Peer Support Worker

Article Flag: Mandatory Vaccination Please Note:
As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

Summary:
**Providence Health Care’s Indigenous Wellness and Reconciliation team is hiring**

**To learn more about the Indigenous Wellness and Reconciliation team, **check us out here.
- We acknowledge that Providence Health Care & the new St. Paul’s Hospital site is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations._

**Meet the Indigenous Wellness and Reconciliation (IWR) team and what they do**:
The IWR team guides Providence Health Care in its commitment to advance Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, informed by seminal reports like In Plain Sight (2021) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. All of us at Providence are responsible for advancing Indigenous human rights in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, through processes underpinned by mutual respect and dignity. We also continually seek to maximize our capacity to deliver exceptional, culturally safe care to the Indigenous patients that we serve. The Indigenous Wellness and Reconciliation team is an integral part of guiding and leading this work.

Implementing innovative solutions to challenges is a key part of advancing culturally safe, identify-affirming care. The implementation of innovative solutions often involves multiple teams and services, and requires coordination and respectful collaboration.

**What you'll do**:
Qualifications / Skills and Education:
Education

Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the root and past, present and ongoing harms of colonialism experienced by Indigenous Peoples, and the social, historical, jurisdictional, and lived experience of the cultural context.

Knowledge of harm reduction principles and activities.

Knowledge of Indigenous harm reduction principles and practices.

Knowledge of the principles of cultural safety and humility.

Knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system and Peer-driven initiatives and interventions, including Indigenized harm reduction initiatives and interventions.

Ability to reflect on the way their lived or living experiences influence, as it is relevant, to their work.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to be solutions-focused, crisis intervention skills, deescalate and resolve conflict.

Ability to use effective interpersonal skills to establish/maintain effective working relationships and boundaries with coworkers.

To work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a team environment.

Ability to practice and respond with humility.

Ability to problem-solve from a trauma informed, person centered approach.

Ability to manage time effectively based on workload.

Ability to operate related equipment, including hardware and software systems, or a willingness to learn these new skills with support from the employer.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides day to day Peer support and advocacy from knowledge and lived/living experience to patients and families across acute and primary care services, and will liaise with existing Peers and/or Volunteers already working across PHC sites (e.g., acute care, residential services, mental health) and outpatient clinics (i.e., John Ruedy Clinic and the Rapid Access Addiction Clinic) at Providence Health Care.

Works as an embedded team member in the Indigenous Wellness Program and supports patient referrals to the Indigenous Wellness Liaisons, as well as helps facilitate patient and family access to traditional cultural practices, All Nations Sacred Space, and as required, access to other community health programs, cultural supports, and harm reduction services.

Acts as a resource for both patients and health care providers by providing emotional support and advocacy, and supporting referrals to the Indigenous Cultural Safety team to ensure health provider relationships are trauma informed, person and family centered, and embedding principles of cultural safety and humility in the delivery of care services

Supports Peer initiatives at Providence Health Care by participating in working groups and meetings related to strategic planning, harm reduction, redevelopment and other organizational initiatives.

Attends regularly scheduled Indigenous Wellness & Reconciliation department meetings and provides informal updates on the Peer Support Program.

Performs other related duties as assi