Peer Support Assistant/worker

**Article Flag: Mandatory Vaccination Please Note**:
As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

**Summary**: Reporting to the Patient Resident Care Manager, Foundry Vancouver Granville, the Peer Support Assistant works as part of an interprofessional team providing services to youth and young adults with mental health and addiction issues. Working collaboratively with interprofessional team members, the position assists with implementing the designated peer support program. Provides support to clients in the development and maintenance of life skills, assists clients with the activities of daily living, and promotes client participation in programs. Conducts offsite outreach through direct in-person, phone and online outreach activities. Fosters the development of relationships based on respect with clients and role models appropriate behaviours. Observes, documents, and reports on client participation levels. Assists with the arrangement of venues, materials and supplies for activities. Participates in relevant meetings and committees as required.

**Qualifications / Skills and Education**: Education
Grade 12, plus two (2) years recent, related experience working with youth and young adults with mental health and addiction issues or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of youth mental health resources and youth community service.
Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation methodology.
Knowledge of principles of recovery.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of the peers and clients.
Demonstrated ability to role model therapeutic relationships with marginalized populations.
Ability to develop, organize, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate individual and group activities.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
Ability to operate related equipment.
Ability to organize and prioritize.
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
Knowledge of, and ability to do, various arts and crafts, handicrafts, and sports activities.
Ability to analyze and resolve problems.

**Duties and Responsibilities**: Works with interprofessional team members, to meet pre-established goals and objectives and facilitates recovery based peer support meetings and activities.
Assists and engages peer group program to meet pre-established goals and objectives and provide peer-based support and guidance to clients in exploration of skill building, empowerment and community development approaches.
Participates in the provision of services to clients related to the development and maintenance of life skills; establishes rapport with clients based on respect and promotes clients to manage behaviours and self-care. Demonstrates and models appropriate behaviours and provides support in problem-solving and decision-making.
Assists clients with the activities of daily living including, time management, organization and interpersonal communication. Escorts clients to medical, dental and social appointments and leads/participates in activities to promote skills development and mental health and addictions recovery and relapse prevention.
Assists with planning, coordinates and/or participates in recreation and social activities designed to meet the needs of clients, provides support to aid with reducing client’s distress, improves/maintains functioning, enables independence and active participation in planned activities.
Arranges group activities by scheduling session times, booking venues, arranging speakers, client transportation, food and refreshments, and acquiring materials. Provides clients with program and community resource information.
Facilitates the SMART Recovery discussion groups. Provides assistance and support for participants through the recovery process for all types of addiction and addictive behaviours.
Fosters the development of relationships based on respect with clients, friends and allies by encouraging informed decision-making and helps to create a non-judgmental environment by sharing experiences and insight. Encourages and supports clients to become active and involved in their own and their community’s health.
Observes clients and their environments, and reports unsafe conditions and behavioural, physical, and/or cognitive changes to appropriate clinical personnel.
Promotes client participation in activities, acts as a role model and encourages participation, and provides feedback regarding the performance and progress of c