Veterans Peer Support Worker

**This is a full-time position for 40 hours per week.**

Role Summary and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Program and Case Management or Designate, the Veterans Peer Support Worker enhances the dignity and quality of life of Veterans served by Good Shepherd Ministries by providing peer support in a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive way.

Through his/her work, the Veterans Peer Support Worker contributes to Good Shepherd Ministries' commitment to values-driven programs that ensure the effective delivery of services to the homeless Veteran community.

Job duties for this position include but not limited to:

• Provide service in a dignified, respectful, and hospitable manner that reflects the Mission, Vision and Values of Good Shepherd Ministries and which integrates non-discrimination/anti-oppression/anti-racism frameworks.
• Provide peer support and encouragement to clients of the Veterans Housing Navigation Team who require assistance in connecting with programs and services such as mental health, addictions, medical professionals, etc.
• Accompany clients to appointments, meetings, housing searches and any other service provision related to the Clients' Care Plan.
• Work with the Veterans Housing Navigation Team, as well as Drug and Alcohol Recovery Enrichment (DARE) Program co-workers, to identify and develop needed steps for a successful self-directed recovery plan for program participants.
• Assist clients with skill learning, self-care, and positive coping techniques.
• Provide information and assistance on locating self-help programs and consumer initiatives in the community.
• Provide hope and encouragement to clients within the limits of appropriate boundaries.
• Attend group planning meetings and other client meetings as needed/invited.
• Arrange meeting space and ensure that meeting space is cleared after each group session to assist in making coffee and snacks as directed.
• Engage in all communication processes to ensure effective and timely communication with clients.
• Assist in group planning and provide input with material development.
• Attend in-services/other educational opportunities as directed to maintain relevant knowledge and skills in the ever-changing demands of the caring profession.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and case notes on work carried out with or on behalf of clients.
• Maintain the confidentiality and ethical standards of Good Shepherd Ministries at all times.
• Perform any other related tasks that may from time to time be assigned by the Senior Manager, Program and Case Management, or the Executive Director, or designate.

Qualifications:

Ability to appreciate the complexity and demands of "hard to serve" individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Consumer/survivor of addictions system, specifically someone with lived experience as a Veteran.
• Must have ability to empathize and find strategies to engage persons with a wide range of symptoms and issues.
• Must have understanding of the recovery model and ability to relate to clients in crisis.
• Knowledge and an ability to work both within harm reduction and abstinence-based framework.
• A thorough understanding of homelessness, poverty, health, mental health (PTSD), addictions and related issues is required.
• Experience working with homeless in conducting assessments, case management, crisis intervention and case coordination is required.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to maintain teamwork and work professionally with clients, visitors and co-workers.
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills to maintain teamwork with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• CPR, First Aid and AED Certificates acquired through a recognized course.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada

Thank you for those who applied, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.35-$22.03 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Experience:

• Lived experience as a veteran: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person