Peer Support Worker

**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 Urban Response program. The Urban Response program works with individuals at high risk for drug poisoning and who require increased staff monitoring. A separate high observation area within the program provides space for individuals in an active state of sedation, monitored by health professionals. The Peer Support Worker works in a multidisciplinary team to provide client-centred, wraparound supports. The Peer Support Worker is involved in client monitoring, client engagement, crisis intervention and making connections to other systems, internally and externally. 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** - Utilize own experiences for client engagement and to assist clients with accessing services and supports - Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention - Support with overdose response as directed - Monitor common area, sleeping areas, washrooms and support with wellness checks - Provide resources and referrals for ongoing client care - Light cleaning and tidying - Complete documentation in a professional and timely manner including maintaining relevant logs and entries in the DI database - Participate in team meetings, 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 - Comfortable working with clients who are actively under the influence of alcohol or other substances - 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 - 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 partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities KINDNESS: We accept each person’s uniqueness with compassion and empathy WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments. **Our Compensation** Some of the great benefits the DI has are agency paid: - Vacation days - Sick days - Wellness days - Medical & De