Peer Support Worker

**Job Overview**: Reporting to the Program Manager of Indigenous Health, the Indigenous Peer Support Worker (PSW) serves as a vital link between the Youth Health Centre team and the Indigenous Health Program. Leveraging their own lived experience, the PSW collaborates with team members to support and empower individuals dealing with addiction, mental health, physical health, and social challenges. As the primary point of contact for young people at The Alex Youth Health Centre’s drop-in space, the PSW provides immediate assistance with access to basic needs and resource navigation. Through an Indigenous perspective, the PSW fosters crucial cultural connections for Indigenous youth[SS1]. This is a full-time, permanent position.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver culturally appropriate, holistic, and episodic care to vulnerable populations within our community.
- Serve as a key access point for mental health support.
- Collaborate with Indigenous Health-Program Manager for Elder needs and Indigenous supports as required
- Coordinate, participate, and assist with group programming and activities.
- Explore, coordinate, advocate and connect clients to internal and external services and resources.
- Work collaboratively with team members across the organization.
- Support with program needs as required.
- Support program staff during crisis or emergency situations as appropriate.
- Offer an empathetic, attentive ear to clients.
- Deliver client-centered and culturally safe support services.
- Assist with and complete data collection and required documentation with excellence, in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
- Support and attend client appointments as required.
- Contribute positively to program and organizational goals.
- Ensure clients and visitors are welcomed promptly and appropriately.
- Uphold client confidentiality and clear boundaries.
- Represent the program and the agency in the community in a professional manner.
- Other duties as required.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Excellent understanding of Indigenous issues including strong cultural knowledge and lived experience.
- Ability to collaborate and network within the urban Indigenous community.
- Ability to work effectively with Elders while following traditional protocols.
- Knowledge of wholistic wellbeing.
- Willingness to participate on internal and external Indigenous committees.
- Completion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support course is considered a strong asset.
- Demonstrated commitment in peer support context working with individuals with health concerns, which may include and focus on mental health, substance use, poverty, homelessness and food insecurity.
- Lived experience navigating the health and social care systems is an asset.
- Superior engagement skills.
- High level of comfort working independently and as a part of a team, contributing to a positive work environment and team culture.
- High level of initiative and self-motivation.
- High level of self-awareness.
- Training in any of the following is considered an asset: Applied Suicide Intervention Training, Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and Motivational Interviewing.
- Willingness to accompany clients on transit.
- First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) - Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire.
- A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required
- Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

**Working Environment and Hours**:

- Standard hours 10am - 6pm, Monday-Friday; some flexibility in schedule available.
- The Alex Community Health Centre (2840-2 Ave SE) and outreach.
- Continuous extended periods of sitting, with some standing and walking (sometimes up/down stairwells).
- Occasional travel on transit as part of work duties, in all weather conditions.
- Occasional physical activity requiring the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (up to 20 lbs.) throughout shift.

**Benefits**:
Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:

- 3-weeks’ vacation
- Medical and Dental Coverage
- Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
- RRSP and/or Student Loan Repayment Program (up to 5% match)
- Personal Days
- Floating Holiday
- Sick/Wellness Days
- Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
- Professional Development

**About The Alex**: The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five de