Title: Peer Support Worker (Grid 21)
Number of Positions: Multiple
Competition Number: C44
Location: Main Campus
Position Status: Full Time
Reports to: Program Manager
Compensation: $27.92 - $29.60
Number of Position: 3

JOB SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Worker provides supportive mentorship during the recovery and capacity-building of residents and alumni at Phoenix Society by engaging in their physical and mental health needs, as well as being a bridge between residents and other staff members. The Peer Support Worker has lived experience of substance use and/or mental illness and its treatment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of education, training and experience such as a certificate in Community Social Services.
• Approximately 1 year of experience, including lived experience, in recovery, recovery in substance use or co-occurring substance use, and/or mental health issues
• Experience leading or participating in community groups
• Experience providing one-on-one support in a relevant setting
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required including working with children.
• Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required
• Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required along with COVID19 immunization records
• First aid certification with CPR is required
• Valid driver’s license is required

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English
• Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to perceive situational or other stressors that elevate risk and act proactively in response
• Ability to engage and involve adults in support and learning activities
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALITY OF WORK

• High-degree of relevant and current job knowledge and skill
• Consistently produces accurate, thorough, high-quality work in a timely manner
• Builds and promotes a culture of health and safety in the workplace
• Implements and enforces best practices in health and safety within the workplace

COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Expresses themselves clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Displays high emotional intelligence; uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations
• Has a manner, style and presence that makes a positive impression
• Listens to and considers others’ views

• Works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide peer-based support and guidance to service recipients, including individual support peer support and facilitating peer-based recovery groups
• Supports service recipients using motivational and supportive self-disclosure including the sharing of personal recovery experiences
• Supports skill building, goal attainment, empowerment and recovery through peer mentorship
• Provides emotional support.
• Observes clients and their environments, and reports unsafe conditions and behavioural, physical, and/or cognitive changes to supervisor
• Identifies available social, economic, recreational, and educational services and resources in the community that will meet clients’ needs. Provides clients with related information.
• Accompanies clients on outings such as appointments, shopping, and leisure activities
• Provide practical supports including site orientation, sharing and distribution of resource materials, assisting with the completion of forms and letters, and receiving/documenting complaints and ideas for improved service delivery
• Provides input to case planning and goal setting
• Meet operational needs a required, including the safety of the building and occupants
• Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as statistics, progress reports, and daily logs
• Practice and encourage respects, trust, empathy, and integrity in interactions with residents
• Develops and maintains positive and respectful relationships with co-workers and the multidisciplinary team
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned