Job Description

PEER SUPPORT WORKER

Health Services

The Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI) is more than emergency shelter. We provide emergency shelter, health services and housing programs to people who need \xe2\x80\x8bsupport. Our programs and services connect people to permanent housing that meets their individual needs. Rooted in community and fueled by kindness, the DI proudly serves as part of the Homeless-Serving System of Care.

Position Summary

Reporting to Health Services Leadership, the Peer Support Worker works in the Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients on various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social supports to clients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms. The Recovery Transition program provides temporary housing and supports to individuals who are no longer in an acute withdrawal phase and are working towards stabilization and other recovery-oriented goals.

The Peer Support Worker works in a multidisciplinary team and is involved in client engagement, case conferences, crisis intervention, supporting with referrals, client transports, and facilitating peer-based individual and group activities. The Peer Support Worker has lived experience and is able to translate their lived experience into skills and an ability to support others on a similar journey.

Time Commitment

You must be available for a minimum of 3 shifts per month in total. This includes planned and unplanned absences like shift coverage for vacation, sick-time and other absences. Relief staff are scheduled on an as needed basis and that may include day, afternoon and/or night shifts. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties

Provide individual and group peer support for clients experiencing mental health concerns, addictions and/or homelessness

Support clients in reaching goals as outlined in their care plans

Facilitate peer-based groups, outings and recreation activities

Provide program orientations to new clients and assist with intake procedure, as required

Apply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactions

Support with de-escalation and crisis intervention

Support with client transports to appointments or discharge destinations

Work together with clients to ensure completion of daily tasks and chores

Monitor common area spaces and support with wellness checks

Support with internal and external referrals for ongoing client care

Complete documentation in a professional and timely manner including maintaining relevant logs and entries in the DI database

Participate in team meetings, multidisciplinary rounds, case conferences and ongoing professional development

Required Competencies

Grade 12 diploma (equivalent experience in the human services field may be considered)

Completion of a recognized Peer Support program an asset (e.g. Canadian Mental Health Association\xe2\x80\x99s School of Peer Support course)

Two years related experience (volunteer or paid) preferably in a similar field of mental health, addictions and/or homelessness

Lived experience of a substance use concern

Ability to utilize own lived experience to support other individuals\xe2\x80\x99 recovery journeys

Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written

Excellent de-escalation and crisis intervention skills

Ability to maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries

A clean, valid class 5 driver\'s license (must be at least 25 years of age) and a willingness to transport clients with agency vehicles

Experience working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response

Knowledge of community resources available throughout Calgary

Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time

Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously

Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids

Working Conditions

Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur.

Why the DI?

The DI aims to be an "Employer of Choice" and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of vulnerable and marginalized individuals. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every word we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who understand this commitment.

Our Culture

Our values form the cornerstone of our culture:

RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others

COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities

KINDNESS: We accept each person\xe2\x80\x99s uniqueness with compassion and empathy

WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing

ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments.

Our Compensation

Some of the great benefits the DI has are agency paid:

Vacation payable on each paycheck

Homewood EFAP

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Calgary Drop-in & Rehab Centre Society