Peer Support Specialist

4 days ago

Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time
About the Role

AVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our team. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in providing support and guidance to individuals who use substances, helping them to access safer drug use alternatives and connect with community resources.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work collaboratively with the team to identify potential participants and provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs.
  • Provide peer support in a variety of settings, including at the on-site program space, parks, encampments, shelters, supported housing units, and drop-in centres.
  • Distribute safer drug use supplies, safer sex supplies, and naloxone kits, and provide information and training about their use.
  • Assist with post-dose monitoring for RAD program participants, assess for overdose symptoms, and respond with rescue breathing and naloxone when necessary.
  • Maintain the safety of all program spaces by following protocols related to violence prevention and critical incidents.
  • Provide harm reduction information and referrals for other health and social services.
  • Connect regularly with program participants to offer peer support through active listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
  • Liaise between participants, systems navigators, nurses, and physicians to support participants to be heard and assist with keeping communication open and accessible.
  • Identify and develop safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose.
  • Contribute to a positive, respectful environment at the program space and act as an AVI ambassador in the community.
  • Attend regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings.
  • Keep records and participate in team charting to assure comprehensive documentation.
Requirements
  • Minimum two years' experience working within harm reduction settings.
  • Have lived/living experience with drug use and related health and social barriers.
  • Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License.
  • First Aid training and experience responding to critical incidents and overdose, including administration of Naloxone.
  • Have a current knowledge of the local drug trends and can relate as a peer with program participants.
  • Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems.
  • Interest in learning and eager to share information with peers with a non-judgmental attitude.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of services intended to benefit them.
  • Working understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
  • Working knowledge in the areas of harm reduction, safer drug use, OAT, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
  • Commitment to honor Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, and approach learning about the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
  • Demonstrated understanding and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices.
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly rate of $31.56/hour to start with stepped increases based on your seniority with AVI.
  • Casual position with potential shifts falling Monday to Sunday between 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.
  • Location: Campbell River and Courtenay offices and in the community as needed.
  • Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association and this role is a BCGEU union position.
  • Pension: If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. At this time, AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account.
  • Other Perks: This position gets paid an extra 5% in lieu of vacation 5% in lieu of stats, meaning your hourly rate is actually 10% higher than listed.

  • Peer Support Specialist

    1 week ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About the RoleAVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our Harm Reduction team. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining relationships with program participants, providing peer support, and promoting harm reduction practices.Key...

  • Peer Support Specialist

    1 week ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About the RoleAVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our Harm Reduction team. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining relationships with program participants, providing peer support, and promoting harm reduction practices.Key...

  • Community Crisis Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a diverse community-focused organization dedicated to providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. Our mission is to support individuals affected by these issues through evidence-based strategies aimed at infection prevention, stigma reduction, and...

  • Casual Outreach Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a diverse, community-oriented organization dedicated to providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. Our mission is to deliver evidence-based interventions that prevent infection, offer support, and combat stigma. We operate within a framework of social...

  • Casual RAD Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to community well-being, providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across various locations. We are committed to serving over 500 individuals living with HIV and hepatitis C, along with more than 3000 clients benefiting from harm reduction...

  • Casual RAD Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a comprehensive community-oriented organization dedicated to providing services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. AVI serves a diverse population, ensuring equitable access to essential services while fostering a supportive environment for over 500 individuals living with HIV...

  • Casual Outreach Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a comprehensive community-focused organization dedicated to providing services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. Our mission is to deliver support to individuals affected by these health issues while promoting health equity and reducing stigma. We prioritize building meaningful...

  • PACT Mental Health Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to providing community-based support for individuals affected by HIV, hepatitis C, and substance use. Our mission is to deliver evidence-informed interventions that prevent infections, offer assistance, and combat stigma, all while promoting social justice and equitable...

  • Casual Outreach Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a comprehensive community-oriented organization dedicated to providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. Our mission is to deliver evidence-based interventions that prevent infections, offer support, and diminish stigma. We operate within a framework of...

  • Support Services Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About AVI Health and Community Services AVI is a dedicated organization committed to providing essential health and community services. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive. Position Overview We are seeking enthusiastic and compassionate Support Services Specialists to join our team on a casual basis. In...

  • Community Support Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About AVI Health and Community Services AVI is a dedicated organization committed to providing essential health and community services to individuals and families in need. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Position Overview We are seeking compassionate and reliable Community Support...

  • Crisis Support Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About AVI Health and Community Services AVI is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing essential health and community services across the Comox Valley. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can access the resources they need to thrive. Position Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Crisis...

  • Crisis Response Support Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health and Community Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Crisis Response Support Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will play a vital part in providing essential support to individuals experiencing crisis situations within the Comox Valley. As a Crisis Response Support Specialist, you will work collaboratively with program...

  • Outreach Support Worker

    24 hours ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    Job SummaryAVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Outreach Support Worker to join our team. As a key member of our harm reduction program, you will work collaboratively with our team to provide peer support and education to individuals who use substances. Your lived/living experience and passion for harm reduction...

  • Outreach Support Worker

    1 day ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    Job SummaryAVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Outreach Support Worker to join our team. As a key member of our harm reduction program, you will work collaboratively with our team to provide peer support and education to individuals who use substances. Your lived/living experience and passion for harm reduction...

  • Outreach Support Worker- Casual

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    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...

  • Casual RAD Support Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a comprehensive community organization dedicated to providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. With a commitment to social justice and health promotion, AVI serves a diverse clientele, ensuring equitable access to vital resources. Our mission revolves around...

  • RAD Support Worker

    1 week ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About the RoleAVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate RAD Support Worker to join our team on a casual basis. As a RAD Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing support and services to individuals who use substances, with a focus on harm reduction and safer supply.Key ResponsibilitiesWork collaboratively...

  • RAD Support Worker

    1 week ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    About the RoleAVI Health and Community Services is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate RAD Support Worker to join our team on a casual basis. As a RAD Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing support and services to individuals who use substances, with a focus on harm reduction and safer supply.Key ResponsibilitiesWork collaboratively...

  • PACT Mental Health Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

    AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a comprehensive community-focused organization dedicated to providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. Our mission is to support individuals living with these conditions and to promote health equity through evidence-based interventions. At AVI, we prioritize...