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 looking to contribute to the learning and growth of another? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If so, this role may be for you_

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 envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.

**Job Overview**: Reporting to the Street Team Lead, the Peer Support Worker will work in collaboration with the Community and Youth Health Centre Team, the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) team, Street Team Social Workers, and other Alex staff to support individuals of all ages who are experiencing challenges associated with mental health and addictions. Working from a recovery orientated framework with principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care, the Peer Support Worker delivers front-line, flexible, and proactive outreach to support individuals to achieve stability and wellness. This is a permanent, full-time position.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Use the strengths and stability gained from one’s own recovery to connect with clients through shared lived experience.
- Provide outreach peer support for people impacted by substance use using a recovery-oriented framework and harm reduction philosophy.
- Promote peer support philosophy and empower people through their recovery journey.
- Connect clients to supports such as obtaining identification, housing and other basic needs.
- Build relationships with clients to understand community context and reduce barriers that limit access to health and social support.
- Occasionally respond to crises and urgent situations.
- Assist other staff in Facilitating recovery and harm reduction-oriented groups.
- Participate in data collection and program evaluation.
- Occasionally drive and/or accompany clients to approved community destinations.
- Adhere to Peer Support Canada’s Code of Conduct and Standards of Practice.
- Complete required documentation to ensure accurate, timely, and useful collection of client information and program data.
- Perform other duties as required.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Completion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support course is considered a strong asset.
- Two years related experience (volunteering or paid), preferably in peer support working with individuals with substance use or mental health concerns.
- Strong understanding of Peer Support Competencies, Peer Support Core Values and Peer Support Code of Conduct.
- Confidence and realistic optimism about the recovery process, gained through personal, lived experience.
- Ability and Comfort working independently and contributing positively as part of a team.
- Superior interpersonal skills and confidence initiating conversations with clients.
- Basic computer skills.
- High level of self-awareness, initiative and self-motivation.
- Flexible and adaptable to varied client goals and stages of readiness and to working in multiple environments with diverse clientele.
- Determined and committed to excellence for oneself and others.
- Crisis Intervention and Mental Health First Aid training are considered an asset.
- Class 5 Driver's License, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage may be 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 considered an asset.

**Work Environment and Hours**:

- Both outreach and in-office (2840-2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB) components
- 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours/wk)
- Standard hours 8:30 - 4:30, Monday to Friday; some flexibility in schedule may be available.
- Continuous extended periods of sitting, standing, and/or walking.
- Occasional physical action requires the ability to climb and carry objects up flights of stairs throughout the shift, and to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel, and carry objects (more than 20Ibs) throughout the shift.
- Occasional time outside in all weather conditions.
- Occasional travel in all weather conditions.

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

- 3-weeks’ vacation
- Medical and Dental Coverage
- Health / W