Peer Support Worker

**Job Overview**:Reporting to the Case Management Team Lead and working collaboratively with the broader team of professionals at The Alex, the Peer Support Worker (PSW) draws upon their own lived experience to encourage and empower individuals who are living with addictions, mental health, physical health, and social complexities. This role will be the first point of contact for young people visiting The Alex Youth Health Centre’s drop-in space. The Peer Support Worker will provide immediate assistance for clients to access basic needs, and support to navigate health and social supports. Additionally, this role will support programs, appointments, engage community members, and respond to critical incidents.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide culturally appropriate, holistic, episodic health care to vulnerable populations in our community.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of programs at The Alex Youth Health Centre.
- Ensure clients and professionals are welcomed promptly, appropriately, and are supported effectively.
- Provide support during crisis/emergency situations by utilizing de-escalation techniques and/or motivational interviewing skills as appropriate.
- Offer an empathetic, listening ear to clients.
- Engage in supportive conversation with clients to explore, coordinate, advocate and connect to internal and external services and resources designed to meet the clients’ needs.
- Be a creative problem solver and have the ability to think outside the box in order to help clients achieve success where they formerly have not.
- Assist clients with needs related to housing, entitlements/benefits, employment, education, and community integration.
- Provide client-centered and culturally informed services.
- Support and assist with group programming for participants and staff relevant to lived experience.
- Complete data collection and documentation with precision, adhering to agency policies and procedures.
- Support and attend client appointments on and off site.
- Maintain client confidentiality and clear boundaries.
- Represent the program and the agency in the community in a professional manner.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Completion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support course considered a strong asset
- Demonstrated commitment in peer support context working with individuals with health concerns, which may include and focus on mental health, substance use, poverty, homelessness and food insecurity
- Lived experience navigating the health and social care systems is an asset
- Superior engagement skills and excitement for new opportunities
- Base level computer skills
- Comfortable working independently and as a part of a team.
- Ability to contribute to a positive work environment and team culture.
- High level of initiative and self-motivation.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- High level of self-awareness.
- Determined and committed to excellence.
- Training in any of the following is considered an asset: Applied Suicide Intervention Training, Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and Motivational Interviewing
- Working knowledge base of local resources for housing, mental health, addiction, community support, finances, etc.
- Class 5 driver’s license, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage are required.
- First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) - Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire.
- A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required.
- Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is an asset.

**Work Environment and Hours**:

- Standard hours: 1000 - 1800 between Monday-Friday; some flexibility in schedule may be available.
- Continuously requires extended periods of sitting, with some standing and walking.
- Occasionally requires driving as part of work duties
- Occasionally involves physical action and requires the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (less than 20 Ibs) frequently throughout the shift.
- Occasional time outside in all weather conditions.

**Driving on behalf of The Alex**:
**Benefits**:
Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:

- 3-weeks’ vacation
- Medical and Dental Coverage
- Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
- RRSP and/or Student Loan Repayment Program (up to 5% match)
- Personal Days
- Floating Holiday
- Sick/Wellness Days
- Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
- Professional Development

**About The Alex**: The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we