Peer, Van Outreach Services

**Title**: Peer, Van Outreach

**Reports To**:Manager, Van Outreach Services

**Department**:Van Outreach Services

**Position Type**:Casual

**Location**:75 Martha Street, Winnipeg MB, Canada. R3B 1E3

**Direct Reports**: None

**Wage**:$20.48 per hour

**About the Company**

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

**Position Summary**

Peer support takes place when an individual providing the help has a similar lived experience (is this even true or is it a possible component of peer relationships). The Peer is an integral member of the Main Street Project (MSP) team (We can better phrase this). Drawing on their lived experience of mental health challenges and/or substance use, the Peer’s assists others to gain a sense of confidence and hope on their journey (again, needs to be reworded).

The role of the Peer is defined as offering and receiving help, based on an understanding, of respect between people in similar situations. MSP Peers, work in different capacities, from Outreach Workers, Navigators, and other areas within MSP. All roles acknowledge mutual respect, and understanding of similar experience will engage community member n making an informed decision; to promote a sense of safety and well-being for the community (okay, this confuses me
- this is for the van??? Or will they be working everywhere?).

The Peer Outreach Worker is a role within Main Street Project that focuses on building relationships and rapport with the community members living unsheltered in Winnipeg which includes understanding the community needs, what services they require, and identifying challenges along the way. The Peer Outreach Worker supports the development and implementation of care plans.

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Ensure that client immediate needs are met through the provision of food, shelter, clothing, harm reduction, and personal hygiene supplies as needed.
- Support clients by assessing their behavior, overall well-being, and safety.
- Provide the community outreach team with any information that may help in the care plan.
- Complete need assessments, referrals, and consent forms to engage in case management service.
- Meet with clients in the community and/or in their homes, when required.
- Work with individuals who may be intoxicated, experiencing significant trauma, mental health, poor hygiene, suicide, or at risk to others.
- Monitor the physical safety of clients to ensure the client receives medical attention for physical injuries, either through on-site basic First Aid, transportation to the hospital, or request for a non-emergency ambulance (depending on severity).
- Operate MSP's outreach van
- Monitor, locate, and identity, individuals that may need support in accessing services.
- Visit new encampment structures, or areas being used as shelter, and provide an update to the team and program manager.
- Participate in daily debriefs and provide follow-up instructions for next shift.
- Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and file records, including statistical data.
- Submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy.
- Adhere to the MSP policies and procedure manual.
- Attend all mandatory meetings and training sessions as designated.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Education & Qualifications**
- Ability to effectively interact with diverse population