Peer Support Worker

**Position Summary**

The Peer Support Worker is a vital member of the Regina Street Team (RST), providing compassionate, peer-based support to individuals experiencing challenges such as homelessness, mental health concerns, and substance use. Individuals in this role draw on their lived experience to build trusting relationships, offer meaningful guidance, and foster connection within the community. Peer Support Workers act as a bridge between community members, RST team members, and service providers, helping vulnerable individuals access essential services and navigate complex systems.

This position offers meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with lived experience who are committed to their personal growth and recovery. Peer Support Workers play a key role in engaging community members who may be hesitant to connect with traditional services. RST provides comprehensive internal and external training to prepare Peer Support Workers for community-based work, crisis intervention, and effective support strategies.

**Responsibilities**

**Client Support and Engagement**
- Peer-Based Support: Provide empathetic, non-judgmental support based on lived experience, fostering trust and connection with vulnerable individuals.
- Building Rapport: Establish and maintain respectful relationships to encourage open communication and mutual understanding.
- Emotional and Crisis Support: Offer emotional support, active listening, and utilize de-escalation techniques during crisis situations. Assist with safety planning when needed.
- Community Engagement: Conduct outreach in various environments (streets, shelters, community events) to identify and address client needs.
- Peer Education: Share personal experiences and coping strategies to empower individuals on their recovery and healing journeys.

**Service Navigation and Advocacy**
- Resource Navigation: Assist clients in accessing essential services such as housing, mental health support, addiction treatment, and food programs.
- Advocacy and Bridging Support: Act as a liaison between clients, RST team members, and service providers to promote coordinated care. Facilitate introductions and guide clients through unfamiliar processes.

**Team Collaboration and Communication**
- Team Coordination: Work closely with Outreach and Clinical Support Workers to ensure a holistic approach to client care.
- Communication: Participate in team meetings to discuss client progress, share insights, and contribute to problem-solving discussions.
- Training Participation**: Engage in ongoing internal and external training sessions provided by RST to strengthen outreach, crisis intervention, and peer support skills.

**Administrative and Documentation Duties**
- Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions, interventions, and service referrals while ensuring confidentiality.
- Data Collection: Assist in tracking service outcomes to support program evaluation and improvement.
- Reporting: Submit regular summaries of outreach activities as requested by supervisors.

**Qualifications**
- Lived experience with challenges related to mental health, substance use, homelessness, or other vulnerabilities (essential).
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect authentically with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to providing peer support.
- Basic communication and documentation skills with a willingness to improve through training.
- Knowledge of local community resources or a demonstrated willingness to learn.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Commitment to personal growth with an interest in transitioning to full-time employment as stability is achieved.
- Peer support training or relevant certifications are assets but not required.

**Working Conditions**
- Work Environment: Primarily in community settings, including outdoor environments, shelters, and public spaces. Workers may be exposed to varying weather conditions and diverse environments.
- Physical Demands: Frequent walking and standing during outreach activities; occasional lifting of supplies or outreach materials.
- Emotional Demands: Exposure to emotionally challenging situations, requiring resilience and the ability to manage stress.
- Travel: Frequent local travel within Regina to engage with clients across different neighborhoods.
- Work Schedule: Flexible hours with potential evening and weekend shifts to meet community needs.
- Safety: Adherence to RST safety protocols, including de-escalation training, personal safety procedures, and regular supervision support.
- Confidentiality: Strict compliance with privacy regulations to protect client information.

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person