Reg FT Peer Support Worker (Women's)

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Vancouver, BC

2d•CA$27 - CA$28•Onsite

About The Position

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Under the direction of the Treatment Assistant Manager – Women’s Treatment, the Peer Support Worker – Women’s Treatment is responsible for afternoon and overnight support and supervision to clients in the women’s unit of Harbour Light’s Treatment Program. All shifts are “awake” shifts. Their core responsibilities may include: clientele relations outside of regular office hours, Step-work group facilitating, direct client contact, administrative co-operation, medication administration.

Requirements

Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. Criminal Record Review Program clearance is required for all positions at Vancouver Harbour Light. Ability to obtain federal Enhanced Security Clearance may be required for this position.
Grade 12 or equivalent - e.g., B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood) or B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood)
PeerConnectBC Peer Support Worker Certification (current or willing to be trained)
Naloxone training, First Aid with CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to be trained)
Documentation confirming compliance with the Province’s immunization and tuberculosis control program, per Residential Care Regulations
One year of related experience working with women/female-identifying clients, including experience in an applicable community social services sector
Must display a high level of stability in their personal recovery from substance use and be knowledgeable of relapse prevention strategies
Knowledge of 12-step recovery principles is required
Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
Knowledgeable of different recovery models and support services
Knowledge and experience with 12-step recovery model
Understanding of the needs, strengths, challenges, and opportunities for women in the DTES, including substance use, mental health, homelessness, and gender-based violence
Demonstrated ability to provide a healthy, safe, non-judgmental space for clients accessing social services and/or residential care, particularly in programs serving women/female-identifying clients
Demonstrated comfort and skill working with diverse populations
Basic skills in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

Nice To Haves

Further education in a related field would be an asset
lived experience with 12-step recovery program is a significant asset to this position
Experience working with CAMS or another cloud-based client database is an asset

Responsibilities

Monitors the activities of the clients/residents and maintains availability for personal, practical and moral support
Ensure that the client becomes acclimatized to their new environment, is aware of all rules and gains confidence in the staff
Attend in-house 12-step meetings, including Alumni Meeting
Assist in Afterhours Intake Procedures
Support Counsellors with follow-up on clients where there is a direct concern about clients mental health and/or well-being e.g. hourly checks, follow-up check-in’s, UA
Provide and facilitate a weekly Step-Work Group to support clients with their step work required in the Treatment Program
Administer evening or morning medications
Report any concerning behaviour to Treatment Program Management and Primary Counsellor of clients involved
Holds clients accountable to the principles of recovery
Acts as a role model to clients by following their own program of recovery
Ensure that confidentiality of all information regarding clients is maintained. Have knowledge of the “Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”
Ensure that assistance is given to the client in accessing any outside resources (12-step meetings, SMART Recovery Meetings, Recovery based events)
Inform and remind clients when there are infractions of the rules and ensure the infractions are reported to the client’s counsellor and Treatment Program Manager
Ensure that clients are aware of the client grievance procedure available to them.
Monitors the environment and clients/residents to ensure safety and security; completes regular client/resident status checks.
May supervise and/or work alongside volunteers to facilitate recreational activities for clients in the Women’s Treatment unit
Ensure program participants’ movements are restricted to their department and approved areas only.
Provide client orientation reviewing the New Client Handbook; facilitate training around chores
Afternoon shift: Ensure that verbal and visual contact is made with each client during each shift and to check-in with each client during their assigned block of shifts. All check-ins are to be documented.
Overnight shift: Ensure that visual contact is made with each client during each shift and to check-in with each client during their assigned block of shifts. All check-ins are to be documented.
Must be available for unscheduled meetings with clients.
Documentation is essential in dealing with clients in the stabilization unit and treatment program.
Maintains respectful & ethical relationships with clients and colleagues, in accordance with TSA policies and professional standards
Maintains a current knowledge of and complies with all facility policies and procedures. This would include, but is not exclusive to, The Salvation Army Standards & Review procedures.
Works closely with and co-operates in a courteous, respectful manner with other staff, volunteers, visitors & clients.
Ensure that information, even of a confidential nature, is passed on to the Director of Residential Programs, Treatment Program Manager, Treatment Assistant Manager or Clinical Supervisor if it might endanger or seriously affect another person or the safety of the building.
Ensure that all legitimate requests to assist by colleagues is considered and acted upon.
Ensure that requests to Counsellors and Addiction Support Workers by individuals or outside agencies for information or presentation on Harbour Light are communicated to the Treatment Program Manager or Director of Residential Programs
May participate in seasonal client/program activities, e.g. client Christmas party, seasonal activities on-site or off-site
This role may perform other duties and other accountabilities as required.