Peer Support Coordinator - BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services Coquitlam, BC

Peer Support Coordinator

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Coquitlam, BC

What you’ll do

• Provide individual peer support counselling and harm reduction information. Facilitate 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.
• Plan and deliver information sessions on a variety of topics such as mental health and addiction services, peer services, consumer-run services and other appropriate services and resources. Consult with, and brings concerns to the attention of the designated Supervisor. Address and make referrals to other community resources as appropriate and follows protocols for obtaining assistance in an emergency/crisis situation.
• Develop 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.  Encourage and support clients to become active and involved in their own health.
• Assist 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; collecting and organizing a BC-wide resource list of appropriate community-based services providers; 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.
• Provide 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 the designated Program; 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.
• Organize venues and materials for support sessions by methods such as liaising with guest speakers and service providers; booking rooms; purchasing supplies, arranging for volunteers, sending out session notifications; creating posters and overheads. Arrange for the printing of materials and ensures that appropriate notices are posted.
• Perform word processing duties such as drafting/revising program forms; updating program policies and procedures documentation; and preparing letters, memos, reports, posters, presentations, educational and funding proposals from rough draft, general instruction, and/or recording devises by methods such as utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software applications.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Diploma in Community Social Services and two (2) years related experience working with active drug users, individuals with HIV/AIDS, HEPC and mental health issues and/or involvement in the sex trade, and/or personal experience with mental health issues/accessing mental health services or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of principles of recovery in mental illness.
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of peer-run programs.
• Team oriented approach to leadership and a commitment to a peer driven process.
• 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.

• Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents – including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight       (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study – and how they intersect across the health care system.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Wage: $31.54 - $33.28 per hour
Location: 2745 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam, BC V3C 4J2
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday: 0830-1630
Requisition # 177339E

What we do

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date ofDecember 27, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.