Peer Support Worker

**Job Summary**
The Peer Support Worker provides supportive mentorship during the recovery and capacity-building of residents and alumni at Phoenix Society by engaging in their physical and mental health needs, as well as being a bridge between residents and other staff members. The Peer Support Worker has lived experience of substance use and/or mental illness and its treatment. The position will work in conjunction with program staff (i.e., Mental Health Workers; Case Managers; Program Assistants; and Program Manager) to help create stronger connections between staff and residents.
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**Organizational Status**
The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. [Insert description of department/unit that the role works within and its function within Phoenix Society. Include information on the department/unit such as, number of residents/ clients/ staff, aims and objectives, etc.]
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**Work Performed**
× Assist residents to identify barriers and determine positive actions to overcome them
× Support residents by discussing their goals and communicating feedback to Case Managers or Mental Health Workers
× Communicate with the Mental Health Worker, Case Manager and Program Assistants on important conversations with residents who may need extra support
× Assist staff with monitoring the general well-being of residents who might be experiencing substance-induced acute psychosis and/or mental health decompensation
× Encourage discussion around future housing needs beyond the 2 years of the Supportive Recovery Housing program
× Provide a safe environment to facilitate support groups such as AA, NA, CA, and SMART meetings
× Draw on personal experiences with incarceration, addiction, and/or mental wellness challenges to provide empathy and support to residents to live their most meaningful, authentic lives
× Maintain client confidentiality and respond to client rights to health care information
× Maintain professional boundaries with residents and staff members
× Practice and encourage respects, trust, empathy, and integrity in interactions with residents
× Convey any information required for documenting on the facility brief
× Other related duties as assigned

**Qualifications**
× High school diploma or equivalent
× Approximately 1 year of experience, including lived experience, in recovery, recovery in substance use or co-occurring substance use, and/or mental health issues
× Experience leading or participating in community groups
× Experience providing one-on-one support in a relevant setting
× Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required
× Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required
× Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required
× First aid certification with CPR is required
× Valid driver’s license is required

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Skills & Knowledge*
× Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English
× Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
× Ability to perceive situational or other stressors that elevate risk and act proactively in response
× Ability to engage and involve adults in support and learning activities
× Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential

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Competencies*
**Approach to Work**
× Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness
× Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to inform continuous self-improvement
× Sets goals, creates and implements action plans, monitors progress, and evaluates results
× Adeptly manages competing tasks and uses time efficiently and effectively

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Job Knowledge & Quality of Work*
× High-degree of relevant and current job knowledge and skill
× Consistently produces accurate, thorough, high-quality work in a timely manner
× Builds and promotes a culture of health and safety in the workplace
× Implements and enforces best practices in health and safety within the workplace

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Judgement & Decision-Making*
× Models independent thinking and creativity
× Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills
× Makes clear, consistent, transparent and timely decisions after contemplating various available courses of action
× Exercises sound judgment in the best interests of the organization

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Communication & Interpersonal Skills*
- Expresses themselves clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
- Displays high emotional intelligence; uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations
- Has a manner, style and presence that makes a positive impression
- Listens to and considers others’ views

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Personal Lead