Peer Support Worker

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Mental Support, the incumbent (with a Valid Social Insurance Number, legally entitled to work in Manitoba, and in between the ages of 18 and 29) will be responsible for the delivery of services in our Peer led Warmline 1-2-1 Support Outreach program while meeting the Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities to the Organization. This position may require flexibility to work-days, evenings and nights (awake) on weekdays, weekends and on all public and general holidays. Daily schedule may vary according to program needs. This is a bilingual position in both official languages. Able to travel.

**QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES**
- Have personal lived experience of a mental illness or mental health challenge, and currently be in a stage of recovery that allows them to manage their mental health and wellness.
- Valid Social Insurance Number, legally entitled to work in Manitoba, and in between the ages of 18 and 29.
- Working knowledge of mental health issues.
- Strong communications skills in English and French.
- Satisfactory Employment Record.
- Provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and Adult and Child Abuse Registry Check.
- Advanced verbal communication and listening skills to facilitate effective, professional, and courteous support to those in need.
- Experience in computer programs i.e. Microsoft Office, Outlook.
- Demonstrated ability to work with mínimal supervision.
- Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills required.
- Ability to function in a demanding and stressful environment.
- Acute sense of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
- Kind and caring demeanor and professional behavior that fosters peer/client relationships.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Complete WHMIS, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) and On-line PHIA Trainings.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES TO SARA RIEL INC.**
- Represent the Mission, Vision and Values of Sara Riel Inc.
- Respond to requests for information and orient new and potential Service Recipients and referral sources to Sara Riel Inc. admission requirements and program guidelines.
- Satisfy the duties and responsibilities of this job description within the Sara Riel Inc. Mission, vision and values.
- Demonstrate a positive role model in all internal and external interactions, maintaining rapport with referral sources, to build a strong network of external resources, and facilitate intake.
- Prepare for, attend, and participate in all appointments, staff, team and case meetings and attend training, conferences and/or expositions as a representative of Sara Riel Inc.
- **Provide Support and Services with Administrative Related Duties**_
- Provide support and services under a person-centered, recovery care model in accordance with to the self-identified needs of the Service Recipient.
- Document all relevant information and generate clear, concise, and accurate reports detailing significant interactions; and provides oral summarizations at shift changes; gather and record all statistical information necessary for program delivery and evaluation.
- Other duties as assigned and in accordance with outlined policies, procedures and guidelines.
- **Effectively Manage Crisis Situations**_
- Identify and evaluate immediate risks of self-harm and/or violence and act to minimize these risks in accordance with Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
- Promote responsibility, empowerment, and exploration of choices; facilitate problem-solving and communication to resolve the crisis and to minimize risk.
- Notify Sara Riel Inc. On-Call, as well as notify/activate any emergency resources as necessary.
- Document all relevant information and follow up with Sara Riel support team members.
- Complete and submit Critical Incident Report forms to supervisor or designate within 24 hours.

**PEER MENTOR SUPPORT**
- **Provide Telephone Support Services**_
- Demonstrate the skills, abilities and personal attributes as outlined in “Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support” (MHCC, 2013) in the provision of telephone supports.
- Determine and document the self-identified needs of the Service Recipient and facilitate the collection of data, to aid fellow Peer Support Workers and Sara Riel Inc. and provide peer support, understanding and appropriate resources in accordance with those needs.
- Provide peer support to callers struggling with issues around separation, loneliness and isolation, anxiety, or depression.
- Answer calls from persons experiencing or struggling with mental health.
- Provide compassion and resources to satisfy the needs of the caller.
- Provide 1-2-1 outreach for people in the community.
- Record all pertinent data in the database, as required.
- Manage all personal and confidential information in a professional manner and according to policy and procedure.
- Perform other related tasks and d