CTS EOI- Community Support Worker

Kingston Community Health Centres•Kingston, ON

2d•CA$19 - CA$23•Hybrid

About The Position

The primary focus of this position is to engage individuals who are often underserved or hard to reach, helping to reduce barriers to care and improve equitable access to services. This role also integrates lived experience into program development and service delivery, strengthening trust, relevance, and connection with the communities served. As part of a multidisciplinary team the Community Support Worker will provide peer-based support to navigate services, reduce barriers to care, strengthen coping and life skills, and increase connection to health, social, cultural, and community supports. This position will provide tailored care to the needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health designed to support stability and long-term recovery through the HART Hub Model. Services may be provided in clinics, community, outreach, and shelters, with Street Health Centre (SHC), and in collaboration with AMHS-KFLA Homelessness Addiction and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

Requirements

Experience as a Peer Support Worker, or equivalent.
Experience and knowledge of street health related issues such as hepatitis C, methadone treatment, drug use, homelessness/being under housed, and sexual health.
Experience working with clients one on one and group settings preferred.
Strong verbal and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust.
Open, and non-judgmental approach, with a willingness to learn, and demonstrate de-escalation skills.
Strong knowledge of local mental health and addiction services.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative, team-based environment alongside the Program Coordinator, HART Hub, SHC staff, peers, and community partners.
Punctual and reliable team player.
Demonstrates strengths in written communication and basic computer skills.
Ability to work daytime, evening and/or weekend shifts.
Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check.
As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.

Nice To Haves

French, or other second language is an asset.

Responsibilities

Build respectful, supportive, and therapeutic relationships with individuals accessing HART Hub services.
Contribute to the development of an inclusive, welcoming, and culturally responsive environment for clients and community members.
Use lived experience with mental health, substance use, homelessness, or recovery to provide peer mentorship, and encouragement, to individuals accessing services.
Support engagement in prevention, treatment, recovery, and wellness services through a trauma-informed, and culturally safe, approach.
Provide outreach, peer support and health education related to health, substance use and recovery in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members including providers, educators, outreach workers, practical assistance workers and community partners.
Co- facilitate groups and drop-in programs to support client stability, connection and recovery.
Support community awareness and stigma reduction initiatives.
Provide one-on-one support, advocacy, system navigation and accompaniment to appointments within role scope and program guidelines.
Prepare and organize program materials, resources, and supplies.
Maintain accurate record keeping and documentation.
Attend required training, team meetings and supervision meetings with program leadership.
Maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries, at all times.
Provide feedback into program development, enhancement and improvements, identifying community and systemic issues.
Assist with client advisory committee meetings, client surveys and program data collection.
Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws.
Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion.
Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures.
Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs.
Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement.
On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required.