Peer Support Worker Full Time

PEER SUPPORT WORKER Health Services The Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI) is more than emergency shelter. We provide emergency shelter, health services and housing programs to people who need support. Our programs and services connect people to permanent housing that meets their individual needs. Rooted in community and fueled by kindness, the DI proudly serves as part of the Homeless-Serving System of Care. Position Summary Reporting to Health Services Leadership, the Peer Support Worker works in the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients on various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social supports to clients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms. 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 works in a multidisciplinary team and is involved in client engagement, case conferences, crisis intervention, supporting with referralls, client transports, 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 5 days on and 2 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 Duties - 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, outings and recreation activities - Provide program orientations to new clients and assist with intake procedure, as required - Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention - 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 - Support with internal and external referrals for ongoing client care - 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 Required Competencies - Grade 12 diploma (equivalent experience in the human services field may be considered) - Completion of a recognized Peer Support program an asset (e.g. Canadian Mental Health Association’s School of Peer Support course) - Two years related experience (volunteer or paid) preferably in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness - Lived experience of a substance use concern - Ability to utilize own lived experience to support other individuals’ recovery journeys - Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written - Excellent de-escalation and crisis intervention skills - Ability to maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries - A clean, valid class 5 driver's license (must be at least 25 years of age) and a willingness to transport clients with agency vehicles - Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response - Knowledge of community resources available throughout Calgary - Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time - Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously - Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids Working Conditions Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur. Why the DI? The DI aims to be an "Employer of Choice" and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of vulnerable and marginalized individuals. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every word we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who understand this commitment. Our Culture Our values form the cornerstone of our culture: RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partn