Peer Advocate

**Position Summary**:

- Are you someone who has a real passion for helping others? Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an exciting opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Specialized Community Services department.
- In accordance with established vision and values of the organization the Peer Advocate is responsible for facilitating and promoting the meaningful engagement of people with lived experience of substance use (referred to as "peers") in harm reduction policy and program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation within Northern Health (NH) and partner organizations.
- **Shift Rotation/Hours of work**: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Days - 09:15 to 16:00
- **Primary and Community Care**
Northern Health’s approach to person and family-centered care involves creating health care teams, which include your doctor or nurse practitioner and other health care professionals, to provide a range of health care services. The quality of care increases by providing continuity of care over time and across settings, and will result in better long-term health outcomes.
- The communities that make up what is collectively known as the Upper Skeena, **The Hazeltons **, are situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Gitxsan Nation. The Gitxsan people have lived on these lands for 10,000+ years and along with the Wet'suwet'en Nation to the east, established the precedent setting Delgamuukw court decision in 1997.
- Some of the communities included in the Upper Skeena are the incorporated municipalities of Hazelton and New Hazelton, unincorporated settlements of South Hazelton, Two Mile, Suskwa Valley, Miskinish (Cedarvale), Kitwanga Valley, Andimal and the Kispiox Valley, and the 7 Indigenous villages of Gitanyow, Gitwangak, Gitsegukla, Hagwilget, Gitanmaax, Sik-e-dakh, and Anspayaxw. Some would say the natural beauty of the land is unparalleled - it certainly holds a central place in health and wellbeing for many of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who live on these unceded lands. Check out The Hazeltons, known as the historic heartland of northwest BC.
- **What Northern Health has to offer you**
- Comprehensive benefit packages including extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
- Four weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
- Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
- Employee referral program
- Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
- Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
- “Loan Forgiveness Programs” offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

**IMPORTANT NOTE**:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Registration number (if you are part of a regulated profession)
- Any supporting documents regarding education/qualifications for this position. Examples may include:

- Program certificates or diplomas
- High school/college/university transcripts etc.
- It is also recommended to provide a cover letter and resume

**Qualifications**:

- Past or current recipient of mental health and/or substance use services.
- Experience in social services, supported housing/addictions/Public Health.
- Grade 12. Open to continuing education in related field.
- Two (2) years' recent, related experience working/volunteering with and/or mentoring peers in urban and/or rural, isolated, and remote communities (including Indigenous communities).
- Experience working with peers in community and providing health promotion and harm reduction activities in the areas of substance use, or an equivalent combined education, training, and experience.
- Experience working with BC First Nations organizations and communities
- May require valid BC Driver’s License as required by program.

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Knowledge of diverse Indigenous communities’ social, historical, jurisdictional, and cultural context, and Indigenous views on approaches to health and wellness.
- Knowledge of, and ability to apply, an understanding of First Nations cultural principles and protocols and ability to manage conflict in a respectful and culturally relevant and safe manner.
- Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action into their work
- Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
- Knowledge of peer-driven initiatives and interventions.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated facilitation, leadership, public speaking, circle sharing, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to reflect on the way their lived experiences influences their work.
- Ability to maintain non-violent communication in work-related environments and correspondence
- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others