Peer Support Worker

Title: Peer Support Worker

Position Status: Part Time, 20hrs/ Wk - PT Monday through Friday

Reports to: Amanda Rigdon - Manager Fraser East

Location: Abbotsford Community Hub Centre

Compensation: $27.92 - $29.60

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker provides supportive mentorship during the recovery and capacity-building of residents and alumni at Phoenix Society by engaging in their physical and mental health needs, as well as being a bridge between residents and other staff members. The Peer Support Worker has lived experience of substance use and/or mental illness and its treatment. The position will work in conjunction with program staff (i.e., Mental Health Workers; Case Managers; Program Assistants; and Program Manager) to help create stronger connections between staff and residents.

**Responsibilities**:
× Assist residents to identify barriers and determine positive actions to overcome them.

× Support residents by discussing their goals and communicating feedback to Case Managers or Mental Health Workers

× Communicate with the Mental Health Worker, Case Manager and Program Assistants on important conversations with residents who may need extra support

× Assist staff with monitoring the general well-being of residents who might be experiencing substance-induced acute psychosis and/or mental health decompensation

× Encourage discussion around future housing needs beyond the 2 years of the Supportive Recovery Housing program

× Provide a safe environment to facilitate support groups such as AA, NA, CA, and SMART meetings

× Draw on personal experiences with incarceration, addiction, and/or mental wellness challenges to provide empathy and support to residents to live their most meaningful, authentic lives

× Maintain client confidentiality and respond to client rights to health care information

× Maintain professional boundaries with residents and staff members

× Practice and encourage respects, trust, empathy, and integrity in interactions with residents

× Convey any information required for documenting on the facility brief

× Other related duties as assigned

**Qualifications**:
× High school diploma or equivalent

× Approximately 1 year of experience, including lived experience, in recovery, recovery in substance use or co-occurring substance use, and/or mental health issues

× Experience leading or participating in community groups

× Knowledge and understanding of HIV

× Experience providing one-on-one support in a relevant setting

× Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required

× Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required

× Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required

× First aid certification with CPR is required

× Valid driver’s license is required

Skills & Knowledge

× Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English

× Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

× Ability to perceive situational or other stressors that elevate risk and act proactively in response

× Ability to engage and involve adults in support and learning activities

× Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential

Competencies

Approach to Work

× Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness

× Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to inform continuous self-improvement

× Sets goals, creates and implements action plans, monitors progress, and evaluates results

× Adeptly manages competing tasks and uses time efficiently and effectively

Job Knowledge & Quality of Work

× High-degree of relevant and current job knowledge and skill

× Consistently produces accurate, thorough, high-quality work in a timely manner

× Builds and promotes a culture of health and safety in the workplace

× Implements and enforces best practices in health and safety within the workplace

Judgement & Decision-Making

× Models independent thinking and creativity

× Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills

× Makes clear, consistent, transparent and timely decisions after contemplating various available courses of action

× Exercises sound judgment in the best interests of the organization

Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Expresses themselves clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
- Displays high emotional intelligence; uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations
- Has a manner, style and presence that makes a positive impression
- Listens to and considers others’ views

Personal Leadership
- Models the organization’s core values of social justice, teamwork, social innovation, and strength-based practices
- Fosters enthusiasm, energy and commitment
- Takes responsibility for personal actions, performance and health
- Is reliable and accountable; sho