Peer Support Crisis Worker (Casual Weekend Shift)

Highbridge Human Capital • Kamloops, BC

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) is a newly launched program providing an alternative to police intervention at mental health crisis calls in Kamloops. The team will offer crisis support services integrating cultural safety protocols and holistic care options. This mobile team, comprised of a mental health professional and a peer with lived or living experience, aims to reduce harms experienced by individuals facing mental health and addictions challenges, as well as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2+ and other marginalized individuals. The Mobile Peer Support Crisis Worker will utilize their experiences in crisis assessment and intervention, de-escalation, harm reduction, suicide prevention, liaising with family and community members, facilitating client empowerment, anti-oppressive practice, client-centered and recover-oriented care, trauma-informed practice, and culturally competent care to support individuals 13 years of age and older experiencing mental health and/or substance use related crises in Kamloops. This position operates on an as-needed basis to support the full-time team by covering vacations, sick leave, wellness days, and emergencies. Applicants must be available for at least one of the following Weekend shifts: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM or 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Shift schedules may be adjusted as the program evolves. If an employee’s availability does not align with open shifts, they are required to complete one shadow shift per month. This position includes an initial training period of approximately 120 hours, completed through a blend of online, on-site, and off-site sessions. Availability for 6 full-day mandatory training sessions is required and must be completed within the first three months of employment.

Requirements

• Lived or living experience with mental health and/or substance use, including experiences of homelessness, poverty, and other forms of marginalization is required.
• Certificate in Social Services (or equivalent two-year program) with related experience, or a minimum of 4 years’ experience in community mental health and addictions.
• Knowledge and experience in crisis assessments, concurrent disorders, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based and client-centered approaches, recovery-oriented models, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Understanding of systemic barriers, social determinants of health, and the structural factors affecting Black, Indigenous, racialized, and LGBTQ2S+ communities.
• Knowledge of community services, common drugs and their effects, and the toxic drug crisis, including advanced overdose recognition and response.
• Commitment to honor Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, approaching the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health First Aid; willingness to participate in ongoing on-the-job and external training (e.g., ASIST, crisis intervention/de-escalation, community safety, Naloxone, Trauma-Informed Practices).
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental and non-stigmatizing approach with individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal abilities.
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).

Responsibilities

• Provide an alternative to police intervention at mental health crisis situations.
• Utilize personal experiences of mental health and addictions to employ de-escalation strategies and provide suicide and risk assessments and interventions.
• Employ strong assessment skills to develop safety and support plans to address immediate, intermediate and long-term client needs.
• Work collaboratively with the person, their family and other health service providers to facilitate access to community resources as needed.
• Participate in community outreach and liaison opportunities with key stakeholders and partners and maintain trusting, respectful and collaborative relationships with clients, families, colleagues, referral sources, service providers and the public.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records and actively participate in evaluating the project.
• Work outdoors in all types of weather and in all seasons.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Training wage of $28 per hour for the first 120 hours of employment
• Upon successful completion of training, you are eligible for a wage increase (post-training wage is determined by skill set, experience, and the established wage grid)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree