Peer Support Worker

Have you worked with individuals experiencing mental health barriers, homelessness, and poverty in the past? Are you a person with lived experience and a strong knowledge of local resources for housing, mental health, addiction, community support, or finances? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If so, this role may be for you_

**Job Overview**: Reporting to the Clinical Team Lead, the Peer Support Worker is a key member of the Pathways Assertive Outreach Team and is responsible for utilizing various approaches to support program participants in achieving stability and wellness while reintegrating into the community. Through a lens of lived experience, the Peer Support Worker offers peer support, advocacy, and resource referral and is responsive to ACT Team duties.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**_ Program Philosophy_**
- Offer culturally sensitive services where indicated
- Uphold the principles of the ACT Model, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care
- Understand the Mental Health Act and Community Treatment Orders
- Understand and follow program policies and procedures

**_ Administrative_**
- Conduct monthly evidence-based assessments with program participants, ensuring thorough data collection and entry.
- Develop, implement, and update participant-centered service plans and safety planning in collaboration with participants.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation in accordance with agency policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Complete data collection and entry accurately and timely to support program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.

**_ Participant Care_**
- Provide single-staff outreach peer support for individuals impacted by substance use, employing a recovery-oriented and harm reduction approach.
- Support program participants experiencing acute, severe, and persistent mental health and substance use disorders with empathy and understanding.
- Utilize personal lived experience to engage participants and assist them in accessing services and supports.
- Collaborate with participants to develop individualized strategies for harm reduction and recovery, promoting self-determination and empowerment.
- Offer intervention and referral services through the distribution of materials, education, relapse prevention, and harm reduction strategies.
- Connect participants to essential supports such as housing, identification, and other basic needs, reducing barriers to health and social support.
- Facilitate problem-solving and skill development, particularly in areas of substance use and mental health treatment.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide services consistent with the ACT model and participant treatment goals.
- Advocate for the rights of program participants, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all aspects of care.
- Demonstrate crisis support and de-escalation skills to effectively manage challenging situations.
- Collaborate with partnering agencies to coordinate participant service planning goals and promote holistic care.

**_ Team_**
- Demonstrate exceptional written and oral communication skills, actively participating in daily team meetings and case planning discussions.
- Work collaboratively as an influential member of the team, supporting colleagues as needed and fostering a positive workplace environment.
- Provide ongoing feedback to promote team cohesion and exceptional program delivery, contributing positively to team culture.
- Facilitate group programming for participants and staff, sharing expertise and promoting professional development within the team.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Completion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support course is considered a strong asset
- Strong knowledge of local resources for housing, mental health, addiction, community support, finances, etc.
- Comfortable meeting individually with participants in various community settings, prioritizing safety at all times
- Familiarity with evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing, de-escalation skills, crisis intervention, etc.
- Exceptional communication, organization, advocacy, teaching, and rapport-building skills
- Commitment to fostering a positive team culture and contributing positively to team dynamics
- Openness to a wide scope of practice, demonstrating innovation and flexibility in approach
- Strong initiative and ability to work effectively with mínimal supervision
- First Aid (Emergency/Basic) - Level C CPR within 30 days of hire date, certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire
- Class 5 driver’s license and personal vehicle for business use, clean drivers abstract and 2 million liability.
- A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance is required
- Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

**Work Environment and Hours**:

- Predominantly outreach role: Co