Peer Support Worker, Community Transition Team Hub Minimum and Medium Security Units

Peer Support Worker, Community Transition Team Hub Minimum and Medium Security Units
Correction Health Services BC
Regular Full-Time
Coquitlam, BC

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions 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 Community Transition Team (CTT), reporting to and working under the general supervision of a Correctional Health Services (CHS) Program Manager. Utilizes lived experience of mental health, substance use and/or incarceration to help people safely transition from a provincial correctional centre. As a member of a CTT the position works alongside different health care providers, brings their knowledge based on lived experience, to provide practical non-clinical, peer-based support services to people transitioning out of a correctional facility. The Peer Support Worker role focuses on supporting people who struggle with mental health and/or substance use challenges in the transition to the community using a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and peer-to-peer approach.

Assists with the facilitation of group and one-to-one peer support meetings as needed, participates in 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, maintains records and reports such as client contacts, participates in committees, task groups, and/or program initiatives as requested, and provides feedback on service development from a peer perspective and quality improvement activities. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements and immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying Program Manager or other appropriate personnel.

What you'll do

• Provides non-clinical, one-on-one, peer-based support and guidance to clients before, during, and after they are released to the community, with the aim of supporting skills-building, empowerment and community reintegration. This includes brief support (1-3 months after release), active listening, client-centered and strengths-based approaches to client engagement.
• 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. Attends and supports the facilitation of information sessions.
• Develops respectful relationships with clients and their support networks (i.e. families, friends and allies). Helps clients and their support networks to make informed decisions. Creates a non-judgmental environment by sharing own experiences and insights. Encourages and supports clients to become active and involved in their own health.
• Assists clients and their support networks with finding appropriate health, social services and other resources as required, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, housing, employment, financial assistance, advocacy and support groups. Provides information on service providers; maintains up-to-date resource lists of community-based services providers; contacts relevant organizations/businesses/services; and provides information on how to attain services and assistance with accessing services.
• Provides advocacy and practical services to clients by performing duties such as informing clients and their support networks of their rights to services, assisting clients in completing forms and letters (i.e. income assistance, disability assistance, housing), notifying designated supervisor of systemic advocacy issues, and receiving/documenting complaints and ideas for improved service.
• Actively participates in on-going service development and quality improvement by attending meetings, engaging in team discussions, and providing input to goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution and collaboration.
• Supports the development and distribution of resource materials for clients, such as brochures, flyers, and web-based information, from a lived experience perspective by providing verbal and written feedback, utilizing word-processing software, printing documentation when requested, and sharing resources.
• Completes and maintains records and reports by compiling and distributing information, entering information into a database, filling out applications and forms, and recording information related to client contacts.
• Participates in committees, community and task groups, interdisciplinary rounds, and CTT initiatives by providing input from a peer perspective to promote optimal support for clients and advocating for the goals and objectives of the CTT program.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized Social Services Worker certificate program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Lived experience with incarceration, substance use issues and/or mental health needs, and accessing support/treatment services.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, 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 Opportunity
Wage: $30.42 per hour
Location: 70 Colony Farm Rd, Coquitlam
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday,
Requisition # 167735E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

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

BMHSUS 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:

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments' unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of June 25th, 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.

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