Sechelt OPS - Peer Support Specialist - Peer Requirement (Casual)

RainCity Housing and Support Society•Sechelt, BC

8d•CA$33 - CA$35•Onsite

About The Position

RainCity Housing is an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. Our mission is to advance social equity by building upon the strengths of our community and of each individual. With a goal of providing a home for everyone, RainCity’s programs sustain relationships, strengthen communities, and make change for people experiencing homelessness, mental health, trauma, and substance use issues. RainCity Housing has been developing emerging and promising practices for over 40 years in social services and healthcare, providing Housing First, harm reduction and supports for community members who access our services. The Sunshine Coast Overdose Prevention Site operates as a response to the opioid overdose emergency by providing a fixed site where peers observe drug consumption in a space that is integrated into the continuum of healthcare and harm reduction services at the Sechelt Shelter. The primary goal is to provide a welcoming space for people to use their previously obtained illicit substances, with sterile equipment, in a setting where peers and RCH staff can observe and intervene in overdoses as needed. Located adjacent to the Sechelt Shelter, the site provides a necessary service both for drug users at the Sechelt Shelter and for those residing in the surrounding area and serves as an access point for harm reduction materials for the community at large.

Requirements

A Diploma in community social services.
Two (2) years of recent, related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services, including one year of service planning experience, and experience in a peer support training program.
Or an equivalent combination of education, training, volunteering and lived experience.
Current First Aid and CPR certification.
Minimum of two (2) years of relevant shared lived experience with the program’s client population and the willingness to be identified in these areas as the basis of their work.
Knowledge of and experience with overdose prevention and intervention and safer drug use techniques.
Knowledge of impacts of colonialism and colonization including the residential school, foster care and prison systems on Indigenous peoples and culture.
Knowledge of the principles of peer work and drug user self-determination.
Knowledge and applied analysis of impacts of criminalization and societal stigma on people who use drugs.
Knowledge of the principles of holistic recovery in mental illness and problematic substance use.
Knowledge of harm reduction principles and current best practices.
Basic knowledge of diagnoses, treatment, and support resources in the areas of mental illness, substance use, physical health, including HIV and Hepatitis C.
Knowledge of trauma informed practice.
Basic knowledge of psychopharmacology.
Basic knowledge of counseling skills, including motivational interviewing principles.
Demonstrated understanding of oppression and marginalization, specifically as related to people with experience of illicit drug use and dependency when accessing healthcare.
Knowledge of community resources.
Ability to identify and work to increase client strengths, including the use of hope inducing strategies and assisting the client in self-managing their illness and other aspects of their life.
Ability to commit to service partnerships and build relationships by aiding and support.
Ability to resolve crisis situations effectively and safely.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to establish workload priorities, adjust to new or unexpected events, problem solves, and deals effectively with conflict situations.
Ability to provide consultation and leadership to other H2HSCS team members.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a downtown environment and be flexible and creative in providing services.
Knowledge of primary health care and care provision by an interprofessional team.
Knowledge of principles of community integration for people living with mental illness and other barriers to healthcare.
A clear British Columbia Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable adults and/or children is a condition of employment with RainCity Housing. Applicants must be willing and able to receive a clearance under the Criminal Record Review Act.
Peer designation is required to be qualified for this position.

Nice To Haves

Volunteering experience
Lived experience of mental illness/addiction/homelessness

Responsibilities

Work with and supervise the program’s peer team.
Provide support, organization and collaboration.
Promote safer drug use in the community.
Compile user statistics.
Responsible for peer payroll & attendance.
Liaise with the OPS scheduler and Shelter management for efficient oversight of OPS day-to-day operations.

Benefits

5 days of paid leave for Indigenous Employees for Ceremonial, Cultural, and Spiritual events per year
8 weeks of paid leave for gender affirming care for medical procedures for transgender and gender diverse employees, cumulative total
Employee and Family Assistance Program available to ALL employees, including 24-hour helpline, Personal counselling, Life Coaching, Financial Coaching, Legal Referral and Advisory Services, and Health Coaching
Municipal Pension Plan with guaranteed lifetime monthly pension when you retire
Employer-paid benefits for employees: Unlimited Physiotherapy and $1,000/year coverage for Massage
Vision Care
Dental Care
Prescription Drugs
Naturopath
Acupuncture
Chiropract
Group Life Benefit $50,000
Long Term Disability
Unlimited Out-of-Province and Out-of-Country Emergencies