Peer Support Worker

About Us
At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission - to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time - goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.
We are more than an emergency shelter.
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports.
All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open.
**Department**: Health & Recovery Services: Recovery Oriented System of Care Job Category: 6-month contract Salary
**Reports To**: Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care Position Type: Fulltime (1.0 FTE)
**Direct Reports**: N/A Schedule: 4 on 4 Off 1100-2100 hours
**Indirect Reports**: N/A Location: Main Building
Position Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Peer Support Worker works in the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients in various stages of their recovery journey. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social support(s) to clients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms while the Recovery Transition program provides temporary housing and supports to individuals who are no longer in an acute withdrawal phase and are working towards stabilization and other recovery-oriented goals.
The Peer Support Worker will work with a multidisciplinary team and be responsible for client intake into the program(s), client engagement, while also contributing to case conferences, crisis intervention, supporting referrals, client transportation, client recreation activities, and facilitating peer-based individual and group activities. The Peer Support Worker has lived experience and is able to translate their lived experience into skills and an ability to support others on a similar journey.
Time Commitment
40 hours per rotation with 4 days on and 4 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job

**Responsibilities**:

- Utilize your own experiences for client engagement and to assist clients with accessing services and support.
- Provide individual and group peer support for clients experiencing mental health concerns, addictions and/or homelessness.
- Support clients in reaching goals as outlined in their care plans.
- Facilitate peer-based groups, outing and recreation activities.
- Provide program orientations to new clients and assist with intake procedure, as required.
- Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention.
- Support client intakes to the program.
- Support with client transports to appointments or discharge destinations.
- Work together with clients to ensure completion of daily tasks and chores.
- Monitor common area spaces and support with wellness checks.
- Complete documentation in a professional and timely manner including maintaining relevant logs and entries in the DI database.
- Participate in team meetings, multidisciplinary rounds, case conferences and ongoing professional development.
- Complete light cleaning and organizing duties within the program.

Required Competencies and Qualifications
- Personal experience with a substance use disorder and/or homelessness is required. Two or more years of personal recovery required.
- This position may include driving clients to and from appointments in the community and/or attending appointments within the city limits within regular working hours. A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean Driver’s Abstract considered an asset. Proof of each required (if applicable).
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check - dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
- Grade 12 and or post-secondary education in human, addictions and/or mental health, or health discipline an asset. Proof of completion required (if applicable).
- Completion of a recognized Peer Support program an asset (e.g. Canadian Mental Health Association’s School of Peer Support course). Proof of completion required (if applicable).
- Two years related experience (volunteer or paid) an asset, preferably in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness.
- Previous experience in a peer support role in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness an asset.
- Ability to utilize own lived experience to support other individuals’ recovery journeys.
- Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written