Peer Advocate

Vancouver Coastal Health•Vancouver, BC

1d•CA$33 - CA$35•Hybrid

About The Position

Within the context of a patient/client and family-centred framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice and the vision, values and policies of the organization, the Peer Advocate works as a member of community-based team to provide peer-based individual and group support and information sessions to a designated client population/community. Provides advocacy for client friendly services free of discrimination and barriers and supports clients and their support network with locating health, social and legal services for the designated client population/community. Develops relationships based on respect, provides outreach services and organizes venues and materials for educational sessions. Assists with coordinating peer support program, performs word processing duties, assists with research and other special projects, maintains and compiles statistics, participates in committees, task groups, and/or corporate initiatives and engages in and assists the Coordinator, Team Lead, Manager with on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities. This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Requirements

Diploma in a Community Social Services and two (2) years’ recent related experience advocating and/or providing support to the designated client population/community, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training Program.
Demonstrated knowledge of the values and competencies of peer work for the designated client population/community.
Demonstrated knowledge of peer-to-client self-disclosure.
Knowledge of health concerns for the designated client population/community.
Knowledge of the substance use recovery and harm reduction system in British Columbia.
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with a diverse range of community members, volunteers, and with health, social and legal service providers for the designated client population/community.
Ability to communicate effectively/tactfully both verbally and in writing.
Ability to organize and prioritize.
Ability to work under the pressure of interruptions and adapt to changes.
Knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety.
Knowledge of traditional healing practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of harm reduction in a health care setting.
Demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ2S+ services and programs in the community.
Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings with diverse populations.
Ability to problem solve and take initiative.
Ability to provide work direction.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Skilled in conflict resolution, facilitation, and advocacy.
Ability to compose business correspondence.
Ability to do basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

A valid BC driver's license may be required as local travel may require the use of a vehicle.
Preference will be given to individuals identifying as a person with lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use.

Responsibilities

Provide peer-based individual and group support and information sessions to a designated client population/community.
Provide advocacy for client friendly services free of discrimination and barriers.
Support clients and their support network with locating health, social and legal services for the designated client population/community.
Develop relationships based on respect.
Provide outreach services.
Organize venues and materials for educational sessions.
Assist with coordinating peer support program.
Perform word processing duties.
Assist with research and other special projects.
Maintain and compile statistics.
Participate in committees, task groups, and/or corporate initiatives.
Engage in and assist the Coordinator, Team Lead, Manager with on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities.