JOB SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Peer Support Worker is a member of the interdisciplinary Community Transition Team (CTT), reporting to and working under the general supervision of a Correctional Health Services (CHS) Program Manager. Utilizes lived experience of mental health, substance use and/or incarceration to help people safely transition from a provincial correctional centre. As a member of a CTT the position works alongside different health care providers, brings their knowledge based on lived experience, to provide practical non-clinical, peer-based support services to people transitioning out of a correctional facility. The Peer Support Worker role focuses on supporting people who struggle with mental health and/or substance use challenges in the transition to the community using a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and peer-to-peer approach.
Assists with the facilitation of group and one-to-one peer support meetings as needed, participates in information sessions, develops relationships based on respect, and assists clients and their support network with locating appropriate health, social and legal services and resources. Provides advocacy, maintains records and reports such as client contacts, participates in committees, task groups, and/or program initiatives as requested, and provides feedback on service development from a peer perspective and quality improvement activities. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements and immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying Program Manager or other appropriate personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience
Graduation from a recognized Social Services Worker certificate program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Lived experience with incarceration, substance use issues and/or mental health needs, and accessing support/treatment services.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

1. Provides non-clinical, one-on-one, peer-based support and guidance to clients before, during, and after they are released to the community, with the aim of supporting skills-building, empowerment and community reintegration. This includes brief support (1-3 months after release), active listening, client-centered and strengths-based approaches to client engagement.
2. Assists with facilitating group and one-to-one meetings. Provides health, social, and resource information to clients, such as harm reduction information to reduce risk of overdose. Attends and supports the facilitation of information sessions.
3. Develops respectful relationships with clients and their support networks (i.e. families, friends and allies). Helps clients and their support networks to make informed decisions. Creates a non-judgmental environment by sharing own experiences and insights. Encourages and supports clients to become active and involved in their own health.
4. Assists clients and their support networks with finding appropriate health, social services and other resources as required, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, housing, employment, financial assistance, advocacy and support groups. Provides information on service providers; maintains up-to-date resource lists of community-based services providers; contacts relevant organizations/businesses/services; and provides information on how to attain services and assistance with accessing services.
5. Provides advocacy and practical services to clients by performing duties such as informing clients and their support networks of their rights to services, assisting clients in completing forms and letters (i.e. income assistance, disability assistance, housing), notifying designated supervisor of systemic advocacy issues, and receiving/documenting complaints and ideas for improved service.
6. Actively participates in on-going service development and quality improvement by attending meetings, engaging in team discussions, and providing input to goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution and collaboration.
7. Supports the development and distribution of resource materials for clients, such as brochures, flyers, and web-based information, from a lived experience perspective by providing verbal and written feedback, utilizing word-processing software, printing documentation when requested, and sharing resources.
8. Completes and maintains records and reports by compiling and distributing information, entering information into a database, filling out applications and forms, and recording information related to client contacts.
9. Participates in committees, community and task groups, interdisciplinary rounds, and CTT initiatives by providing input from a peer perspective to promote optimal support for clients and advocating for the goals and objectives of the CTT program.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.