Peer Support Worker

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Peer Support Worker is a member of the interdisciplinary team, reporting to and working under the general supervision of a Clinical Operations Manager. Utilizes lived experience of mental health and/or substance use to support people in treatment and transition back into their home community. Facilitates group and one-to-one peer support meetings, plans and delivers information sessions, develops relationships based on respect and assists clients and their support network with locating appropriate health, social and legal services, and resources. Provides advocacy to clients, organizes venues and materials for support sessions, assists with research and other special projects, maintains and compiles statistics, participates in committees, task groups, and/or program initiatives, and engages in and assists the Manager with on-going team planning, development, evaluation, and quality improvement activities.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides individual peer support counselling and harm reduction information. Facilitates group and one-to-one peer support meetings based on individual client needs and provides peer-based support and guidance to clients to assist in skill building, empowerment, and community integration.
2. Assists with facilitating group and one-to-one meetings. Provides health, social, and resource information to clients, such as harm reduction information to reduce risk of overdose. Consults with and brings concerns to the attention of the designated Supervisor. Attends and supports the facilitation of information sessions.
3. Develops relationships based on respect with clients and their family, friends, and allies by encouraging informed decision making and helps to create a non-judgmental environment by sharing experiences and insight. Encourages and supports clients to become active and involved in their own health.
4. Assists clients and their support network with locating appropriate health, social and legal services and resources as required, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, surgeons, housing, employment and financial assistance, advocacy and support groups, by methods such as providing information on how to choose a service provider, maintaining electronic and paper based up-to-date referral information, creating linkages to other community resources and programs, contacting relevant organizations/businesses/services, and providing information on procedures to attain services and assistance with accessing services.
5. Provides advocacy to clients by performing duties such as speaking on their behalf in a variety of settings, providing information regarding rights to services to the client and their family members, partners, friends, and other loved ones; attending meetings and workshops to represent Red Fish Healing Centre; assisting clients in completing forms and letters concerning barriers to services; notifying designated Supervisor of systemic advocacy issues; and receiving/documenting complaints or ideas for improved service and ensuring action steps are taken with issues raised.
6. Participates in committees, community, and task groups, and/or program initiatives by methods such as providing representation and input from a peer perspective, presenting relevant material, acting as advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support for clients and their families to improve access, integration and coordination of mental health and addiction services. Attends interdisciplinary rounds as required.
7. Engages in and assists the Manager with on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities that facilitate team goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution and collaboration by attending meetings and in-services, reviewing policies and procedures, providing input/recommendations to Manager and/or other team members regarding efficiency of processes/procedures relating to work duties with a view to ensuring streamlined, effective and client/family centered practices.
8. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying Manager or other appropriate personnel.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• A combination of education, training, and experience is required, such as completion of a recognized Social Services Worker certificate program, relevant professional experience, or lived experience. Lived experience may include substance use challenges, mental health needs, and/or accessing support and treatment services.
Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of principles of recovery in mental illness.
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of peer-run programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of the peers and consumers.
• Ability to communicate effectively/tactfully both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to work under the pressure of interruptions and adapt to changes.
• Ability to problem solve and take initiative.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, facilitation, and advocacy.
• Ability to compose correspondence.
• Basic computer literacy to operate computerized client care information system, Internet, and e-mail software.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.