Peer Support Worker

**Mission Statement**:Understand the aspirations of seniors and respond with innovative supports.

**Vision Statement**:Building inclusive communities where all seniors are connected to living their best possible life.

**What to expect when you join SPLC***:

- Competitive compensation with a comprehensive health benefits plan
- Rewarding career that supports meaningful work in our communities
- Training and Professional Development opportunities
- Healthy and safe working environment

**Position: Peer Support Worker***:
**Part-time)**:
**Hours of Work**:21 hours per week

**Reports to**:Collaborative Practice and Care Services Manager

**Deadline**:Until position is filled

**Position Summary**:
This position is responsible for engaging clients/patients living with mental health and/or addictions in experiential learning of life skills and providing support in the recovery journey. The Peer Support Worker will also be providing support to the Care Services and the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN) Community teams by participating in outreach and group activities.

**Responsibilities**:
**1. Provides support and helps to empower clients or patients living with mental health conditions and/or addictions***:

- Supports and empowers clients or patients in living their best possible life through one-on-one support and through the development, organization and facilitation of groups and/or group activities
- While respecting client/patient choices, assists Care Managers and GAIN team members to carry out care plans and recommendations, which may include, but not limited to:

- Encouraging and accompanying client/patient(s) to attend medical appointments, recreational activities and/or running personal errands
- Encouraging and coaching client/patient(s) on developing life skills and reducing harm
- Connecting with and setting up appropriate resources as set out in the care plan or list of recommendations
- Contributes to the monitoring and reporting of clients/patients’ well-being and progress by maintaining open communication with Care Managers, GAIN team members, and/or Supervisor

**2. Provides departmental and organizational support***:

- Participates in all aspects of outreach activities, including:

- The development of outreach materials (eg. Flyers, brochures)
- Liaising with community members
- Updating and maintaining a contact list of community partners
- Helps to organize and facilitate co-design groups that helps to inform continued quality improvements to programs related to mental health and/or addictions
- Organizes, facilitates and/or presents at educational groups about mental health and/or addictions to raise awareness and address stigma
- Researches and prepares support and/or educational group materials, including presentation materials and/or refreshments, as needed
- Provides back-up support to team members as required by the Supervisor
- Assists the team in supporting volunteers and student placements
- Participates in internal and external team discussions to develop mental health and/or addiction programs and services

**Education**:

- Peer Support Certification
- CPR Certification an asset

**Skills and Experience**:

- One to two (1-2) years’ experience working in health/social services, providing support to individuals with addictions from a harm reduction perspective
- Lived experience with the mental health and addictions system and has been on a continuous journey of recovery
- Experience working with older adults and knowledge of geriatric syndromes, an asset
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and set appropriate boundaries
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse work environment
- Good interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills
- Ability to speak a second language an asset

**Others**:

- A valid driver’s license and a car is required for home visits
- Required to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Vulnerable Sector screening required
- Proof of full COVID-19 Vaccination or Medical Exemption Certificate required

**While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted.***: