Trans Peer Outreach Worker

**This is a full-time (60 hours bi-weekly) temporary (3 months) position.**

**Diversity Statement**:
**Vaccination Policy**:
C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. will require all new staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination status before the first day of employment. For this purpose, an individual is defined as fully immunized equal or greater than 14 days after receiving their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or their first dose of a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine series that is approved by Health Canada.

**Program Summary**:
Peer support is founded upon the principle that people who have life experiences in common have something to offer each other which cannot be provided by others. This approach assumes that people with lived experience as a transgender or gender-diverse person, and who also may have experience living with a mental health concern, can better understand, relate to and support individuals with similar experiences, related to the health and wellbeing of people within this population, and are in a unique position to offer assistance.

The Trans Peer Outreach Worker is responsible for providing supports and services for transgender and gender diverse people, to assist them to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of community-based, client centered care that supports positive interdependence.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1.** **Peer and Outreach Support**
- Promote positive and supportive attitudes toward transgender and gender diverse people who may also have mental health problems.
- Provide support using a peer outreach model.
- Complete screening and intake assessments, engaging new clients to participate in service.
- Assist in the planning and implementation of services and supports that will positively impact a person’s wellness.
- Facilitate referrals as necessary to identified community resources.
- Work 1 on 1 with clients to assist them in pursuing their goals as outlined in the Trans Peer Outreach referral, with program-mandated timelines.
- Advocate and negotiate on behalf of clients, as necessary.
- Work collaboratively within the Peer Outreach team and with all other program staff within C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.
- Assist clients in reducing isolation and/or self-isolating behaviour and to access supportive communities as well as services.
- Work within a multidisciplinary team approach, using best practice and measurable outcome.
- Develop, implement and facilitate group programming to meet client needs, as required.
- Provide clients with crisis intervention supports as required.
- Assist with the development, collection and distribution of resources for the Trans Peer Outreach program.
- Provide delivery and evaluation of public education, professional training, and special events related to transgender awareness and trans-friendly service delivery

**2.** **Documentation**
- Complete all required documentation and statistical activities for C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.
- Accurate and timely completion of all other administrative documentation including time sheets, expense claims, vacation and time-off requests, and training requests.
- Accurate and timely completion of progress notes, as per agency policy, on client record, in conjunction with data collection processes and organizational standards.
- Participate in completion of O.C.A.N. assessments.

**3.** **Other Activities**
- Effectively liaise with hospitals and community partners to improve client supports.
- Develop and maintain effective, collaborative, professional working partnerships with colleagues and community partners, to further the interests of clients, the program and the organization.
- Participate in community outreach activities through the development of collaborative partnerships and through presentations, education and visits to community agencies and services as required

**4.** **Performance Management and Professional Development**
- Participate cooperatively in the agency performance management process/system.
- Stay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies and procedures.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and mandatory training.
- Actively engage and participate in supervisory process.

**5.** **Health and Safety - Worker Responsibilities**
- Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations and all organizational health and safety requirements and procedures to ensure the health and safety of clients, staff/colleagues, volunteers and students.

**6.** **Client Safety**
- Adhere to C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delega