What type of education/training/equipment do you require?

As our opportunities are so diverse, education/training/equipment vary. All positions require at least a High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED). Our job postings outline specific education, training, and other requirements.


What is the minimum age required to work for your company? Are there different age requirements for different positions?

Our jobs typically require that a candidate be at least 18 years old, with very few exceptions.


Provide a wage range for entry level positions.

Depending on the entry level position, the starting rates range from $18.60 - $22.00 per hour.


What are the hours of the business and general shift times? Are there a minimum number of hours someone needs to work per week? Is there flexibility regarding school schedules?

Our different locations have different business hours and shift times. Our Men’s and Women’s Shelters operate 24/7 365 days per year with various shifts ranging from 16 hours per week to 44 hours per week.

Most full-time employees work 8-hour shifts in a 40 hour work week.

Part-time weekend or relief/casual (on-call) positions may be best suited for students.

Is a uniform provided or do employees have to pay for it?

Some positions require that employees wear our uniform/logo wear, which is provided by the employer. Employees also have the opportunity to purchase additional uniform/logo wear clothing should they need or wish.