Pact Coordinator

**AVI Health & Community Services (AVI**) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organisation providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all.

Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centred team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services.

**AVI Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT)**

The AVI Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) is funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Canadian Mental Health Association. PACT is a peer-assisted care program and a mobile crisis response team, led by persons with lived/living experience and mental health professionals who are able to de-escalate crises and develop community care plans with persons experiencing crisis.

The PACT Team is an alternate approach to responding to someone in crisis that focuses on health, well-being and community support. Utilizing a community-based, client centered, trauma-informed response, a peer-assisted model of care has been proven to help individuals navigate mental and social care services and reduce engagement with the justice system and emergency services.

In the spirit of reconciliation and community empowerment, K'ómoks First Nation and AVI Health and Community Services have joined hands to support and create a comprehensive and culturally safe service initiative. KFN provides guidance through the PACT program development to ensure Indigenous preceptive is woven throughout and supports Indigenous peoples accessing this service.

The PACT team provides services on the territories of the K'ómoks First Nation.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
The PACT team will provide acute mobile crisis support and de-escalation services for persons 13 years of age and older experiencing mental health and/or substance use related crises. PACT Coordinators report to the PACT Team Manager and are responsible for the supervision and support of the PACT Team, including the daily operation and systems of this service. The coordinator position is not an office job and requires Coordinators to remain responsive and flexible to the daily demands; including attending calls, performing outreach, meeting with community stakeholders and being within the staff work area.

Alongside the team, this role is grounded in person-centered, harm reduction and trauma informed approaches to care, which center the needs and agency of the service user.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Team Coordination
- Model a high degree of cultural competency to staff, including ensuring services are culturally sensitive and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, practices, and approaches to healing and wellness
- Oversee daily operations, including the development and support of operations and team systems,
- Provide daily supervision of staff, including ensuring quality service delivery, and adherence to policy and practices,
- Support staff to develop capacities and adhere to team practices, utilizing daily guidance, check-ins and 1:1 staff supervision,
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community care providers, including emergency services personnel,
- Participate in team development, including hiring, team and individual training, and staff reviews,
- Oversee and supervise confidential case notes, including quality control and storage of confidential client files,
- Ensure quality control and transparency of service, reporting to the PACT Team Manager and Program Director,
- Always remain available to the team including attending calls, performing outreach and being within staff work areas.

Crisis Response

PACT is an emergency response team, supporting persons and their community/family experiencing mental health and substance use related crises.

At all times, the Coordinator is expected to be:

- Ready and able to respond to mental health and substance use related crises,
- Triage, assess and adjust responses depending on call acuity, severing and other incoming calls,
- Think critically and respond quickly, especially in critical situations and when deciding the next course of action,
- Respond to/answer back-to-back calls,
- Communicate effectively with all teams attending calls, including collaborative and directive styles of communication,
- Remain responsive to incoming calls up until the end of shift, and/or when Mandatory Emergency Overtime is in effect,
- Demonstrate emotional resilience, including and especially within complex situations,
- Work effectively as a team, including respectful communication throughout and following an emergency crisis response,
- Continuo